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OUR HISTORY
About Us
AVENIR FINANCIAL
About Us
Avenir Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to people helping people. Membership at Avenir Financial means becoming part of a local community credit union family of more than 33,000 members. For over 82 years, the credit union has existed to uplift communities to make lasting impacts. Avenir Financial now serves residents in 22 counties spanning four states: Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Purpose
Uplift families toward their American dream.
Core Values
Our Core Values are the foundation of our organization. We live them daily while interacting with our members, co-workers, vendors and members of the community.
- Relationships. People are at the heart of everything we do.
- Curiosity. Learn, listen, and uncover opportunities.
- Empowerment. Making lasting impacts.
Certifications and Awards
AVENIR FINANCIAL
History
Avenir Financial is a not-for-profit financial institution that is locally owned and operated by its member/owners.
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Founding
The credit union was formed on April 21, 1942 to serve “employees of the Boards of Education of Public Schools in Yuma County, Arizona.” The credit union was named "#2" because, at that time, there already existed an AEA FCU #1 in Phoenix.
The seven founding members pooled together $35 in deposits and signed the original charter, which was approved by the Farm Credit Administration on May 6, 1942.
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Early Years
In the early years the credit union was operated out of the home of the manager, but by 1963 the first official office was opened on 8th Street in Yuma.
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Growth
Over the years the credit union continued to grow, hitting $1 million in assets by 1966 and topping the $2 million mark in 1970. The Credit Union’s field of membership continued to expand to include other members of the greater Yuma community through either merger or the addition of new Select Employee Groups.
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AEA FCU
In 1981, AEA FCU #2 was able to drop the "#2" after the AEA FCU in Phoenix changed its name.
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Community Charter
In 1997 AEA’s Board of Directors applied for and was granted a community charter by the National Credit Union Administration. This opened up AEA membership to "all persons who live, worship, or attend school in, and businesses and other legal entities located in Yuma and La Paz Counties of Arizona." AEA Federal Credit Union has long been a hometown favorite in Yuma County and has been voted “Best of Yuma” by our members many times over the years and "South County's Best" for three years in a row!
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Community Development Financial Institution
Avenir Financial received certification by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
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Avenir Financial Acquires West Valley National Bank
Avenir Financial announced agreement to acquire West Valley National Bank, headquartered in Goodyear, Arizona.
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AEA Federal Credit Union becomes Avenir Financial
In 2024, AEA Federal Credit Union became Avenir Financial and operates four full-service branches, with two in Yuma, AZ and one in Somerton, AZ and one in San Luis, AZ. From its humble beginning, with more than 33,000 members and over $300 million in assets, Avenir Financial continually strives to serve its members and the community in a manner which is socially responsible, fiscally sound and trustworthy.
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Avenir Financial Expands Field of Membership
On November 1, 2024, Avenir Financial expands field of membership to offer financial services to residents in 22 counties spanning four states: Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Join the Avenir Financial family today!
As a
member-owned financial cooperative, at Avenir Financial you are part of something bigger than
financial services—you're family!