AWARDS
Small Business of the Year
Oklahoma Community Credit Union
OCCU originally started as O . S . University Employees Federal Credit Union in 1968 . It was established originally to serve faculty and staff of Oklahoma State University . Over the years the credit union amended the charter to add more employee groups . By the 90 ’ s the credit union switched to a community charter allowing them to serve the Stillwater community as a whole .
64
COMMERCE | 2023 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
In 2018 , Oklahoma Community expanded again and now serves over 13,000 members throughout Payne , Lincoln , Logan , Noble , and Pawnee County . As a credit union , Oklahoma Community is a not-for-profit group meaning all of their profits are reinvested back into the business for their members . The Oklahoma Community board of directors consists of volunteers who are elected by the membership and all currently live in Payne County . Oklahoma Community is the only financial institution headquartered in Stillwater , meaning all of their members are taken care of locally .
Being the only financial institution in Stillwater , Oklahoma Community has the unique opportunity to get to know their members on a personal level . “ We really get to know our members and hear their stories and we try to find ways to help them meet their financial goals ,” said Daniel Thrasher , President and CEO . “ Whether it ’ s the dream of owning a home or buying a car to be able to get to work , or saving for retirement , our team is dedicated to helping our local members and communities grow .”
Oklahoma Community has given back to multiple different community organizations like Our Daily Bread , the Humane Society , Turning Point Ranch and more . Beginning in January , Oklahoma Community will launch OK Community Cares . OK Community Cares is a foundation that will accept grant applications from different community organizations . The foundation will have a board made up of Oklahoma Community members who will allocate funding to community organizations . The committee will be looking for opportunities to enhance educational opportunities , provide financial literacy , address food insecurity , encourage healthy living , and address housing needs . “ We are hopeful this foundation will help us expand our giving ,” said Thrasher . “ Now we can have a bigger impact in our 5-county service area .”
For the first time since 1995 , Oklahoma Community decided to build another full-service location for their members on the northeast corner of 19th and Sangre . This location will be the first branch to match Oklahoma Community ’ s new branding . Following the completion of that location , they will be remodeling their current headquarters on McElroy .
OK Community Cares is a foundation that will accept grant applications from different community organizations .
“ We talked about branching outside of Stillwater first ,” said Thrasher . “ But at the end of the conversation we said Stillwater is our home market . It ’ s where our organization started , we want to make sure our foundation is firm and that we are investing in our home community first before we branch beyond Stillwater .”
The remodel will bring a fresh look to Oklahoma Community but also lots of room for growth . The drive-thru will be moved from behind the building to the east side , which is much better for visibility and security . About 4,000 square feet will be added to the back of the building for office space and future growth . The remodel is particularly important for the 41 credit union employee ’ s experience , and will ensure they have a great place to work throughout the day . Oklahoma Community Credit Union is proud to make this new investment in the Stillwater Community and looks forward to serving its members for years to come .