News & Events
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2022 News and Events
December 14 2022
How These BCU Communities Are Able To Thrive After Natural Disasters
Among the many challenges facing the world this year, two hurricanes added additional stress throughout southeast US and Puerto Rico, among other areas.
November 21, 2022
BCU Invests in Community with Purchase of Headquarters Facilities
BCU recently purchased the buildings that house their main headquarters and over 70% of their employee base in Vernon Hills, IL. The Credit Union has been renting and operating from the 340 N. Milwaukee Ave.
November 14, 2022
BCU Named One of Best Credit Unions of 2022 by CNET
BCU is proud to have made CNET’s list of Best Credit Unions of 2022. The list was determined by CNET’s evaluation of credit unions with the highest APYs for one-year terms. “We’re thrilled to have made the list by our own merits,” said Maggie Garcia, BCU Vice President of Deposits and Payments.
November 11, 2022
BCU Deepens Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Strategy
As the financial well-being provider for some of America’s best workplaces, BCU keeps Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) top of mind in every decision they make.
November 1, 2022
BCU Expands Home Buying Services with Down Payment Assistance Programs
Owning a home is a dream for many, but it can feel overwhelming at times. BCU is invested in empowering people with the tools and confidence they need to dream big and achieve their goals.
October 26, 2022
BCU Among First Recipients of Tethr CXcellence Award For Outstanding Member Experience
Earlier this month, as part of National Customer Service Week, BCU was awarded with leading AI-powered conversation intelligence platform, Tethr’s, first-ever CXcellence Award for Member Experience.
October 19, 2022
BCU Receives CUNA Awards for Operations, Member Experience, Technology
BCU attended the 2022 CUNA Operations & Member Experience Council and CUNA Technology Councils Conference late last month. Honored with three total awards, the Credit Union’s technology professionals were recognized for their commitment to innovation and member service – a direct reflection of BCU’s promise to Empower People to Discover Financial Freedom.
October 14, 2022
BCU's Anjoli Walker Recognized As Credit Union Times LUMINARIES Finalist
BCU’s very own Anjoli Walker, Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, has joined the Credit Union Times LUMINARIES Class of 2022 Finalists in the DEI: Individual Executives category.
September 22, 2022
BCU Home Loan Services Featured on Award-Winning Home Improvement Show
One of BCU’s newest home loan products is their version of a rate lock program. FlexiRate™ allows members to lock in a mortgage interest rate that follows the borrower rather than the property.
September 14, 2022
BCU Announces Winner of $34K 'Pay My Mortgage' Sweepstakes
BCU has awarded one lucky homeowner $34,000 to cover their mortgage payment for one year – to help them be “One Year in the Clear,” even increasing the prize from $24,000 in 2021.
August 26, 2022
BCU Wealth Advisors, LLC, and Life. Money. You., LLC Appoint New Directors
BCU’s in-house Wealth Advisors, LLC, and BCU’s newest Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), Life. Money. You., LLC, (LMY) announce their newest leaders, Kristi Mertens and Bjorn Larson, respectively.
August 22, 2022
BCU Awards $93,000 in Scholarships to Undergraduate Students
Empowering People to Discover Financial Freedom is not just BCU’s purpose, it's also their passion. 2022 marks the ninth year that BCU is “Here Today For Your Tomorrow,” helping students explore what they're most passionate about – in school and beyond.
August 8, 2022
BCU Earns Trio of MAC Awards for Creative Marketing Initiatives
BCU takes home back-to-back design awards in recognition of its Marketing deliverables at the annual Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) Awards. Winning gold and bronze awards in the Annual Reports and Business Development categories for institutions $1B and greater, each project captures BCU’s purpose of Empowering People to Discover Financial Freedom.
July 27, 2022
BCU Launches Elevated Digital Banking Experience
BCU announced its partnership with Lumin Digital to provide an enhanced Digital Banking experience for members. This past Tuesday, July 19, 2022, the upgrade to the Credit Union’s online and mobile banking was rolled out to 300,000+ members, offering easier money movement, greater personalization, advanced security, faster navigation, and more.
July 27, 2022
Top-Rated HomeAdvantage® Agents on Navigating Current Homebuying Market
The current home-buying market can feel intimidating, even with the guidance and services of BCU. We sat down with two of our top-rated HomeAdvantage® experts to help answer your questions.
July 25, 2022
Remembering Chuck (Charles) Thurman
BCU is sad to share the news of former Board Chair, Chuck Thurman’s passing on July 10, 2022. “Chuck was passionate about doing what is right for the member and keeping the focus on BCU employees,” said friend, and BCU President and CEO Mike Valentine.
June 28, 2022
BCU Invests in Financial Well-Being, Creating the Life. Money. You.® LLC
BCU is pleased to announce the evolution of its home-grown financial well-being program, Life. Money. You.® (LMY), into a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO).
June 15, 2022
BCU Expands Community Reach with New Libertyville Branch
BCU opened their newest community Branch in downtown Libertyville, IL, just down the road from their Vernon Hills headquarters. The new Branch brings convenient access and best-in-class financial products and well-being services to those who live and work in the surrounding community.
June 14, 2022
BCU Partners with Celebrity Financial Educator, Tiffany Aliche - "The Budgetnista"
BCU is pleased to announce its latest financial well-being partnership with celebrity financial educator, author and activist Tiffany Aliche, a/k/a “The Budgetnista.” Through this collaboration, BCU members, eligible non-members and Company Partners will be Empowered to Discover Financial Freedom and benefit from even more financial education opportunities.
April 19, 2022
BCU Celebrates Expansion of Añasco, Puerto Rico Office
On March 23, 2022, BCU celebrated the expansion of its Bianca facility in Añasco, Puerto Rico. With over 35 years of history on the island and having grown at a rapid pace over the last several years, an expansion of the Credit Union’s central Puerto Rico office was necessary to better serve members.
April 6, 2022
BCU President and CEO Mike Valentine Part of Compassionate Leadership Movement
BCU President and CEO Mike Valentine’s charismatic and empathetic leadership style has continually guided him, and BCU, to tremendous success.
March 30, 2022
BCU Among Early Contributors to the National Credit Union Foundation FinHealth Fund
In January, The National Credit Union Foundation announced its FinHealth Fund – a fund designated for improving financial well-being for all by scaling existing work across the credit union movement.
March 23, 2022
BCU’s Women in Leadership: Being Empowered to Empower
As women continue to break boundaries across the corporate landscape, particularly in the credit union space, BCU is proud to celebrate the leaders who are doing just that. Nine of BCU’s women in leadership shared their experiences on leadership, mentoring others and what it means to live BCU’s shared values.
February 25, 2022
Visa, In Partnership With BCU, Awards Member In A Visa 2021 NFL Sweepstakes For BCU
Visa, in partnership with BCU, hosted the Visa 2021 NFL Sweepstakes for BCU, giving a member a chance to win the Grand Prize Trip package to attend Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.
February 10, 2022
BCU Partners With Cristo Rey High School For Win-Win Corporate Work Study Program
BCU recently partnered with Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep High School in Waukegan, IL to participate in the school’s Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) to help mentor and develop high school students.
February 9, 2022
BCU Voted A Top Workplace In McHenry County 2021
Each year, BCU aims to uphold its long-standing reputation as an exceptional place to work, and to be recognized by Northwest Herald readers and McHenry County residents as a top workplace is a testimony to the Credit Union’s commitment to its employees. .
February 1, 2022
BCU 's Promise "Here Today For Your Tomorrow" Takes on New Meaning With Green Energy Initiative
BCU’s Bianca Branch has gone green, installing solar panels on the rooftop of the newly-expanded branch after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017. Although, luckily, the building sustained no physical damage from the storm, electricity and fuel were hard to come by once the skies cleared.
2021 News and Events
December 30, 2021
BCU Wealth Advisors Named a 2021 Top Director Award Recipient
Kehrer Bielan Research & Consulting today announced that BCU Wealth Advisors has been selected as a recipient of a 2021 Top Director Award for the outstanding performance of its investment services business. BCU Wealth Advisors chose to be honored collectively for the achievement.
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December 22, 2021
BCU Puts Member Financial Well-Being Over Short-Term Return With ODP Enhancements
On November 1, 2021, BCU increased their overdraft protection (ODP) negative grace balance from -$20 to -$100, saving members over $3.7M annually. This change is yet another step toward fulfilling their Purpose of Empowering People to Discover Financial Freedom.
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December 15, 2021
BCU Awards Member $1,981 To Commemorate 40th Anniversary Zelle® Launch
BCU recently partnered with Zelle® to offer its members a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money with friends, family and eligible businesses they trust right within BCU’s existing Digital Banking platform.
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December 1, 2021
BCU Awards $88,500 in Scholarships to Undergraduate Students
Empowering People to Discover Financial Freedom is not just BCU’s purpose, it's also its passion. 2021 marks the eighth year that BCU is “Here Today For Your Tomorrow,” helping students explore what they're most passionate about – in school and beyond.
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November 9, 2021
BCU Celebrates $5B in Assets
BCU is proud to announce they have reached $5B in assets. The milestone comes less than two years after surpassing the $4B mark and was achieved during their 40th year, giving the Credit Union another opportunity to celebrate their success.
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November 4, 2021
Visa, in partnership with BCU, announces Gold, Silver and Bronze prize winners in the Visa Olympic Games Sweepstakes
Together, the winners received cash and prizes totaling $40,000, a sum which commemorates the Credit Union’s 40th anniversary.
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October 11, 2021
BCU Adds HCA Healthcare to Its Impressive List of Companies Served
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, BCU continues to be one of the fastest growing Credit Unions, remaining committed to providing an extraordinary financial well-being benefit to employees and families of America’s best workplaces, including Baxter Healthcare, Cardinal Health, Boston Scientific, Target, UnitedHealth Group, TeamHealth, Hillrom, BD, and GEICO.
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October 8, 2021
BCU Incentives New Savings Behavior
BCU’s purpose is to empower people to discover financial freedom. The Credit Union is able to help fullfill this passion by providing products, caring support and services that their members value, including financial well-being tools.
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October 4, 2021
BCU Announces New Partnership With Lumin Digital
BCU has announced a new partnership with Lumin Digital for its Digital Banking platform, in anticipation of elevating the digital experience for the Credit Union’s 300,000+ members in the summer of 2022.
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September 24, 2021
BCU Launches Zelle® In Its Digital Banking
BCU announced today that Zelle® is now live in digital banking. Zelle® is available in both online banking and the mobile app experience and enables convenient digital payments for BCU’s members.
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September 24, 2021
BCU Announces Winner Of $24K “PAY MY MORTGAGE” Sweepstakes
Congratulations are in order as BCU President and CEO, Mike Valentine, awards $24,000 to Vuth and Mary Ann, first-time homebuyers and winners of the $24k Pay My Mortgage Sweepstakes.
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September 23, 2021
Stephenie Southard Named CUNA's 2021 Professional Of The Year
BCU is pleased to announce that Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Stephenie Southard was recently named CUNA’s 2021 Professional of the Year.
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August 13, 2021
BCU Celebrates Longtime Friend Jimbo Covert Induction to NFL Hall of Fame
It was an evening to remember as BCU celebrated its longtime friend and former Chicago Bear, James Paul “Jimbo” Covert, who was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on August 7, 2021.
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August 8, 2021
Remembering Vernon R. Loucks, Jr.
BCU extends our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and loved ones of Vernon R. Loucks Jr., former CEO & Chairman of Baxter International, who sadly passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021.
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July 28, 2021
BCU Celebrates Meaningful Double Mac Award Win
The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) has honored BCU with a silver award in the non-commercial video category and a bronze award in the community engagement category, recognizing the Credit Union’s creative marketing team at the annual conference in Denver, Colorado.
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July 12, 2021
BCU Takes Top Spot on COMPUTERWORLD List of 2021 Best Places To Work in IT
Insider Pro and Computerworld has announced BCU as the no. 1 small-size organization on its list of 2021 Best Places to Work in IT.
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June 24, 2021
BCU Teams Up With The Community Works To Provide Furniture Donation
BCU has donated gently used furniture from its recently decommissioned Naperville satellite office to The Community Works, a Waukegan-based minority-owned organization that provides lifetime career coaching and support services, including resume development and job application and networking support.
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April 20, 2021
BCU Awarded Designation of Savings Excellence by National Savings Program
This honor is reserved for financial institutions who displayed exceptional achievement during America Saves Week activities.
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April 5, 2021
Credit Union Industry Loses A Giant With Rex Johnson’s Passing
It's with great sadness that BCU announces the passing of our founding President & CEO, A. Rex Johnson. Rex passed away peacefully on Friday, April 2, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77 years old.
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February 5, 2021
BCU Members Surpass $1 Million in HomeAdvantage® Savings in 2020
Amid the economic challenges of 2020, BCU members celebrate over $1 million in cash rewards earned in 2020 and more than $5 million since the inception of the Credit Union’s partnership with the HomeAdvantage® program.
February 2, 2021
CU CHRO/EVP Lisa Baron Named Crain's Chicago Business Notable Leader in HR 2021
Lisa’s extraordinary people-first commitment and compassionate leadership continues to be invaluable to our growth and success.
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January 8, 2021
BCU Gives Members Special Access to Innovative College Planning Tools
BCU, in partnership with Student Choice and Edmit, now provides members with special access to innovative planning tools and advising that will help student members and their families make smarter college financial decisions.
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2020 News and Events
December 1, 2020
BCU Receives $15,000 Grant from the FHLBC's Targeted Impact Fund
In light of economic challenges, BCU continues to find ways to provide COVID-related financial-relief to our community business members most impacted in 2020.
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October 7, 2020
BCU announced the election of William (Bill) F. Costa to its board of directors.
BCU announced the election of William (Bill) F. Costa to its board of directors.
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October 1, 2020
BCU Update from Mike Valentine, President & CEO
2020 has presented all of us with challenges beyond our imagination. At no point in this year has the message “we’re in this together” felt more meaningful than it does right now.
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September 18, 2020
BCU Awards Over $75,000 In Scholarships To College Bound High School Seniors
BCU Awards Over $75,000 In Scholarships To College Bound High School Seniors. In these challenging times, BCU proved its commitment to celebrating graduating high school seniors is stronger than ever, providing 30 scholarships in the total of $78,500 – the Credit Union’s biggest return yet.
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September 17, 2020
Thomas Hodson Retires From BCU Board of Directors After Four Decades of Service
Thomas Hodson Retires From BCU Board of Directors After Four Decades of Service
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September 9, 2020
BCU Delivers Successful Intern Program During Global Pandemic
BCU Delivers Successful Intern Program During Global Pandemic
July 1, 2020
BCU Named #1 Credit Union in Illinois and #5 in Minnesota by Forbes
For the second consecutive year, BCU has been named to the annual Forbes list of Best-In-State Credit Unions, ranking #1 in Illinois and #5 in Minnesota for 2020.
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June 19, 2020
Stronger Together
GFCU Member Vote Passes to Merge with BCU.
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April 13, 2020
BCU Rises To Challenge
Committing Over $9.5 Million of Relief in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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2019 News and Events
December 10, 2019
BCU Member Wins Once-in-a-Lifetime Shopping Spree in Credit Union Magic Minute™
A lucky BCU member enjoyed a “grab-all-you-can-in-60-seconds” shopping cart dash through a warehouse filled with free, high-end merchandise as part of the Credit Union Magic Minute™.
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December 1, 2019
TRENDING TOPIC: Is a Side Hustle Worth It?
Real BCU Employees. Real Life Advice.
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December 1, 2019
BCU Selected as Future Branches Innovator Finalist for Outstanding Branch Design
Worldwide Business Research (WBR), the world’s leading producer of B2B focused marketing events, has honored BCU with an inaugural Future Branches Innovator Award for Outstanding Branch Design at the annual conference in Austin, TX.
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November 22, 2019
Merger Planned for GEICO Federal Credit Union (GFCU) and Baxter Credit Union (BCU)
Nationwide credit unions, GEICO Federal Credit Union (GFCU), a $138 million credit union headquartered in Chevy Chase, MD, and Baxter Credit Union (BCU), a $3.8 billion credit union headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, have announced their intent to merge, pending regulatory and member approvals. If approved, the combined credit union would serve more than 285,000 members across the US and Puerto Rico. The merger makes BCU the 55th largest credit union in the US.
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November 1, 2019
Jim Block Appointed BCU Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Previously serving as senior vice president and chief lending officer, Block’s expertise in operational excellence has been a driving force in providing extraordinary service to Credit Union members.
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October 21, 2019
BCU Receives CUNA Council Award for Excellence in Operations and Member Experience
The award was presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Operations and Member Experience Council at the Council’s 22nd annual conference in Chicago, IL.
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September 4, 2019
Al Nietzel, Corporate Executive, Elected to BCU Board of Directors
Al is a welcome addition to the board, bringing with him over three decades of extensive domestic and international experience across multiple industries.
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September 3, 2019
BCU Awards $35,000 in Scholarships to College Bound High School Seniors
In alignment with its promise to empower financial freedom, BCU has awarded 21 scholarships to its brightest college-bound high school seniors.
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August 26, 2019
Filene's Newest Centers of Excellence Address the Evolving Needs of Consumers and Credit Unions
Credit unions, now more than ever, have the power to significantly improve their members financial well-being.
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August 19, 2019
BCU Helps Fund a Bright Future
BCU, in partnership with Student Choice, has awarded a special $1,000 scholarship to local Vernon Hills high school student, Nicolas Beaumont, for his Innovation Fair entry.
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August 6, 2019
Lisa Baron Appointed BCU Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources
Previously serving as senior vice president of human resources and talent management, Baron’s stellar experience is a driving force in providing extraordinary service to Credit Union members.
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July 10, 2019
BCU Grows Puerto Rico Operations with New Bianca Facility
Located on the west end of the island, the new Bianca facility is part of the Credit Union’s larger strategy to expand back-office support in Puerto Rico.
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July 2, 2019
Betty Larson Joins BCU Board of Directors
Larson first learned about the value BCU offers the employees and families of great companies in 2001 when she was a human resources director with Baxter International.
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July 1, 2019
BCU Earns Silver MAC Award for Financial 5K Giveaway Campaign
The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) has honored BCU with a silver award in recognition of its innovative financial education efforts in the Business Development category at the annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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June 28, 2019
Computerworld Names BCU to 2019 List of Best Places to Work in IT
IDG’s Computerworld has announced BCU as the number 10 small-size organization on its list of 2019 Best Places to Work in IT.
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June 26, 2019
The Best Banks And Credit Unions In Every State 2019
BCU has been named to the Forbes® Best-In-State Credit Unions.
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May 1, 2019
BCU Earns CUNA Excellence Award for Culture of Belonging
The CUNA HR and Organizational Development Council recognized BCU for its Excellence in Employee Engagement at its 25th annual conference in Anaheim, California.
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March 1, 2019
BCU Scholarship Recipient Finds Passion Through Camp Kesem
“Here Today For Your Tomorrow” - a promise made by the Credit Union and echoed in a partnership with Camp Kesem.
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March 1, 2019
Margot Feldman Kaplan Retired BCU Chair Paves Way to a Bright Financial Future
BCU announced the retirement of esteemed board member Margot Feldman Kaplan at the Credit Union’s annual board meeting on March 20, 2019.
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2018 News and Events
December 7, 2018
BCU Employee Volunteers Give Back
158 boxes containing 34,128 meals will feed 93 children for a year – thanks to the efforts of BCU employee volunteers.
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November 2, 2018
BCU Named Top 100 Workplace for Sixth Year by Chicago Tribune
The Top 100 Workplaces recognizes the most dynamic and innovative organizations to work for in the Chicago area, as determined by its employees.
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October 1, 2018
PowerPlus Checking Rewards Members with Enhanced Benefits
More Power. More Plus!
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October 1, 2018
Jose Cajigas Honored as a 2018 Credit Union Rock Star
Jose Cajigas, General Manager and Vice President of Puerto Rico Operations at BCU has been recognized by CUNA’s Credit Union Magazine as one of its 2018 Credit Union Rock Stars.
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September 1, 2018
BCU Recognized as Industry Leader with CUNA Excellence in Technology Award
The CUNA Technology Council honored BCU’s Operations team with the Excellence in Technology Award, Best of Show, at the annual conference in San Francisco, California.
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September 1, 2018
BCU Awards 22 Scholarships to College-Bound High School Seniors
As part of its ongoing commitment to serving members, BCU has granted 22 scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who demonstrate the core values of the Credit Union.
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June 20, 2018
BCU Welcomes New Board Members with Combined Four Decades of Experience
Together, Christine Fleming of Baxter International and Brett Craig of Target hold almost four decades of industry experience.
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June 12, 2018
Chuck Thurman Retires from BCU Board of Directors After 27 Years
BCU announced the retirement of Charles (Chuck) Thurman, whose service on its board of directors spanned more than two decades.
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April 1, 2018
Three Months after Maria, Spirit of BCU Employees in Puerto Rico Continues to Inspire
In the face of the most devastating natural disaster in the Credit Union’s 36 year history, an inspirational story of the human spirit would emerge on the shoulders of an incredible employee culture.
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January 8, 2018
Homebuyer Happy Hour
BCU Members and non-members, join us for our first-ever Homebuyer’s Happy Hour event where you can mingle with our real estate experts.
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