Celebrating 75 years of community building.
In 1950, 21 rural Albertans pooled their resources, driven by a shared belief that financial support should be local, accessible and built on trust. This year, we're celebrating the 75th anniversary of those humble beginnings, and the growth of a credit union 37,000 members strong, with $2.5 billion in assets and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.
Join the celebration!
This milestone isn’t just about looking back. It’s about moving forward, together. Until Credit Union Day, 2025, we’ll be commemorating our history and sharing the stories of the people and events that have shaped our journey. Stay tuned for:
Member appreciation events and give aways in our branch communities
Stories of impact highlighting Vision’s legacy and the people behind it
A look at what’s ahead as we continue to grow and meet our members’ financial needs
A legacy of community: watch our journey
For 75 years, Vision Credit Union has been more than just a financial institution; we’ve been a cornerstone of rural Alberta. Learn about the credit union's roots as a cooperative financial resource for employees at a seniors care facility in the 1950s, its journey to grow its branch network and bring credit union services to rural communities across Alberta, and the very real impact Vision has in those communities today.
Snapshots:
Vision Credit Union’s history in photos
Explore our impactful community projects and initiatives.
1963: The 500th member of Camrose Savings and Credit Union
Gerrit Oldekamp, General Manager of Camrose Savings and Credit Union, presents a credit union savings account book to Bonnie Hutchinson, whose son, Don, became the credit union’s 500th member that day. Oldekamp became part of the credit union while working as an attendant at Rosehaven, a seniors’ facility in Camrose, where the credit union began. He became the credit union secretary in 1957 and secretary-treasurer in 1958 and was the General Manager from 1962 until his retirement in 1978.
1967: Hitting the $1 million mark
Members attend an open house at the 51st Street branch to celebrate the Camrose Savings and Credit Union’s reaching $1 million in assets.
Credit union assets would grow by nearly 50 times that amount over the coming decade.
Staff shown behind the counter here are (left to right) Darlene Van Hoitsma, Gerrit Oldekamp and Lois Hagan.
1969: The staff of Camrose Savings and Credit Union – 51st Street branch
The staff of Camrose Savings and Credit Union prepare to serve their members in the newly built branch on 51st street. Featured behind the wickets are (left to right)) Alice Sorensen, Fay Linberg, Gerrit Oldekamp and Lois Hagen. Darlene VanHoitsme is seated in the office behind the wickets. The credit union’s deposits had exceeded $1 million dollars at this point.
1981: Our Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Camrose Savings and Credit Union pose for their annual report photo. Featured here are (back row, left to right) Alastair McRae, Lyle Damberger, William Wampler, Richard White, John Checora, Martin Kushernick, Patrick McCarthy, (front row) Alan Myles, Alan Fielding, Lief Osback and Darrell Rosland.
Alan Fielding (front row, second from the left) would become Board Chair of the credit union in 1990 and continue to serve in that position until 2021.
Lief Osback (front row, third from the left) would serve as President of the Board from 1982 until his passing in 1989. Osback is credited as a driving force behind Camrose Credit Union’s Patronage Reserve, the roots of the profit sharing program that Vision Credit Union members enjoy today.
1972: Staff uniforms
Staff at the 51st Street branch of Camrose Savings and Union show off their splashy credit union uniforms. MSRs wore uniforms at the credit union until the late 1970s.
By 1972, the credit union had 18 staff members, 4,412 members and assets of $7.3 million.
1982: The first ATM in Camrose
In 1982, Camrose Savings and Credit Union installed an ATM at the 51 Street branch. As the first ATM in Camrose, it ushered in a new era of banking convenience for members.
Employee Sandy Bright demonstrates the ATM’s functionality.
A journey through 75 years of vision
A lot can happen in three-quarters of a century. Take a walk through our seven-and-a-half decades of growth and rural Alberta impact.
1950s
A handful of employees at Rosehaven care facility in Camrose take finances into their own hands and create an informal cooperative banking resource for staff members. At the outset, the credit union had 21 members and $178 in assets. By the late 1950s, membership grows to 50 and assets increase to $6,000.
1960s
Membership is extended to include residents of Camrose and District. In 1961, the office is moved from Rosehaven to the Brunsdale Building on Camrose’s Main Street. Business began to increase and Gerrit Oldekamp, a former attendant at Rosehaven, becomes Camrose and District Credit Union’s first full-time manager. In 1969, a new credit union building is opened on 51st Street.
1970s
Once established at the 51st Street branch, the credit union begins to grow in earnest. The credit union amalgamates with Flagstaff Credit Union and J&L Credit Union of New Sarepta, christens a new head office and opens branches in Stettler, Coronation and a second (Duggan Mall) branch in Camrose. In 1979, Gerrit Oldekamp retires, and Terry Kelly assumes the position of General Manager.
1980s
Throughout this decade, Camrose Savings and Credit Union sees slow, steady growth. After amalgamating with Vegreville and District Savings and Credit Union in 1984, the credit union changes its name to Battle River Credit Union. New branch buildings are constructed in Sedgewick and Viking, and the Duggan Mall branch in Camrose is renovated. In 1982, the credit union becomes the first financial institution in Camrose to install an ATM. In 1984, under the board leadership of Lief Osback, the credit union launches its profit sharing program.
1990s
The 90s usher in a period of member service and technology growth. Teleservice (telephone banking) and internet banking services are launched, as are Ethical Fund and RESP investment options, Gold Mastercards and new savings accounts. Head office adds an extra story to it’s 51st Street Building and the Duggan Mall branch moves to a new building in Camrose’s west end.
2000s
The new millennium kicks off with major growth as the credit union acquires seven Bank of Montreal branches across rural Alberta, doubling its assets. The purchase proves to be a major success and sets the stage for higher profits and higher member profit share allocations. The credit union also constructs a new City Centre building, renovates the corporate office, Castor and Stettler branches. General Manager Terry Kelly passes away in 2009, and Steve Friend becomes CEO.
2010s
Throughout this decade, the credit union achieves significant technological development and growth. A MemberDirect integrated website is launched and services such as e-transfers (electronic money transfers) are introduced. In 2014, Battle River Credit Union amalgamates with Horizon Credit Union to become Vision Credit Union. A new branch is built in La Crete and Vision acquires the Wetaskiwin branch of Encompass Credit Union. During this period, Vision receives Alberta’s “Credit Union of the Year” award three years in a row and is named one of Alberta’s top 70 employers. Vision donates $100,000 each to Stars Air Ambulance and Stollery Children’s Hospital. By 2018, assets break the $1 billion mark and by 2019, profit share allocations are $19.2 million.
2020-2025
This five-year period is one of massive growth for Vision Credit Union. In 2021, Vision amalgamates with Pincher Creek Credit Union, making its first foray into southern Alberta. The following year, Vision merges with Encompass Credit Union, creating a credit union 24 branches strong. In 2023, Vision launches VCU Financial and awards the first Helping Hand Grants to community groups looking for support with capital projects. In 2024, Vision returns a record $35 million to members in profit shares, and achieves a profit of $50 million and assets of $2.5 billion. In 2025, Vision Credit Union celebrates its 75th year of providing cooperative financial services to rural Albertans.