Pacific NW Federal Credit Union is celebrating our 80^th anniversary on March 24! Thank you to our members, employees, Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee for being part of the credit union through the decades.

Here’s a look back on 80 years of history at PNWFCU^®…

1940s

A group of Bonneville Power Administration employees sign our charter to form BPA Federal Credit Union on March 24, 1942. Headquartered at the BPA complex in Vancouver, BPAFCU is created to serve employees who need to borrow funds while traveling for business.

1950s

In 1952 we offer cutting edge TV loans for early adopters, advertised here in BPA’s employee newsletter, Watts News. And as always, we encourage members to run — don’t walk — to the annual meeting.

1960s

We continue to keep our members informed about their credit union benefits in Watts News.

1970s

In 1972 we change our name to NW Interior Federal Credit Union.

And finally we become Pacific NW Federal Credit Union in 1977, now with $10M in assets.

1980s

The 1980s is an exciting time when IBM technology and this abacus collide.

In 1989 CEO Linda Eaton opens our BPA branch in the 911 NE 11^th Avenue building, and we say goodbye to our previous basement office in BPA.

1990s

We make history in 1993 when we open our first ATM in the BPA branch and become the first financial institution in Oregon to offer debit cards.

In 1995 the Marx Street branch opens. Then in 1996 we hit $50M in assets and become the first financial institution in the NW to offer online banking!

2000s

We merge with Mountain Valley Federal Credit Union and open the Hood River branch in 2000. Then just two years later we cut the ribbon at our Erin Way branch opening.

In 2004 we add Hood River, Wasco, Skamania and Klickitat counties to our membership eligibility.

2010s

Our field of membership changes to a community charter including Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clark and Skamania counties in 2018.

Then we get the team together for a photo shoot at All Staff Day 2019.

2020s

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offer Skip-a-Pay, pay-by-phone, furlough loans, Paycheck Protection Program loans and other resources for our members. And we help several of our employees quickly transition to remote offices.

On a happier note, we launch our K-12 financial literacy program created by teacher Kristin Mullady, offering free lessons for local school kids in person or online.

In 2022 we celebrate our 80^th anniversary at 20,300 members strong with $288M in assets!

Thanks again to our members, employees and volunteers for being part of our credit union history. You make it possible for us to provide financial services, education and community support as our members’ Financial Partner for Life.