This post is part of Kitchissippi Favourites, a series of sponsored profiles about some great local businesses. You can find them all in the May 26 issue of KT.
Wouldn’t you prefer to deal with a financial institution that feels like a personalized boutique? For over 100 years, that’s exactly the kind of one-on-one service that credit union Alterna Savings has provided to over 100,000 satisfied members. As a member, you’re not just another customer but rather, an integral part of the company that has been recognized many times for its exceptional customer service.
With the recent opening of its new branch on McRae Avenue in the heart of Westboro, Alterna has extended its reach with branches across the region. As it continues to build on its solid base, Alterna is looking to grow its membership so more people can share in the benefits of participating in a credit union.
As a trusted alternative to traditional banks, Alterna Savings offers the ultimate in convenience with extended hours, one of the best mobile apps in the business, telephone banking and the second largest ATM network in the country. Add to this the fact that Alterna is the second largest credit union in Ontario, and you get a good sense of the strength of the organization.
Westboro branch manager Jeremy Rock is delighted to be working in one of Ottawa’s most vibrant communities.
“Westboro is a perfect fit for us as it has such great community spirit and operates like a welcoming, accessible village,” he says. “I love that people bring their dogs into the branch and that neighbours truly know and care about each other. That’s exactly the kind of approach that we take towards helping our members with their financial needs.”
Alterna Savings’ members have access to everything needed for financial well-being. Chequing and savings accounts designed to work for you and suit your lifestyle are complemented by some of the best rates anywhere on personal loans, mortgages, retirement and investment savings. All Alterna products are backed by expert, personalized advice to help you meet your financial goals, including estate planning as well as strategies for wealth transfer.
As Jeremy explains, “membership means we’re accountable to you, and work hard every day to bring you the products and services you need. Being a member also means you have a voice in what your financial institution does and the way we operate. As branch manager, I am always ready to talk with you and you are encouraged to contact our CEO should you need to – he is extraordinarily accessible.”
Not only do many of Alterna’s Westboro staff live in the area, they are also very engaged with local non-profits and volunteering.
“Our corporate mandate includes giving 1% of our pre-tax profits back to the communities we serve. Each employee is actually given one paid volunteer day,” notes Jeremy. “We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate and extend our help and love it when our members make suggestions. We’ll be co-sponsoring the MEC Ottawa Westboro Mile on the Friday night of the new Westboro FUSE festival, for example, and my team and I are looking forward to taking in all the activities all weekend long.”
Alterna Savings was recently named as the 2016 recipient of the Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award presented annually by the Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) to a company within the co-operative financial system in recognition of their contribution to the community. Alterna Savings was formally recognized for the positive impact made by its Community Micro-Finance Program, which promotes entrepreneurship, job creation, and community economic development by providing small loans ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to underrepresented individuals. Since its inception, the Community Micro-Finance Program has supported hundreds of underserved small business owners including, women, social entrepreneurs and enterprises, new Canadians and low-income individuals.
If you are looking for a financial institution that sees you as a member, not just a bank balance, Jeremy and his team at Alterna Westboro would be pleased to discuss how their comprehensive approach to financial health and community-focused financial services could be right for you.
Alterna Savings and Credit Union Ltd.
319 McRae Ave.
613-560-0125
alterna.ca
FB: AlternaSavings
Twitter: @alternasavings