The
Beginning - 1941
A Historical Perspective by Robert T. Petty
Bronco Federal Credit Union was chartered
in July of 1941 as the country prepared for war. During the early
years, with a limited number of members, only share accounts and
limited loans were available.
Initially, loan maximums were $25 unsecured and $100
secured. Growth of the credit union was modest for years, as there
was no real need for expanded services. Banks, thrifts, broker-dealers,
and insurance companies provided other products and services at
reasonable prices. By 1968, BFCU had 1,848 members and $2 million
in assets.
Financial services began to change dramatically in
the 1980's. BFCU added a number of new products, such as VISA cards
and mortgages. By 1991, the credit union membership was 6,872 and
assets were $46 million. The decision was made to become a primary
financial institution to the membership. This commitment meant offering
a full array of services to meet changing member needs and has,
in large part, resulted in growth to our current 13,400 members
and $123 million in assets.
Perhaps the most sweeping changes yet have come about
with the advent of readily available technology and access to the
internet. Anyone with a personal computer now has the ability to
get information and services that were once fairly restricted. This
has brought about a change in the way services are delivered. Consumers
of financial services were historically controlled by the providers
- told what to buy, when and how. Today, it is the consumer who
controls markets, choices, and is changing the behavior of the providers.
BFCU made a commitment to delivering services, not only through
traditional channels, but technologically as well, as evidenced
by CALL 24, ONLINE 24 and our transactional website. We are making
services available to our membership...anytime....anywhere. The
technology we employ is designed to enhance the "in-office"
experience, to supplement it, to make it more effective and efficient.
Your credit union had a bright past and an even
brighter future. We are driven by our goal of being your lifetime
financial partner. We will continue to grow in a managed fashion
to assure that we are able to maintain your trust relationship.
We will continue to earn your business by constantly evaluating
our products and services to assure the best possible solutions
to your financial needs. |