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We are Verve, a Credit Union
Verve, a Credit Union, is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with membership and banking services open to anyone who lives, works or worships in the following counties: Brown, Buffalo, Calumet, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Houston (MN), Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Monroe, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Portage, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Vernon, Washington, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, or Winona (MN). Membership is also open to employees of Kimberly Clark, Neenah Paper and the medical services industry and immediate family members of any current member.
ALL TOGETHER NOW
Credit Unions: crowdsourcing before crowdsourcing was cool. People helping people is what credit unions were founded on, and Verve is no different. Sure, we were 3 credit unions and now we are 1, but that doesn’t mean we’ve lost the local feel, will forget your name or are bound to start acting “corporate.” No, instead we are determined to make sure you feel what any member of a credit union should feel: that we’re all in this together. And that’s why we approach everything we do with an “All Together Now” mentality.
We Live by 7 Cooperative Principles
Verve, a Credit Union, is guided by seven Cooperative Principles that helped form the basis for credit unions and other cooperatives back in the 1800s. To this day, these principles continue to form the foundation on which Verve provides benefits to its members. They also provide the standard against which the credit union is operated.
Ownership
Voluntary membership should be open to all.
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
What does it mean?
It means you "opt in," and all members hold each others' hands for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Also, we don’t care if you're male, female, white, black, or Tattoine (or, if Darth Vader is your father either!).
Banking with us
"Joining a credit union" is the term for how to bank with us. Anyone who lives, works or worships in the counties we are chartered in can bank with us! Check out the counties we serve.
Democracy
Our members have democratic member control.
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members—those who utilize the products or use the services of the cooperative—who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
What does it mean?
It means we all have a say in what goes on around here! We all own a "share" of the credit union and as equal members, we get to vote on things we like and don't like. Your voice is represented in three ways. First, members' voices are heard through an elected Board of Directors who meets with the Verve management team monthly, reviewing financial results and strategic direction. The Board is comprised of volunteer members who have been nominated and elected by the general membership. Secondly, every year, members are invited to attend Verve’s annual meeting to review the prior year’s annual report and vote on any business matters that may require members’ votes. But you don’t have to wait an entire year to share your opinion. Because we value the feedback of each and every single member of the cooperative, you can let us know your thoughts at any time by joining us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or the other social channels we have created for your use.
Participation
Member participation leads to rates, fees and services that benefit the entire credit union.
Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative rather than on the capital invested.
What does it mean?
"Participation" refers to the number of different products or services members use within their credit union. Surpluses are returned to members in the form of fewer fees, more services, lower interest on loans and higher dividends on deposits. The more members "participate," the better we can become together!
Independence
Autonomy & independence set us apart.
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreements with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and maintains the cooperative’s autonomy.
What does it mean?
It means that we are in business to benefit each other (the members), and not a small group of shareholders. And, if the credit union enters into any agreements, it must do so in a way that maintains the cooperative’s member control and autonomy.
Education
Education, training & information for all!
Cooperatives have an obligation to provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
What does it mean?
It means we believe that financial education is the cornerstone of success, for all of our members AND for Verve. Providing our members with numerous opportunities to enhance their financial literacy is our number one goal. Additionally, it means we will invest in training for our Board of Directors, employees and managers so they can make a meaningful contribution to the success of the cooperative. It also means that we need your help to let more people know about the benefits of cooperative finance. The more members we serve, the bigger impact we can make in the lives of our members and the communities that they reside in.
Cooperation
Cooperation among cooperatives is vital.
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
What does it mean?
It means that unlike most other financial institutions, we share resources and knowledge with our fellow cooperatives, because when other cooperatives are successful, so are we. You won’t find THAT kind of sharing at a bank!
Community
Concern for community is an obligation, not a choice.
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by its members.
What does it mean?
It means we take our commitment to investing in the communities we serve very seriously! We support many non-profit groups, local events and more in our community on an annual basis. In addition to giving monetary support, we also donate volunteer support, time and even professional resources to events and organizations whose goals and objectives align with ours. We don’t just give lip service to the saying “paying it forward”; instead we roll up our sleeves and do the work that needs to be done to make our communities a better place to live, work and worship.