It’s the simple things that make a difference in creating those consistently positive experiences—greeting members by name with a warm hello and genuine smile, putting aside whatever we’re doing to focus on them and thanking them for their business. It’s those simple things, done consistently, that set us apart from our competitors and create loyal life-long members.

We also know that our members want more options when it comes to banking. They are busy and want convenience and accessibility. That’s why we were proud to be one of the first financial institutions in Canada to introduce Deposit Anywhere, which gives our members the ability to deposit cheques by taking a picture with their mobile device. We also launched a new mobile banking app for Android users.

Physical locations are also important when it comes to convenience. This year we improved our geographical reach with the opening of our Highstreet branch in West Abbotsford this fall. Coming in spring 2014, we’ll also be investing in one of our founding communities when we open a new branch and insurance office in the Garrison Village area of Chilliwack.

When I visit our branch teams and connect with our members, one thing that always stands out to me is the close connection our staff have with our members. Our members truly view our staff as trusted advisors and partners in helping them reach their financial goals. We know you have a lot of choice when it comes to selecting a financial institution and we feel honored that you have chosen to do business with Envision Financial. Thank you for the trust that you, our members, place in us every day.

Candy Crush

When Sticky’s Candy opened a new store in Langley, Sherri Martin, who had always wanted to own a candy store, fell in love. Martin, an ad consultant for a local newspaper, frequented the store regularly and when Sticky’s Candy owner Robin Burnette mentioned the chance to franchise, Martin saw her dream becoming a reality.

“When we began the franchising process we knew right away that Envision Financial was the one to go through,” says Martin. “And we’re so glad we did. We’ve had incredible support throughout our journey. Not only financial support, but business planning, tax and legal guidance as well, through our commercial account manager. It’s only been five months since we started and with the success of our Langley store we’ve opened another store in Walnut Grove.”

Burnette, also an Envision Financial business member, has similar growth plans in mind.

“I’d like to see close to 100 stores in Canada,” says Burnette. “We’ve just become the largest independent Candy chain in Canada with 10 stores currently running and four more leases signed for spring 2014. It’s going to be an exciting year!”

“It’s about finding the right location and the right partners, like Envision Financial,” says Burnette.

By the numbers

• Eight out of 10 members feel that Envision Financial provides better service than other companies they regularly use for products and services.
• 87 per cent of Envision Financial members who use our retail banking services would recommend us to a friend or family member
• 3,836 net new members joined Envision Financial
• 881 members referred a total of 2,661 of friends or family members through our Referral Perks program
• Over 9,000 members downloaded our mobile app in 2013
• More than 10 new products and services introduced to help simplify banking for members

Member Highlights

• Minter Street branch relocated to a brand new, state-of-the-art branch at the new Highstreet development in West Abbotsford
• Envision Financial announces that a new branch and insurance office will open in the Garrison Village area of Chilliwack in 2014
• Envision Financial Mobile Banking app is launched for Android
• Second credit union in B.C. to launch Deposit Anywhere™ allowing members to deposit cheques directly into their account using their phone
• Home Sweet Bonus™ and After Grad Bonus™ are launched—two innovative new products that help members save for their future
• Envision Financial continues its long history of supporting the agriculture industry with $150,000 contribution to University of the Fraser Valley new BC School of Agriculture
• Fresh, new, user-friendly website is launched to give members easier access to information and advice about their finances
• All of our commercial account members specializing in small business are now able to do business anywhere—making banking easier for our small business members

The Full Cupboard launched to help tackle hunger

This year, Envision Financial was proud to launch its signature cause, The Full Cupboard—an innovative community program designed to raise food, funds and awareness for food banks throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat. Through this program, Envision Financial has committed to raising at least $1 million for local food banks over the next 10 years. In the first 10 months of the program, Envision Financial raised over $85,500 and collected more than 10,000 pounds of food through The Full Cupboard.

“The statistics speak to the staggering need for an increased focus on supporting our local food banks,” says Envision Financial president, Shelley Besse. “In the past five years, there has also been a 20.4 per cent increase in the number of people using food banks in B.C Last year over 94,000 British Columbians accessed their local food bank, 29.5 per cent of whom were children. That’s why we’re so proud to be addressing the issue of hunger in our communities by helping to drive awareness and raise food and funds for these important community organizations.”

Envision Financial has a long history of supporting food banks, providing funds to local food banks and volunteer hours through its annual employee volunteer service week. The Full Cupboard deepens Envision Financial’s commitment to community food banks and reiterates its desire to give back in a substantial way in the fight against hunger.

“Envision Financial is a true leader in social responsibility and they are not only supporting their local charities but have now committed to helping food banks across our province through their Full Cupboard program,” says Marilyn Herrmann, president of Food Banks BC. “Food banks are excited to know they have a partner who will help them ensure that no family goes without basic and adequate nutrition. Thank you Envision Financial employees for your big hearts!”

Community Investment: By the Numbers

• Nearly $1.7 million donated to worthy causes and organizations in our local communities
• 54 free concerts for local residents through the Envision Twilight Concert Series, Envision Coffee House Concert Series and Envision Concert in the Park Series
• 58 classrooms participated with Envision Financial’s PowerPlay Strategies Young Entrepreneur® program
• $358,000 raised for Envision Financial Run for Water with 30 local and area classrooms participating in our educational curriculum
• $52,087 donated to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in our annual campaign bringing our total giving since 2007 to $214,444
• Our Make a Difference Days program contributed over 808 hours of volunteerism with 24 projects in 11 Envision Financial communities
• $33,000 contributed to student’s post-secondary education through the Envision Financial Education Award program
• More than 700 tomato plants potted by students attending the Surrey Children’s Festival for our local food bank
• $10,000 received from Concentra Financial community competition for our Nature’s Classroom program
• $50,000 donation made to Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Faculty of Community and Health Studies
• 30 secondary and post-secondary students received mentoring from Envision Financial employees

2013 Community Partners

Throughout the year, Envision Financial supports a variety of non-profit and charitable organizations in our communities. In 2013, our community partners included:

To set the stage for what was to come, we began the year with the opening of our new RiverBend branch in Kamloops. This was followed soon after by the rebranding of Simmons, Black & Emsland Insurance to a Valley First Insurance office in Kamloops and the opening of our newest location, Valley First Place – home to the Rutland branch and Rutland insurance office in Kelowna.

Beyond expanding our network, to provide banking and insurance services outside of our branches, we began putting together a team of mobile banking sales specialists and re-launched our insurance roadrunner program. To help members save we introduced two new incentive savings products. And, to give members anytime access to their finances, we launched Deposit Anywhere, an enhanced Android app and more online solutions than ever before.

Too often, credit unions are seen as trend followers. The innovations we rolled out in 2013, show we are, in fact, leaders in our industry. And, in some cases we’ve leapfrogged the competition in terms of providing on-the-go access to financial expertise, services and products. But, these enhancements aren’t for us. They are for you. They serve one purpose: keeping banking and insurance simple for you, our members and clients.

We acknowledge consumer trends are changing. Banking is changing. Insurance services are changing. While we are changing, too, we remain steadfast in our commitment to exceed our members’ expectations during every interaction. Nothing pleases me more to hear a member or client say: “Wow. That was easy.”

The success of Valley First comes down to two things: the commitment of our dedicated employees, and the loyalty and support of our members and clients. I would like to thank you all for playing such an important role in making Valley First the incredible organization it is today.

MobiBranch launches in Kamloops

In 2013, Valley First moved banking from the branch and into homes and small businesses; making the mad dash to the credit union branch at the end of the day a thing of the past for a growing number of members.

In partnership with Vancouver-based TRG Mobilearth Inc., Valley First launched its first mobile branch—known as the MobiBranch—operating out of Kamloops. By the end of the year, this service is on-track to expand into the Central and South Okanagan.

MobiBranch gives Valley First’s mobile specialists the technology to perform everyday banking transactions wherever it’s most convenient for members. Randi Love was among the first Valley First members to experience the convenience of the MobiBranch and the service of the mobile sales team.

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Valley First’s mobile specialist in Kamloops, on two occasions,” says Love. “The ability to meet in a convenient and comfortable location, with no wait time, was remarkable. I’ve never dealt with a business like that before; it took me off guard when I was asked when and where I wanted to meet.”

“Sometimes being in a bank meeting with someone to discuss money matters can be intimidating. The Valley First mobile specialist was professional, knowledgeable and efficient. And, the technology amazed me. We were able to do everything in my home that I would usually have to go to the bank for. It was such a terrific experience; I would recommend Valley First’s mobile banking to all of my friends and family."

Notably, MobiBranch was awarded the prestigious NOVA Award for Overall Excellence in Innovation from Central 1. Part of the annual inNOVAtion Awards, which recognizes activities that demonstrate the spirit of innovation that thrives within Canada’s credit union system, the NOVA Award is only awarded periodically to submissions that transcend the award categories to make a significant impact on the service delivered by a credit union.

By the numbers

• 87 per cent of Valley First members who use our retail banking services would most likely recommend them to a friend of family member
• 89 per cent of clients would most likely recommend Valley First Insurance to a friend or family member
• 3,000 net new members joined Valley First
• 83 per cent of Valley First members state we are better than other companies they regularly use for products and services
• 10 new products and services introduced to help simplify banking for members

Member Highlights

• Serving members and small business owners at their own place and at their own pace through our MobiBranch
• Making saving for your dream home easier with the Home Sweet Bonus account™
• Providing young adults with a firm financial foundation with the After Grad Bonus™ account – incentive savings for the next generation
• Launching a new, fresh and even more interactive website to give members greater access, knowledge and advice about their finances
• Becoming one of the first financial institutions in Canada to introduce remote deposit capture – use Deposit Anywhere™ to bank a cheque from your smartphone
• Making banking and insurance more connected and convenient with home insurance cash-back incentive
• Growing our branch and insurance network by opening RiverBend branch in Kamloops and Valley First Place—home of the Rutland branch and Rutland Insurance— in Kelowna
• Extending our opening hours across key banking and insurance locations to give members and clients greater access to products, services and advice

Feed the Valley shatters half million dollar milestone

At Valley First we strive to make a real difference in our local communities. That’s why in 2010 we launched our signature cause, Feed the Valley. We knew that by rallying around a single cause, we could make an even bigger impact in our region.

When we launched Feed the Valley, we set ourselves the ambitious goal of raising $100,000 a year over the next ten years – a total of $1 million for local food banks. We’re extremely proud to share, in July 2013, Feed the Valley donations surpassed $500,000.

What’s incredible about exceeding the half million dollar milestone is that we achieved it in less than three-and-a-half years—a full 18 months earlier than anticipated—and we passed the halfway point toward achieving our original target. At the end of 2013, monetary donations stood at more than $615,000 and food donations were in excess of 56,000 pounds.

The impact of Valley First’s Feed the Valley program has not gone unnoticed outside B.C.’s Southern Interior. The program has been recognized by the credit union system and financial partners as a leading community investment. Valley First’s community leadership and the success of Feed the Valley have also been acknowledged by B.C. Premier Christy Clark.

The phenomenal donation figures and the recognition Feed the Valley is receiving from near and far is a testament to the tremendous work our employees and members are doing to support and promote our local food banks. Through Feed the Valley we are truly making a real difference in the communities we serve.

Community Investment – By the Numbers

• More than $690,000 donated to worthy causes and organizations in our local communities
• $3.3 million injected in the South Okanagan economy through the sponsorship of the Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan bringing the total over our three-year sponsorship to more than $7 million
• More than $37,200 of in-kind contributions to charitable partners
• More than $5,500 contributed to nonprofit partners as employee volunteerism during working hours
• $32,000 contributed to student’s post-secondary education through the Valley First Education Award program
• $39,500 donated to local charities and community organizations by employees as part of our employee giving campaign
• 275 hours of employee time donated through Valley First’s employee volunteerism program
• $4,600 donated to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in our annual campaign bringing our total giving since 2007 to more than $15,000
• Our inaugural Make a Difference Days program contributed over 250 hours of volunteerism with 18 projects in seven Valley First communities
• 20 free concerts for local residents through the Valley First Music in the Park series in Armstrong, Kelowna’s Legacy Park series and Oliver’s Concert in the Park series
• Our Feed the Valley program was the recipient of $10,000 from Concentra Financial community competition
• 30 community leaders representing 10 non-profit organizations participated in Valley First’s sponsored Governance Lab and Abundant Not-for-Profit seminar; professional development workshops from Vantage Point

2013 Community Partners

Valley First is a proud participant of London Benchmark Group (Canada), a growing group of companies committed to maximizing the value of their community investment—for community partners and for the business. Our community investment results are based on London Benchmark Group (Canada) valuation principles.

A lot has happened in the last 67 years but the forward-thinking approach has remained the same. And, on April 1, 2013, EDCU members recognized it was time to lead once again when they took a bold step and joined First West Credit Union.

I was truly excited to welcome Enderby & District Financial into the First West network of brands, keeping alive their name and remarkable legacy. This partnership brings tremendous growth potential for our employees, for our business and for the community. We’ve already seen many great things happen—new products, new community investment initiatives and strengthened relationships.

Enderby members have said goodbye to account fees with the introduction of our Simply Free Account. We’ve put money back in the pockets of local business with the $20 per month Unlimited Chequing for Business account. We’ve upped our commitment to the community with the local launch of Feed the Valley and the establishment of the Enderby & District Financial Community Endowment.

Of course, any new relationship presents some changes and challenges. As one might expect of a significant initiative, there were bumps in the road as adjustments were made. It’s simply a matter of time before all is smoothed out.

I say this with confidence because I know the employees and members of Enderby & District Financial are true leaders who recognize the times

I want to thank them for their courage in stepping out and thinking differently about their business, their community and the future.

A special thank you goes to the members of Enderby & District Financial, who showed unanimous support for the decision to join First West. Like the founders and first members of Enderby & District Financial all those years ago, you too have recognized that it’s time to lead.

“Little things” have big impact for business members

There are only 24 hours in a day and for entrepreneurs like Judy Dangel; saving time is precious. So, when your financial services provider not only takes care of all your banking transactions, but also saves you time—and money—it doesn’t get much better than that.

A member at Enderby & District since the late 1970s, Dangel knows full well the value of a competitive, local financial services partner. It’s the personal, dedicated, first-name-basis service provided by the team at Enderby & District Financial that makes a big difference to this busy business owner.

“I know everyone at the branch and they know me and my operation,” says Dangel, owner of Enderby’s sole jewelry retail store, Enderby Jewellers, since 1991.

That enduring familiarity matters. When Enderby & District Financial unveiled a new business account, it wasn’t long before Dangel got a call from the branch.

“They strongly recommended the Unlimited Chequing for Business account because of my business needs,” she recalls. “It made perfect sense because a lot of my transactions are cheque-based, and with no caps at only $20 a month, it’s a great deal.”

Dangel recalls others moments where the care and attention of the Enderby branch team has made lasting impressions on her.

“Some days it’s so busy at the store that I have little time to be elsewhere,” says Dangel. “On days like that, the folks at the branch are so understanding and let me leave my cheques for deposit without me having to be there. I have great trust in them.

“Other times it might be a quick tip for online banking or getting me some new cheques when I’m in a pinch. They do a lot of little things right that make me feel like they always have my best interest at heart. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my success matters to them.”

Member Highlights

• Saying farewell to bank fees with the introduction of the Simply Free Account
• Putting cash back in the pockets of small business owners with the launch of Unlimited Chequing for Business
• Making saving for your dream home easier with the Home Sweet Bonus account™
• Launching a new, fresh and even more interactive website to give members greater access, knowledge and advice about their finances
• Providing young adults with a firm financial foundation with the After Grad Bonus™ account – incentive savings for the next generation
• Introducing a new wealth management approach to help members achieve their financial goals
• Access to a greater range of investment options and specials like the PrimeLink GIC

Fighting hunger in the North Okanagan

Hunger and food insecurity affects nearly every community in our province, including Enderby. In fact, every month, nearly 94,000 British Columbians seek assistance at their local food bank.

Helping fight hunger is a major focus for our Enderby team; this made the partnership between Enderby’s Food Action Committee for Today, or FACT, and the introduction of the Feed the Valley program in Enderby a perfect fit.

Comprised of like-minded community leaders and volunteers from our team, FACT plays an important role in our communities by identifying food security issues and solutions to help those in need. Feed the Valley raises food, funds and awareness for food banks in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys. Since 2010, Feed the Valley has raised $26,178 and collected more than 2,900 pounds of food for the Vernon and Enderby Salvation Army food banks.

Members of our team also volunteered nearly 40 hours of their time with the Enderby & District Community Resource Centre (EDCRC). EDCRC helps those in need connect with services and helping agencies like local food banks, educational and life skills centres, and many others.

To preserve the legacy of Enderby & District Financial, we established the $500,000 Enderby Financial Community Endowment within the First West Foundation. This endowment will generate funding for worthy community projects in Enderby now and into the future, continuing our commitment to helping build the communities we serve.

Community Investment: By the Numbers

• Nearly $33,000 invested back into Enderby and neighbouring communities
• More than 175 children and families attended our annual Youth Day festivities
• $7,500 contributed to student’s post-secondary education through the Enderby & District Financial Education Award program
• Annually, over 4,000 children attend the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre
• More than $1,000 contributed to non-profit partners as employee volunteerism during working hours
• $550 donated to local charities and community organizations by employees as part of our employee giving campaign
• Over 60 A.L. Fortune Secondary students participated in our financial literacy program, Financial Fitness
• $1,600 raised for the Calgary flood relief efforts in Alberta
• Our Feed the Valley program was the recipient of $10,000 from Concentra Financial community competition
• Enderby & District Financial is a proud participant of London Benchmark Group (Canada), a growing group of companies committed to maximizing the value of their community investment—for community partners and for the business. Our community investment results are based on LBG Canada valuation principles

2013 Community Partners

Throughout the year, Enderby & District Financial supports a variety of non-profit and charitable organizations. In 2013, our community partners included: