The overall sentiment echoed by Great Falls Federal Credit Union members on the celebration of the institution’s 50th anniversary is the same. They’re large enough to offer all the financial services of their larger counterparts yet still small enough to address individual members by name.

For the staff of Great Falls Regional Federal Credit Union, there is no greater compliment or proof of their success in delivering the highest degree of personal service to all their members, both old and new. Members often tell them they feel as though the credit union staffers are part of their families. The feeling is mutual. With lollipops and a ready ears for listening to a new joke, they show even the youngest members how much they are valued.

Valuing the membership is the foundation on which the credit union has built its success since 1953. Nancy Bard, Great Falls Credit Union President and CEO, confirms.

“Whether assisting members, processing a loan, or asking about a new baby, our members know we care about them.”

Rolande Blouin, a resident of Lewiston and a credit union member for more than thirty years says, “If you want to do good business, you know where to go. They do everything to help you out. You could go somewhere else and it’s just business. Here, they’re friendly.”

In fact, Blouin, the self-proclaimed “pie lady”, showed her appreciation with fresh pies for the staff. According to Bard, the most recent pecan pie was one of the best she’s ever tasted. “Though the custard pie was really good too!”

Great Falls Federal Credit Union members for more than fifteen years, Karen and Gaeton Breton particularly like being addressed personally when they come through the door. “They even address our dog, Lady, by name and she always gets a doggie treat!”

The Bretons recently purchased property through Great Falls Federal Credit Union and attribute the successful transaction to the staff’s patience and guidance.

“We didn’t know very much about the process,” says Karen. “They were very helpful, returning our calls quickly to answer any questions we had. They educated us through the whole process and we especially appreciate what we saved through their advice.”

For Pauline Cloutier and her husband, who have been Great Falls Federal Credit Union members for more than eight years, it’s the staff that keeps her coming back.

“I remember when I applied for my first car loan under my own name. I was shaking in my boots! They were so helpful and honest. I was approved that same day and the next day I bought my car. Everything went so smoothly. I only have praise for them. They’re the shining stars of credit unions,” says Pauline. “My husband enjoys the benefits of doing his credit union business by computer, but not me. I still like going in and talking with the girls. They make you feel like family.”

Member Kathy Crane admits she’s tried other financial institutions and switched to Great Falls Federal Credit Union at the urging of her mother and sister. She’s been a member for more than ten years. With a background in customer service, Crane understands the importance of service with a smile.

“I love people and can tell when people are ‘real’ and when they’re putting on,” says Crane. “Everyone at Great Falls is genuine. When they ask, ‘How are you?’, they mean it. I think they have the best people and tellers than anywhere else.”

Crane also appreciates the convenience of her credit union services at her fingertips. The “Teller Phone” is one of her favorite technologies. The automated system allows members to access information on their accounts twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

“Every day I can update my accounts and know where I’m at,” adds Crane. “I really like that!”

“Keeping pace with the technology that makes life easier for all our members is a promise we deliver on every day,” states Bard, who announces that an ATM machine is scheduled at the Minot Avenue branch soon. “As technology evolves, members can count on Great Falls Federal Credit Union to remain current and competitive in all financial services. With three branch locations and extended hours to accommodate the busiest of schedules, we do everything we can to service our members efficiently, effectively, and most importantly, with the personal attention our members have enjoyed since we opened our doors fifty years ago.”

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