History
Citizens Community Credit Union had a very humble start when James D. Gronna, North Dakota Secretary of State signed the Charter on March 7th, 1940. The first organizational meeting was held March 16th of that year with A.W. Broden as chairman. The original office was located in the Farmers Oil building, and beginning assets were $177.54 with 23 founding members.
In 1949, A. W. Broden became ill and Elmer Stenson took over position as manager.
Mary Broden became bookkeeper of the Lake Region Co-op Credit Union in 1952 and in 1966was hired as manager after Elmer Stenson's resignation. During this time, the credit union outgrew its location and rented space from Farmers Union Insurance. By 1966, assets had grown to $129,333.37 with 299 members.
In 1972, following a special meeting, the Lake Region Co-op Credit Union became the Lake Region Credit Union.
By 1977, Lake Region needed a larger location. Its new home became 104 3rd Avenue West. The next year, Parnell Thorson was hired as manager after the resignation of Mary Broden in 1978. By this time, assets had grown $1,168,606.56 and membership was up to 547.
In 1980, the Devils Lake School Federal Credit Union merged with the Lake Region Credit Union.
Darwin Brokke came to the Lake Region Credit Union in 1983. During this time assets were $3,180,967.80 with a membership base of 1,615. In June of 1987, the Lake Region opened the Lakota Branch. Assets had grown to $10,964,315 and membership climbed to 3,146 by the end of the year.
In 1989 the Lake Region Credit Union moved to its present location on Highway #2 East. In 1992, Lake Region Credit Union underwent another merger, this time with Bisbee Credit Union, and the Larimore Branch was opened. Two other branches were also opened during this time: Northwood Branch in 1995, and Fort Totten in 1998. The credit union had grown to $48,485,379 in assets by the end of 1998 and membership had doubled in size, totaling 6767.
The year 2000 marked a very busy year for the Lake Region Credit Union, with completion of a large remodeling project and the celebration of its 60th Anniversary. Its legacy as a strong financial institution within the Lake Region proved to be a "pillar of strength" for the community. And, because of its strong heritage, much consideration was given to changing the name to be more reflective and representative of its growing member base. The decision was made early that year to change Lake Region Credit Union to Citizens Community Credit Union.
After the name change in early 2000, an office in Grand Forks was opened. The current location is the original, just off Gateway Drive. The Grand Forks branch was established to better serve current members living and working in the Grand Forks area and provide excellent opportunity to enhance membership to benefit all members.
In addition to the Grand Forks location, two more branches have been opened in order to better serve members. The St. John branch opened its doors in 2003, and the Hugos location in the Grand Forks Super Wal-Mart opened in 2006.
With respect to our history and legacy as a "pillar of strength" for the communities we serve, we are excited to look ahead to our future. As our name clearly expresses, Citizens Community Credit Union is firmly rooted in commitment and service.
