n December, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union began celebrating a momentous milestone: 70 years of people helping people. The celebration kicked off with internal promotions, including a distinctive logo depicting the words “70 Years, Strength in Members” and special lapel pins for each employee. “For the whole year, we’ll be remembering our seventy-year tradition of people helping people,” says President and CEO Geoff Lundfelt.

That tradition began on December 6, 1948, when fifteen civil service personnel who supported military operations at Anchorage’s Alaska Air Depot formed a member-owned credit union. They pooled their savings so they could make loans to new people who would have otherwise had to wait a month to receive their paycheck. They also volunteered their time to operate the credit union-not hiring the first employee until 1959.

Today, Alaska USA has 2,036 full-time employees and serves more than 660,000 members in Alaska, Arizona, California, and Washington. It provides an array of services, including more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide, on line banking, and live 24/7 member support. Despite its significant growth, the credit union continues to prioritize meeting members’ financial needs. “We’ve never strayed from the original mission of providing world-class service and real value to members,” Lundfelt says.

Over the years, Alaska USA has made strategic decisions to enhance its financial services and strength. This includes expanding its geographic footprint in the 1980s when the recession hit Alaska. The credit union has also augmented its commercial services and operates two subsidiaries: Alaska USA Mortgage Company and Alaska USA Insurance Brokers. Alaska USA currently offers a diverse menu of savings, checking, personal and business loans, insurance, home mortgages, and financial planning services. “Members can get all of their financial needs met in one place,” Lundfelt says.

The credit union’s focus on diversification also includes its back office operations. Alaska USA maintains concurrent data operations centers in Alaska and Glendale, Arizona. If a disaster strikes either area, the credit union can continue operating without any business interruption.

Alaska USA has differentiated itself as the premier provider of low-cost, value-added services. Embedded within this concept is the notion of putting people before profits, an idea that’s supported by the entire management team. Alaska USA also has a board of directors comprised of democratically-elected volunteers. “They’re members of the organization, so their interests are directly aligned with the interests of the people who use the credit union,” Lundfelt says.

The credit union also distinguishes itself through its ability to adapt to meet changing member expectations. While Alaska USA excels at in-person and over-the-phone service, it is also effectively enhancing the digital experience. “We are fully dedicated to the implementation of this complementary set of services,” Lundfelt says.

In the past seven decades, Alaska USA has garnered accolades for its service to members and the community. Recent honors include Anchorage Daily News, Fairbanks Daily News Miner, and Juneau Empire awards and recognition for its subsidiaries.