Ladysmith District Credit Union (LDCU) highlighted 75 years of service at its recent annual general meeting.
The hall was decorated with brightly coloured balloons, and the walls were covered with 75 historic photos that included the LDCU’s first advertisement in the Chronicle, early credit union directors, and all the buildings that have housed the LDCU over the years.
It was a well attended meeting, and one filled with good news for the LDCU. The financial results for 2018 showed that the year was their second-highest net operating income, and the highest net income ever for the LDCU.
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Following the report, a 20-minute video was screened highlighting the significance of the LDCU, and what it means to the community of Ladysmith. Afterwards, several members of LDCU were honoured for their service including, Brian Childs, who served on the LDCU board of directors for 30 years before retiring in 2018, and was the longest serving LDCU board member ever; Rod Glen, a charter member of the LDCU who went on to become president of the BC Credit Union League, the Canadian Credit Union Association, and the International Credit Union League; John Yulinder, a LDCU charter member who came to every AGM for 50 years; and Helmi Kotilla who was appointed president in 1947, and is considered the first female president of a credit union in BC.
“I talk about these individuals as giants in the credit union industry,” LDCU CEO John de Leeuw said. “In our announcement of Brian’s retirement, and a brief history of Brian’s service to our credit union, it was said of all the giants of our credit union from our history, we feel very strongly that Brian is included among those giants, and we want to thank him for his years of service.”
De Leeuw said he felt awe-inspired and humbled to serve as CEO for the 75th AGM.
“As we reflect on our 75 years of history, we cannot forget those who have gone before us. They have passed the torch on to us and we carry it proudly. We have a very rich history, but the best years of LDCU still lie before us,” he said.
