The new CEO of an Alberta’s second-largest credit union, which has strong ties to central Alberta, says the way we bank is changing, and that there’s reason for optimism, particularly when choosing this type of financial institution.
Wellington Holbrook, who took the reins of connectFirst Credit Union in February, believes now would be a good time for Albertans to consider new options for their finances.
connectFirst is an amalgamation of several smaller credit unions, forming in May 2021 by combining Mountain View Financial (Olds), Chinook Financial (Calgary), Legacy Financial (Calgary) and First Calgary — all of which had been operating ‘as a division of connectFirst’ since 2014. Most recently, Spark Financial in Calgary came on board. Its origins, however, date back to 1938 with First Calgary. The credit union now boasts 42 branches, including one in north Red Deer and one in Eckville, with another opening soon in Medicine Hat.
“It’s a brand not a lot Albertans have heard of yet, but we have become one of the largest in Canada. connectFirst is exciting for me to lead because when I look at the next few years and what challenges we have in this province to overcome together, I think we can be a partner that will help Albertans properly invest for their long-term future,” says Holbrook, who recently spoke with rdnewsNOW at their Red Deer branch. “Other financial institutions are closing branches, but we see this as a time where credit unions can step up and actually make a difference by expanding.”
Read the full article in Red Deer News Now.