SAN RAFAEL, CA (March 10, 2014) —The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce has named Redwood Credit Union (RCU) as the “Large Business of the Year” for its outstanding contributions to community and nonprofit organizations.
“We focus our commitment to community in the areas of financial education and wellness,” said Brett Martinez, President & CEO of the 64-year-old credit union. “We believe RCU plays a vital role in job creation and the vitality of local economies. The recognition by the San Rafael Chamber is an affirmation that we are making a difference.”
RCU provides a full range of business and personal financial services in Marin County with two local branches (in the Montecito Shopping Center in San Rafael and on Grant Avenue in Novato). The credit union has been a San Rafael Chamber member for 18 years.
At the awards banquet, Chamber president Rick Wells commented, “Redwood Credit Union represents all the ideals we seek in a business partner that is dedicated to the betterment of the community it serves. All the way through the organization, we have seen the commitment to supporting our local economy as well as nonprofit organizations.”
RCU’s support takes many forms. As a leading SBA lender, the Credit Union made more than $11 million in business loans in Marin during 2013. RCU staff members sit on the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs and Education committees and RCU is partnering with the latter to conduct the “Bite of Reality” financial literacy event for the second consecutive year on March 18 at San Rafael High School.
Among the other organizations RCU supported in 2013 were Workforce Investment Board, Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, United Way and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Marin.
RCU’s other community activities included a Marin Shred-a-thon, numerous financial literacy events, and sponsorship of the San Rafael Pacifics as well as being the underwriting sponsor of Heroes of Marin.
The credit union also works closely with the Renaissance Center Marin in San Rafael, helping the center’s clients become financially self-sufficient. RCU staff actively engages in Renaissance Center community outreach through the Transition Age Youth (TAY) program that is under development through the center.
In 2013 Redwood produced its second consecutive year of record financial results, with strong performance in loan and asset growth, enhancements to member service and technology, and a continued broad commitment to community and nonprofit organizations.
Said Martinez: “I am extremely proud of, and inspired by our staff for their passion and dedication in helping our organization thrive while at the same time supporting our local communities and economies. “Being recognized by the Chamber is an acknowledgment of the value that personal commitment.”
About Redwood Credit Union
Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union is a full-service financial cooperative providing personal and business banking to anyone living or working in the North Bay or San Francisco. RCU services include checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, online and mobile banking, business services, commercial and SBA lending, investment and financial planning services. The Credit Union also offers a variety of insurance products and discount auto sales. RCU currently has $2.3 billion in assets and serves more than 232,000 Members in Northern California, with 18 locations from San Francisco to Ukiah. More information is available by calling 1 (800) 479-7928 or visiting www.redwoodcu.org.