As I retire from Envision Financial, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on our journey to create a co-operative financial services organization that can be a true partner and participant in the communities where it operates.

When we undertook the process of merging the First Heritage Savings and Delta credit unions in 1999, many of us visualized the possibilities of forming a credit union network domiciled not only in the Fraser Valley but beyond. Our vision was for a credit union with increased capacity to provide financial services and with, in turn, the earnings capacity to provide expanded support to a wide assortment of community organizations and initiatives.

Our accomplishments to the end of 2004 suggest that we have succeeded in realizing at least the first phase of our vision. Our organization reached a new level of maturity by consolidating various programs started before the merger and by establishing long-term community investment policy guidelines. I believe that our maturation is further evidenced by the record funding levels of the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation in 2004.

It’s also gratifying to note, as reported elsewhere in this annual report, that our efforts give us the opportunity to support wide-ranging initiatives throughout our trade area. These initiatives span youth groups to facilities for the aged to the promotion of the arts and various athletic activities.

Perhaps the highlight in 2004 was our ability to raise well over $500,000 to finance the building of two houses in SOS Children’s Village BC in Surrey, which provides a stable, healthy environment for at-risk foster children. Also notable was our lead sponsorship of the 2004 BC Summer Games in Abbotsford, which assisted that community in conducting one of the most successful games ever.

Our credit union is nothing more than people who live in the communities where we operate. With the support of our members, we are able to provide effective financial services and to generate earnings that we give back to our members and our communities. To me, this is what corporate social responsibility and community accountability are all about.

Looking ahead, I see many exciting opportunities for even closer linkages between our communities and our credit union. We should and will be there to serve and assist in every way possible.

I sincerely thank our members for making all this possible.

Peter Podovinikoff
President Emeritus