Roseburg Chamber Recognition
Rogue Credit Union (Rogue) has been recognized with the Business Innovation award by the Roseburg Chamber of Commerce due to its partnership with the new campus branch at Umpqua Community College (UCC). “We are honored to be acknowledged with this award,” said President/CEO, Gene Pelham, “It is really an award for both Rogue and UCC and reflects a great partnership that has been created. We are delighted that our commitment to the Roseburg community and UCC was recognized with this award.”
In October 2019, the credit union opened it’s second campus branch at UCC, the first being at Southern Oregon University (SOU) which opened in 2015. This full-service campus branch provides financial services in a convenient location for students, faculty and staff. The branch provides valuable work experience and education to the student employees who also work in the Roseburg branches. The campus branch also partnered with UCC’s Business Technology department to offer a one-year Financial Services certificate. Students who complete the 26-credit certificate program may transfer to SOU where those credits can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, a student who participates in the Rogue branch at UCC can transfer to the other Rogue campus branch at SOU.
“When Rogue Credit Union first approached UCC to place a campus branch here, I thought our employees and students would simply enjoy a convenient service,” said UCC President, Dr. Debra Thatcher. “And while the campus has enjoyed new services, ‘convenience’ is a woefully inadequate word to describe the real benefit. Rogue Credit Union’s presence is educational; they have provided our students with real world experience while helping them financially. As a result of training and assuming responsibility, the student employees have quickly matured into young professionals who understand customer service, teamwork, initiative, accountability, and dedication. Students’ lives are truly being transformed as a result of Rogue’s investment, and UCC is thankful for their partnership.”
In addition to receiving the Business Innovation award, Rogue’s board member Alex Palm was also recognized with the Citizen of the Year award. Alex joined the board in 2017 and was appointed as Treasurer in 2020. A Civil Engineer and Principal at i.e. Engineering in Roseburg, Alex’s connections and service on several other Roseburg area boards including the Umpqua Community College Foundation Board, have been instrumental in helping the credit union achieve its success.
Rogue Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, with an asset base of over $1.69 billion and a loan portfolio of over $1.3 billion. At Rogue, it’s about more than an auto loan or a checking account; it’s about offering a higher level of service to over 144,000 members across the state of Oregon. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, Rogue is committed to helping its members out along the way, making local communities better for everyone. A membership with Rogue is open to anyone who lives works, worships, or attends school in the select Oregon counties. Stop by any branch or visit www.roguecu.org and learn more about becoming part of something bigger.
