The financial industry over the last 100 years has gone through a lot of changes. From the release of credit cards and the launch of ATMs to more recent disruptors like Fin Techs and cryptocurrencies, this industry has certainly challenged leaders and teams to stay savvy and strategic.
In the last 90 years, Capital Credit Union has been one of those organizations that has navigated these changes with a bit of flare, fun and member-centric strategy. From humble beginnings to a now-robust network of 24 branches serving nearly 120,000 members, Capital Credit Union has grown into a financial institution that has thrived on inspiring financial wellness through access, care and collaboration.
Through the years
Beginning as a grassroots financial institution in the heart of Kimberly Wisconsin, the credit union started out servicing employees of Kimberly-Clark and had its first location inside of the Kimberly-Clark Mill. After years of providing financial support and opportunities for its members, the credit union continued to expand its charter and scope of service. In March 1996, Kimberly Credit Union changed its name to Capital Credit Union, which has continued ever since.
While it got its start in Kimberly, Capital Credit Union also has deep roots within the Green Bay region. As the first credit union to open in the area, it provided service to post office employees and customers. It continued to grow and eventually became Pioneer Credit Union, which in 2014 merged with the Fox Valley-based credit union to create the Capital Credit Union we know today. Both organizations sought to elevate service for their member-owners and to create a regional footprint with better physical and digital access. At the time, the 2014 merger was considered to be the largest credit union merger in the state.
Continuing the mission with vision
As a credit union, Capital is owned by its membership and profits are returned to members through better rates and service. With this focus in mind, Capital’s nearly 500 employees are guided by an internal culture that strives toward exceptional service and seeks out continued improvements. This means consistently looking for new ways to enhance innovation, relevancy and education. Whether this is through products or resources, no option is left off the table. With examples such as the expansion of their Capital Investments Group to offer more retirement and financial planning, along with a wider array of investment options, to new lending programs for first-time homebuyers, VA loans, and a credit builder loan, this credit union is no stranger to looking for new ways to bring out their members’ best financial selves.
Laurie Butz, president and CEO of Capital Credit Union, states it best: “Member service is at the heart of what we do. When we deliver exceptional service, it fuels our mission of doing the right thing one member, one employee and one experience at a time to strengthen the communities we serve.”
Capital Credit Union regularly reflects on this mission through shared stories of success.In 2022, they focused on evolving their brand to better represent the internal culture that emphasized their people helping people philosophies. From Member Service Representatives who go above and beyond to assist their members through financial challenges or helping someone get started with their first car or home, to the commercial lenders working to help start businesses that create community, stability and financial success for others, this organization lives and breathes its classic tagline, “Doing the Right Thing.”
Collaborating for success
Capital Credit Union’s passion for helping its members extends into community partnerships. In 2023, Capital collaborated with the Greater Green Bay YMCA to start co-hosting free financial education courses with YMCA locations throughout Greater Green Bay. This expanded in the fall of 2023 to the YMCA of the Fox Cities. Looking to the future, this literacy effort will continue to expand into collaborations with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, area high schools and more.
In addition to literacy efforts, Capital Credit Union’s charitable giving arm extends into various arenas. Capital provides the area’s largest credit union-based scholarship program by awarding $25,000 in scholarships to high school graduates who show exemplary stewardship through volunteer hours, tutoring, club engagement and more. Capital Credit Union also provides $100,000 each year to local EMTs, fire and police departments through its Elevate Communities funding program. Over the past several years, Capital has given out more than $600,000 for urgent tools and resources that provide safety to individuals throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Besides these two monetary programs, Capital also collaborates with nonprofits including Samaritan and Foundations Health & Wholeness on an Inner Voice Out campaign that raised $40,000 for mental health programming and education. These are just a few examples of how Capital Credit Union connects with its communities — in 2022 alone, Capital contributed nearly half a million dollars in funding to more than 200 nonprofits, activities and initiatives.
Knowledge meets serving with heart
Since 1934, Capital Credit Union has been focused on improving its members’ financial lives. It is proud to be a financial institution that provides access to resources that empower financial well-being for everyone. Members are confident that CCU isn’t focused exclusively on opening accounts or getting loans. It is a partner for financial health throughout their lifetimes, from first car or home to retirement.
Capital’s passion is showcased in its results, as it reached another financial milestone with assets reaching more than $2.4 billion in 2023. Through bringing new and easier ways for the communities of Northeast Wisconsin to manage money, Capital helps make financial decisions and opportunities accessible through digital channels and convenient branches located in Allouez, Appleton, De Pere, Door County, Freedom, Green Bay, Greenville, Kimberly, Ledgeview, Little Chute, Neenah, Oshkosh and Shawano.
Ninety years later, our communities continue to grow. And as the digital landscape continually evolves, it is shaping money management for a future that isn’t just about transactions. It’s still about that personalized relationship and removing the friction from managing money. This is where Capital Credit Union continues to excel: through its commitment to inspiring financial well-being through access, care and collaboration.
Federally Insured By NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.
825 Morris Avenue • Green Bay, WI 54304 • 920-494-2828 • capitalcu.com
