Last year marked the 60th anniversary of Trona Valley Community Federal Credit Union. Your credit union started in July 1963 with the charter of FMC Employees FCU. When FMC Employees merged with Stauffer’s Big Island FCU in 1989 to form Trona Valley, the credit union had just over 6,000 members. Today, Trona Valley serves over 28,000 members across 4 locations, and employs about 90 individuals. So much has changed in the last 60 years, but one thing remains the same: Our commitment to serving our communities and supporting the workers who founded the credit union. In 2023, a new chapter began with the approval for an expanded field of membership. Over the last few years, the Board of Directors and I have watched as large national banks have closed branches and pulled out of smaller communities. Our cooperative not-for-profit structure and volunteer board sets the credit union apart from big banks. Our mission is not driven by shareholders, and it’s not driven by profit. When you do business with a credit union, you’re supporting the members. We believe in our mission of people helping people and are committed to providing a credit union alternative in the communities large banks have abandoned. Now, anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Wyoming can join Trona Valley. In addition to Wyoming, people who live, work, worship, or attend school in the following counties are eligible for membership: Garfield, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt Counties, Colorado; Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Power, or Teton Counties, Idaho; and Daggett, Duchesne, Morgan, Rich, Summit, and Uintah Counties, Utah. Your credit union is doing more than just offering banking products and services. Trona Valley is an active part of Southwest Wyoming. We sponsor, support, and staff many events in the places you live. Last year, we made a bold pledge to do something amazing with our time and giving. I’m happy to report that Trona Valley donated over $56,000 to local groups, events, and projects, and through our partnership with Visa and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, brought another $134,000 in grants to our communities. Our team also provided over 820 hours of volunteerism. Thanks to your support, your credit union continues to grow. We’re committed to doing our best for our members. I am very grateful for the positive comments we get on social media and referrals to your family, friends, and coworkers. After 24 years with Trona Valley, this place is a second family for me, and I care a great deal about what we do. I believe the team feels the same, and we’ve seen incredible growth over the last few years. It’s a good problem to have, but it also means we’re running out of space. With that, I’m excited to announce plans for a new headquarters and branch in Rock Springs, Wyoming. It’s a huge project, but if things go well with minimal interruptions, we should be ready for the grand opening in late 2025. I also want to congratulate and thank our newest members of Trona Valley’s executive team: James Massey, Amanda DeBernardi, and ShanDee Welling. We have an awesome group that’s growing to keep meeting your needs! Letter from the Chief Executive Officer | Jeremy Gibson
