2006 Archives

Vancouver, B.C.—The recently published “50 Best Employers in Canada” survey by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine has ranked Lower Mainland-based credit union Envision Financial the seventh best employer in Canada, and the top employer based in British Columbia.

This marks the fifth consecutive year Envision Financial has been ranked as a 50 Best Employer, and the second straight year Envision has been included in the survey’s top 10. Envision moved up two spots this year from ninth last year.

The survey, conducted annually by Hewitt and Associates for eight years to date, polls employees from nearly 130 companies and organizations across the country to determine which companies make the list as “50 Best Employer”. Each year, employees answer questions on topics ranging from how much their opinions are valued, to the effectiveness of their organization’s leadership.

“We’ve been extremely focused over the last six years on making Envision the best place our employees have ever worked,” explains Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “It’s one of our top priorities—we believe it ties directly into the commitment of exceptional service that we make to our member-owners.”

Is the company successfully reaching that objective? Brieann Spencer believes it is. Although she’s only been employed by Envision since April, she’s unapologetic in her enthusiasm.

“I’ve done work for a variety of prominent companies, including some in Toronto,” she says, “But I can absolutely say that Envision is the best place I’ve ever worked. There’s no question in my mind.”

Spencer is Envision’s Wellbeing Specialist—a role that sees her implement the company’s new wellbeing strategy, as well as manage the company’s health club, located at the Langley Administration Centre.

“When I saw the job posting I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she recalls. “I actually called the HR department and said, â€˜Really? Are you really hiring someone full time to deal with health and wellness issues?’ I’ve done a lot of contract work for companies before, but I’ve never seen an organization make wellbeing a big enough priority to actually create a permanent position.”

According to Spencer, Envision firmly believes that investing in their employees today is the best way to ensure each employee’s future success—and the organization’s.

“The Wellbeing Strategy aims at addressing all components of employees’ health,” says Spencer, “including their physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.”

In a few weeks, for instance, Spencer will help launch an online health risk assessment program—an initiative that will not only give employees insight into their overall health, but will also help the company tailor its offerings to the real needs of employees.

“By collecting data and determining where employees are at in terms of health, we’re better able to help them help themselves,” she says.

Already the company hosts lunch and learn sessions with local health experts, connects employees with counseling services and provides resource packs on everything from child and eldercare, to diabetes, cancer and stress management. As well, run/walk clubs are also being planned to help employees get active.

Envision is also well known for its culture of flexibility, where employees are able to re-adjust their schedules to better balance their home, community and work responsibilities. According to Spencer, at Envision, taking time off to relax, be with your family or volunteer with a service organization is seen as essential, and is encouraged with things like Envision’s Volunteering Recognition program, introduced just this year.

Throw in other perks like flexible health benefits, an award-winning corporate university, educational assistance packages, career planning services, and generous recognition programs, and it’s no wonder Envision has become so popular with its employees.

Brian Gunn works at Envision’s Southpoint Community Branch in Surrey as a Mutual Funds Investment Specialist and can’t say enough good things about his employer.

He regularly takes advantage of the 24-hr, 7-day-a-week access to the company’s gym and says he’s made other lifestyle changes as well since joining the Envision team just over four years ago.

“I’ve definitely gotten more physically active,” he says, “and I’ve also been inspired to start giving back to the community.”

In recent years, he’s volunteered with Junior Achievement, the Tour de Delta, as well as the Envision Triathlon at Crescent Beach.

“It’s so nice to work for a place that actually cares about you as a person;” says Gunn, “a place where you’re not seen as disposable and where someone is looking out for your health and wellbeing.”

In 2006, Envision Financial celebrated its 60th anniversary in British Columbia and is currently the province’s third-largest credit union with over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For its extensive community and charitable contributions, Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. For more information, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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December 28, 2006
Envision Financial accepting nominations for Board of Directors

Langley, B.C.—Lower Mainland-based credit union Envision Financial has announced it is seeking candidates for its Board of Directors. This year, Envision is looking to fill four three-year Director positions with skilled professionals who are also member-owners of the credit union.

Four incumbent directors are up for re-election for these positions. New candidates are also encouraged to run for these positions.

As a member-owned cooperative, Envision involves its member-owners in shaping the organization through participation in governance. The Director elections will take place at the credit union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 23, 2007. Member-owners can vote at all Envision branches and via mail-in ballot from the time of the AGM until May 2, 2007.

Two of the four available director positions are from Region One (Lower Mainland west of 264th Street, including Vancouver and the Gulf Islands), while the other two are from Region Two (Fraser Valley east of 264th Street and the rest of B.C.).

Envision’s Board of Directors actively provides leadership for the organization, setting strategic direction, working closely with management to maximize Envision’s financial performance, representing the interests of the membership, and upholding the values of the credit union.

“Our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in helping steward Envision Financial’s vision and governing the organization,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “We’re looking for persons of high integrity and good judgment, with proven business expertise.”

Potential candidates are encouraged to contact Envision’s Executive Assistant to the Board, Wendy Olafson, at 604.539.7338 or mailtwolafson@envisionfinancial.ca, for more information or to obtain a detailed nominations package. Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on February 1, 2007.

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with more than $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For five years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. Envision has been serving British Columbians for 60 years. For more information on Envision Financial, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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December 19, 2006
Coquitlam resident gets Christmas miracle courtesy of Envision Financial

Coquitlam, B.C.—The holiday season can be less than enchanting when you’re struggling to make ends meet—it can often turn into a difficult and stressful time. For Sheila Murray, however, Christmas magic is alive and well. With funds and hope running low, the Coquitlam resident recently experienced a holiday season miracle: Murray won $1,000 cash and got a new job—all in the same day.

“It all started when I received an advertisement saying Envision Financial was doing a promotion offering free five dollar bills to anyone who visited the branch,” says Murray. “I thought that any bank or credit union doing something like that was worth checking out, so I stopped in.”

While inside the credit union branch, Murray learned that Envision was celebrating its one-year anniversary in the Tri-Cities with a special promotion. Not only were the Envision staff members giving away five-dollar bills, they were also hosting a contest for visitors to win one of five $1,000 cash grand prizes. Murray offhandedly filled out a contest entry form, and thought nothing of it. She had more important things to worry about.

“Our family was down to our last pennies,” explains Murray. “My husband is blind and recently battled cancer—it’s prevented him from working. I was also between jobs at the time. With Christmas around the corner, I didn’t know how I’d be able to afford presents for our two boys.”

A few days later, while Murray was on her way to a job interview, the phone rang.

Murray chuckles about the conversation that took place. “It was Rob Watkins, the Assistant Branch Manager from Envision. When he said, â€˜Congratulations Sheila, I’ve got some good news for you!’ I thought to myself, â€˜Oh, goodness, what have I done now?’” Murray was ecstatic when she learned she was one of the lucky $1,000 cash prize winners.

“I’m not a religious person,” says Murray, “but after I received the call from Envision saying I’d won $1,000, I just looked up at the sky and thought, â€˜Someone is looking out for me.’”

In high spirits, Murray proceeded to her job interview where she aced the questions and landed the position. “Talk about an amazing day,” she says.

“We’re going to use part of the money for Christmas and use the rest of the money to open an account at Envision,” says Murray.

“It was incredible to meet Sheila and hear her heartwarming story,” says Yolanda Fequet, Branch Manager at Envision’s Sunwood Square branch. “We held the $1,000 giveaway as part of our one-year anniversary celebration, to tell more people about the great services we offer, and to say â€˜Thank-you’ to the Tri-Cities for a great first year here. We had no idea the funds would mean so much to someone like Sheila.”

“Stories like these actually aren’t all that uncommon at Envision, though,” adds Fequet. “One of the reasons I enjoy working for Envision is that the organization really cares about the communities we serve. Everyone at Envision is a huge believer in community investment and corporate citizenship. Last year, for example, Envision gave $1.2 million back to our local B.C. communities.”

Coquitlam residents Steph Wood, Doug Cairns, Bessie Ing, and Martin Wall also won $1,000 cash prizes through the Envision Financial promotion.

For Murray, this holiday season is one she won’t soon forget. “I’ve been on cloud nine ever since,” she says, with a smile. “Just when you think you can’t make it, you’ve got to believe. You can make it.”

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. Envision has been serving British Columbians for 60 years. For more information on Envision Financial, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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December 13, 2006
Envision Financial branch opening a milestone for Chilliwack

Chilliwack, B.C.—Fifty years ago, if you’d visited the East Chilliwack Credit Union to deposit your paycheque or withdraw some extra Christmas shopping money, you probably wouldn’t have walked out with an Xbox 360 door prize. But that’s exactly what Juliana Hayek did at the Envision Financial “Chilliwack City Branch” grand opening celebration last week.

Hayek, along with fellow Chilliwackians Jenn Reichelt, Ed Dube, Elsie Curley, Pam Delson and Sig Huth, won an Xbox 360 gaming system in a giveaway to celebrate the historic opening of the new credit union building. Chilliwack resident Paul Schimmelmann was the luckiest of all, winning a grand prize of $2,500 cash.

Back in 1956, the fledgling two-year-old East Chilliwack Credit Union didn’t even have $2,500 in total assets, nor its own building. Today, however, that same credit union—now known as Envision Financial—holds over $3.0 billion in assets, and has just opened a brand new, state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly facility at 45840 Cheam Avenue. Replacing Envision’s former Young Road location, the new branch building speaks of a legacy of friendly, local service, financial success, and community pride.

“The grand opening of Envision’s Chilliwack City branch building represents something much larger than simply a branch relocation,” says Chilliwack City Branch Manager Ruth Maccan. “It’s a celebration of more than 50 years of hard work, community commitment, and thankfulness to all the people who’ve been so dedicated through the years—this is landmark event for Chilliwack.”

Maccan, a Chilliwack resident herself, explains how Chilliwack served as one of Envision Financial’s founding communities. “Our founding members-owners were local farmers whose needs weren’t being met by the banks,” she says. “They started a local credit union built on the idea of people helping people. It’s absolutely incredible to consider how far that fundamental principle has taken us, looking back on our history.”

The story of Envision Financial began in Chilliwack when, in 1954, a group of 22 local farmers pooled their resources—which amounted to $300 in total—to open a credit union inside the East Chilliwack General Store.

The tiny credit union grew quickly, and in 1967 opened its own building on Young Road. After 14 years of significant growth, it underwent a series of mergers with other like-minded locally-based B.C. credit unions to become First Heritage Savings (1983), and subsequently Envision Financial (2001).

“To this day, our community involvement and exceptional service remains at the core of who we are,” says Envision Financial President & CEO Gord Huston. “Whether we’re operating out of the general store or a beautiful new high-tech building like this, we’re a locally-focused, member-owned financial institution committed to investing in the community and giving great service.”

In a speech at the new branch’s ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor Clint Hames also praised Envision for its commitment to Chilliwack. “This credit union is at the forefront of what happens here in our community. From the East Chilliwack Credit Union to First Heritage Savings to Envision Financial, we’re so proud of this credit union for what it continues to do for Chilliwack.”

Envision’s contributions to the city and surrounding region have indeed gone above and beyond the financial services it has offered local residents for the past half-century. The credit union is recognized nationally as a “Caring Company,” having poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Chilliwack area in the form of scholarships, sponsorships, donations. Envision is also recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Employers for four years running. The organization currently employs 144 Chilliwack area residents.

And in keeping with the credit union’s socially responsible practices, the newly-opened Chilliwack City branch has been constructed to meet rigorous environmentally-friendly specifications. According to Maccan, many of the building materials used came from recycled products. The lighting, plumbing, and heating are all specially designed to conserve energy and water.

“We’re in the process of applying for the building to be certified by the Canada Green Building Council,” says Maccan.

In the meantime, Maccan says she and her staff are loving their new home.

“It’s been wonderful to celebrate the building’s grand opening with the giveaways, including the $2,500 cash prize and the Xbox 360s prizes,” she says. “It’s perfect—in time for the holiday season.” During the grand opening week, Envision Financial also gave out free turkeys to the first 20 people in the branch per day. Special discounts and promotional prices are still available on a wide range of financial products and services, as part of the grand opening celebration.

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is B.C.’s third-largest credit union. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada, and has donated $1.2 million to B.C. communities last year alone. For more information on Envision Financial, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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November 22, 2006
Envision Financial giving away free money in the Tri-Cities

Coquitlam, B.C.—To celebrate its first anniversary in the Tri-Cities community, Envision Financial’s Sunwood Square branch is giving away free money. The credit union recently announced that this week until November 25, the first 100 people in the branch each morning will receive a crisp $5, fresh from the vault—no strings attached. Each visitor will also be entered to win one of five $1,000 cash grand prizes.

According to Rob Watkins, Assistant Branch Manager at Sunwood Square, the free money giveaway marks Envision’s one-year anniversary celebration in the Tri-Cities.

“We’ve enjoyed an excellent year here in the Tri-Cities, serving the community and building a strong foundation,” says Watkins. “It’s great to be able to celebrate one full of year strong financial performance—being part of this community—with some great prizes and giveaways.”

“The free money giveaway is a fun way for us to show our appreciation to the Tri-Cities, and also to let even more people know who we are and how Envision Financial can benefit them,” adds Watkins.

Envision Financial’s Sunwood Square Branch is located at 600 - 3025 Lougheed Highway, in Coquitlam.

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is one of B.C.’s largest credit unions. A full service financial institution, Envision is proud to have served British Columbians for over 60 years. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. For more information on Envision Financial, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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November 16, 2006
Envision Financial's Julie Clitheroe cruises into Westbank

Westbank, B.C.—A new credit union is setting up shop in the central Okanagan, and with it is coming a highly enthusiastic and community-minded branch manager. Julie Clitheroe, nominee for the 2006 Businessperson of the Year Award in Coquitlam, B.C., is joining the Kelowna-Westbank business community as branch manager of Envision Financial’s new Vintage Hills location, opening in early 2007 in the Westbank Hub Centre on Carrington Road.

“We’re delighted to name Julie as branch manager of our new Vintage Hills location,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “She’s an exceptional leader with great business sense. Julie is a stellar example of Envision’s commitment to outstanding service and she’ll be a tremendous asset to the Kelowna-Westbank community.”

“Julie is particularly skilled at building a high-performance team,” adds Huston, “and she’s had much success in start-up operations.”

“I’m thrilled to become a resident of the central Okanagan,” says Clitheroe, “and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to serve in this thriving region with great potential. We’re seeing increased need for personalized, locally-responsive financial services in this area and I’m confident that our Vintage Hills branch will really benefit the Westbank community.”

Clitheroe brings substantial expertise to her new role with more than twenty years experience in financial services. She has served in several positions at Envision and most recently managed the credit union’s Sunwood Square branch in Coquitlam. Clitheroe is no stranger when it comes to opening new branches, either. In 2005 she helped open Sunwood, where her leadership helped make the branch’s first year of business the most successful branch opening in Envision Financial’s history.

Clitheroe joined Envision Financial in 1995 and after serving nine years in a variety of roles, left to pursue other opportunities. While working as the Canadian Sales Manager for an import furniture company, Clitheroe decided to rejoin Envision, where, she says, the employee experience was unbeatable.

“Envision really was the best place I’d ever worked,” says Clitheroe. “It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy working with other companies or even in other industries, but employee satisfaction has always been more than just a buzzword at Envision, and I think the positive culture motivates staff to give great service to our member-owners. That’s just the kind of positive culture I’m looking to create at our new Vintage Hills branch in Westbank.”

Other Envision employees appear to agree with Clitheroe. Last year, the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business named Envision as the ninth best employer in Canada—the highest ranking achieved by a credit union in last year’s survey.

Presently faced with the task of hiring and training a staff for the new Vintage Hills branch, Clitheroe is out scouting and interviewing local talent. “It’s important that we build a team that includes a number of Kelowna and Westbank residents who are already part of the community and understand local needs,” says Clitheroe. “Envision is a locally-connected, community-based financial institution that places a high value on investing in the communities of which we’re a part.”

Envision’s Vintage Hills branch is tentatively scheduled to open in February of 2007, but that hasn’t stopped Clitheroe from making Kelowna her permanent home. Until the branch building is ready, she’s happily operating out of her new car—the brightly decaled “Envision Cruiser.”

The Vintage Hills branch is Envision Financial’s first full-service credit union branch in the Kelowna-Westbank region. Envision already operates two insurance offices in the Okanagan—Don Stobbe Insurance in Kelowna and McBain Insurance Agency in Summerland.

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. For more information on Envision Financial, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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November 8, 2006
Envision Financial announces winner of Langley business makeover

Langley, B.C.—Yesterday Dr. Erin Rice, owner of Rice Family Chiropractic was named the winner of the Envision Financial/Valley Women’s Network entrepreneur competition. Rice’s prize is a year-long business “makeover” mentorship experience, where she’ll be working with Bev Brown, Envision Financial’s Senior Vice-President of Sales and Service and a team of Envision’s senior managers from across the organization to improve the effectiveness of her business.

Envision Financial teamed up with the Valley Women’s Network (VWN) earlier this year to create this mentorship initiative which awards one ambitious local entrepreneur a one-of-a-kind business enhancement experience. After a rigorous application process, Dr. Rice was selected as a competition finalist and eventually as the winner.

“I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Rice and offering her our consultation on how she can grow her business,” says Brown. “Envision is committed to investing in its communities. This unique opportunity to work with a local entrepreneur and assist her in reaching new levels of success provides a real benefit to the community. It will also benefit Envision—this is a great opportunity for us to learn how we can better meet the needs of small business owners.”

The Envision team will offer personalized coaching and ongoing guidance in business planning. Envision senior managers from the areas of marketing and communications, sales and service, finance, credit services, human resources, and corporate citizenship, will lend their expertise and provide advice to Dr. Rice that is relevant to her business.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to be mentored by Envision Financial, and pleased that Valley Women's Network helped make this opportunity possible," says Rice. "I'm eager to begin working with Bev Brown's team to help grow my business and provide more services for my chiropractic patients."

Nicole Longacre of the Langley UPS Store and Angie Quaale of gourmet food store/cooking school, Well Seasoned, were the competition’s runners-up. Envision has offered both Longacre and Quaale some consulting for their respective businesses in specific areas.

The Valley Women’s Network is a collective of women who meet to network, dialogue about social and career issues, and promote personal and professional growth. There are 11 VWN chapters across the Lower Mainland, including two in Langley. The Langley Daytime Chapter, of which Dr. Rice is part, is sponsored by the Langley Times and boasts more than 150 members who meet monthly. The VWN offers a venue for women to develop business connections, make friends, and build community. For more information, please visit valleywomensnetwork.com.

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. For more information on Envision Financial, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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November 7, 2006
Envision Charitable Foundation celebrates 10 years of community dreams throughout the Lower Mainland

Surrey, B.C.—Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston can’t help but smile whenever he passes by the Tong Louie Family YMCA in Surrey. Built in 2002, it’s one of dozens of community dreams Envision has helped make possible across the Lower Mainland through its charitable foundation over the last decade.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this fall, the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation has donated more than $1 million to 35 different organizations since it was established in 1996.

“At Envision, we believe in sharing our success—with our member-owners, our employees and the communities we serve,” says Huston. “Each year, we provide funds to our Foundation with the hope that we can have a positive impact on the broader community.”

“Our credit union was built on the principle of neighbour helping neighbour,” adds Envision Foundation Chair Sally O’Sullivan. “That’s really what the Envision Foundation is all about. It’s about supporting our communities and making an investment in the future.”

In the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, a number of groups have received funding from the Envision Foundation over the years including the Fraser Valley Cancer Centre, the B.C. Family Hearing Resource Centre, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of B.C.

In addition to the $50,000 contributed to help build the YMCA, the Envision Foundation has contributed to a number of other groups in Surrey over the years including Surrey Community Services, the South Fraser Child Development Centre, and the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. In 2004 the Envision Foundation organized the Envision House Project, an ambitious $561,000 initiative to see two new homes added to the SOS Children’s Village Surrey.

In the Chilliwack area, the Foundation has directed funds to Big Brothers Big Sisters Upper Fraser Valley to help support their in-school mentoring program. The Envision Foundation also helped fund the Chilliwack Safety Village and the Yarrow Community Hall, home to Yarrow’s library.

Earlier this year, the Envision Foundation made a $52,800 donation to help the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation provide C.P.R. training for high school students in Langley, Hope, Coquitlam and Kitimat.

In Delta, a number of groups have received funding from the Envision Foundation over the years including the Tsawwassen Skate Park Association, DeltaAssist, the Kinsmen Retirement Centre and the Delta Arts Council. In 2005, the Foundation made a $100,000 donation to the Delta Hospital Foundation that will help the hospital expand its emergency services department and move forward with a $6 million renovation project.

Meanwhile, the Envision Foundation also supported projects in the global community. In 2003, the Foundation began contributing to the Nepalese Centre for Micro-Finance, an organization supporting the Women’s Savings and Credit Union project in Nepal. Although the Foundation donated $30,000 to the project over three years, a total of $120,000 was directed to the project thanks to a 3:1 matching program from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Recently, the Foundation made a new $30,000 pledge to support a second Canadian Cooperative Association project in Ghana, Africa.

“It’s exciting to hear about the impact that the donations from the Envision Foundation are having in the community, both locally and globally,” says O’Sullivan. “And, of course, the more our endowment fund grows, the more projects we’ll be able to take on.”

Over the last 10 years, the Foundation endowment has grown from $200,000 to almost $3 million.

“I’m thrilled to see how much the Envision Foundation has accomplished over the last decade,” says Huston. “It’s a great feeling to drive through the various communities we serve—whether it’s Langley or Surrey or Chilliwack—and see the ongoing legacy of our donations.”

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada, and invested more than $1.2 million in community organizations and initiatives in 2005. For more information on Envision Financial, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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November 3, 2006
Envision Financial scores a point for the environment with e-statements

Langley, B.C.—Envision Financial recently announced that it’s adopting a creative new environmentally-friendly practice in its banking operations. As of November 2006, Envision has become the first credit union in the province to introduce electronic account statements, or “e-statements”—monthly account statements that are retrievable online, eliminating the need for the traditional paper statement.

By encouraging its member-owners to opt for electronic copies of their account statements instead of the typical printed ones distributed in the mail, Envision Financial will use less paper and generate less waste.

“It’s a win-win initiative with an environmentally-conscious objective,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “E-statements benefit our member-owners by improving convenience, they benefit our organization by shrinking printing expenses, and most importantly, they benefit our environment by reducing paper usage.”

Envision has nearly 100,000 member-owners, many of whom receive 12 paper statements per year—it adds up to a total of over one million pieces of paper in the form of statements plus packaging annually.

“Envision is committed to becoming a leader in corporate citizenship,” adds Huston. “We’re looking to implement innovative practices that foster environmental stewardship in the way we do business and we’re encouraging all of our member-owners to make the switch from paper statements to e-statements. E-statements make sense.”

The e-statements project is one of many efforts Envision has made in the area of environmental stewardship. In 2005, Envision became the first financial institution in Canada to win the Canada Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) award for its Willoughby branch’s eco-friendly building design. Envision also supports environmentally-conscious community initiatives, runs in-office recycling programs in its buildings, and offers environmentally-sensitive products including an automobile loan with preferred financing for people who purchase hybrid, fuel cell, or natural gas powered vehicles.

“It’s up to local organizations like ours to make a difference in our communities and lead the way in corporate citizenship, particularly when it comes to caring for the environment,” says Huston. “At Envision, we’re continually seeking out new ways to promote environmental health.”

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. For more information on Envision Financial, visit envisionfinancial.ca.

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October 26, 2006
Envision Financial helps local Air Cadets raise record high $15,000

Langley, B.C.—The 746th Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s second biannual fundraiser, or “tag day,” ran into some unanticipated last-minute obstacles this past Saturday. But that didn’t stop the teens, together with their leaders and some 40 parent volunteers, from rallying to raise $15,200, the highest-ever total in the squadron’s history.

Thanks to the generosity of the community and an eleventh-hour helping hand from local credit union Envision Financial, the cadets managed to pull off their most successful tag day to date—collecting the record-breaking total almost exclusively in coins, no less.

The squadron, which consists of over 90 teens from the Aldergrove, Langley, and Cloverdale areas, suddenly found itself without a headquarters facility on the eve of the fundraiser. At 9 p.m. on Friday evening, Air Cadets’ Commanding Officer Major Wayne Heal received a phone call informing him that the hall he reserved months in advance had mistakenly been double-booked. As a result, it looked as though the cadets and their parents would be without a home base on tag day.

It wasn’t long before one of the cadets’ leaders, Chief Instructor Lieutenant Carol Daniels, hatched an idea and called her employer, Envision Financial, to explain the situation. When Envision’s Manager of Facilities, Ron Clifford, learned that the cadets were in a pinch, he made the necessary arrangements to welcome them into the credit union’s head office, located at 6470 — 201 St.

“When you’ve got 90 kids and their parents standing outside in October for five-hour shifts, you need a warm facility complete with bathrooms for them to return to,” says Heal. “Our tag day definitely wouldn’t have been nearly as successful if it weren’t for Envision and the wonderful welcome they gave us at their Administration Centre.”

“It was an unexpected request,” says Envision Financial’s Clifford, “but we were more than happy to help the Air Cadets out.”

With more than 90 teens participating and 40 parent volunteers accompanying them, the cadets were able to blitz the entire Langley area from Walnut Grove to Brookswood, and from Cloverdale to Aldergrove. Wearing sharp blue uniforms, they courteously greeted people and gathered donations outside several local stores including Save-on Foods, Zellers, London Drugs, Michael’s, Wal-mart, IGA, Blockbuster Video and Sears, among others. The cadets took their lunch break at the Envision Administration Centre and then returned to count their coins after approximately 12 hours of donation collecting. With this tag day’s record-high donations, the coin counting took an additional five hours.

“We’re thrilled by the community’s incredible support,” says Heal. “The 746th Royal Canadian Air Cadets depend on community donations to fund all the learning opportunities for young people, from first aid training to flight instruction to music practices to survival exercises.”

“Air Cadets empowers youth to serve their friends, families, communities and country,” Heal adds. “It builds their self-confidence and sense of responsibility as good citizens—and we’re grateful for the generosity the community has shown to us in helping us raise this record amount.”

The 746th Lightning Hawk Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, open to young people ages 13 to 19, meets in Aldergrove on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Naval Radio Station (NRS) building, located at 3900 - 272 St. For more information, visit cadets.net/pac/746air, or e-mail sqn746@telus.net.

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October 18, 2006
Wendy Kraft named Branch Manager at Envision Financial's Snow Valley branch

Kitimat, B.C.—Long-time Kitimat resident Wendy Kraft has recently been named Branch Manager of Envision Financial’s Snow Valley Community Branch, located at 954 Wakashan Avenue.

“Wendy is a strong leader with a great depth of financial expertise,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “Her dedication to the community of Kitimat and to the credit union’s member-owners is truly exceptional.”

“I’m certainly very excited about this opportunity,” says Kraft. “Kitimat is moving into a defining time economically, and at Envision we’re playing an increasingly important role in building the community’s future as we help our member-owners succeed.”

Kraft brings a wealth of management experience to her new role, having served as Assistant Branch manager at Snow Valley for over eight years. With more than 27 years of experience in financial services, Kraft is especially knowledgeable in the field of investment.

Kraft’s personal history with Snow Valley goes deep. “I started out as a teller in 1979 and progressed through successive roles with increased responsibility,” she says. “It’s enabled me to develop intimate familiarity with the credit union, its member-owners, and the economic climate in Kitimat. I’ve seen many changes in the financial services industry, but our credit union’s philosophy has remained the same—delivering the absolute best service.”

A highly involved contributor to the community, Kraft is a member of the Canadian Cancer Society, The Rotary Club, and the P.A.L. program. She also volunteers her time with several youth sport groups, and she previously served as Chair of the Parent Advisory Council at a Roy Wilcox Elementary School. In her personal life she enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.

“I’m proud to be a member of this community, and I believe in contributing as much as I can,” says Kraft. “That’s one of the reasons I’m so pleased to serve at Envision Financial in this capacity.”

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October 13, 2006
Langley entrepreneurs compete for a business makeover with the Valley Women’s Network and Envision Financial

Langley, B.C.—A comprehensive business makeover from a team of financially-savvy corporate experts—it’s the kind of thing reality T.V. shows are made of, and it’s any small business operator’s dream. For one entrepreneurially-minded Langley women, however, that dream will become reality, through a competition offered in partnership by Envision Financial and the Valley Women’s Network (VWN).

Dr. Erin Rice, operator of Rice Family Chiropractic, Nicole Longacre, owner/operator of the Langley UPS store, and Angie Quaale, proprietor of Well Seasoned gourmet food store, have just been declared the three finalists in the competition. The winner receives a one-of-a-kind business enhancement experience: a full year’s worth of personalized business mentorship from Envision Financial’s Senior Vice-President of Sales and Service, Bev Brown, and a team of business experts from across the organization.

The Envision team will offer the winner personalized coaching and ongoing guidance in business planning. Several Envision managers from the areas of marketing and communications, sales and service, finance, credit services, human resources, and corporate citizenship, will lend their expertise and give the successful applicant advice in each of these areas.

“This is truly an amazing opportunity for Langley businesspersons and for the Valley Women’s Network,” says Wendy Ratel, Executive Coordinator of the VWN throughout the Lower Mainland and CEO of Diamond Diva Designz. “Local entrepreneurs with small businesses are often undercapitalized, and are faced with obstacles that make it more challenging to create, maintain, and grow a successful business. Having access to Envision Financial’s mentoring and coaching resources will be invaluable for the successful applicant.”

Several Langley entrepreneurs, all members of the VWN’s Langley Daytime Chapter, drafted their competition applications over the summer months and submitted them in September. After careful review, Rice, Longacre, and Quaale were selected as the finalists, and will now undergo a more extensive interview process. The winner will be announced on November 8, at which time she’ll meet the team of coaches and start tapping into Envision’s expertise.

“I’m thrilled to be selected as one of the finalists,” says Rice. “Even the application process has been beneficial for Rice Family Chiropractic and for me, as it’s enabled me to refocus on the vision for the clinic and think through how we can serve the community even more effectively.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting with the contest’s winner and providing some in-depth assistance to help grow that person’s business,” says Envision’s Bev Brown. “Envision is committed to investing in its communities. This is a unique opportunity to work to help a local entrepreneur realize new levels of success—and that, in turn, benefits the whole community.”

“This is also an excellent learning opportunity for Envision too,” adds Brown. “We’re always looking to gain knowledge from our member-owners about how we can serve them better. Having such extensive dialogue with a local small business operator benefits Envision, because we become intimately familiar with how we can better meet their needs—I can’t wait to get started!”

The Valley Women’s Network is a collective of women who meet to network, dialogue about social and career issues, and promote personal and professional growth. There are 11 VWN chapters across the Lower Mainland, including two in Langley. The Langley Daytime Chapter boasts more than 150 members and meets monthly at the Sunrise Banquet and Conference Center, while the Langley Evening Chapter has smaller numbers and also meets monthly at the same location. The VWN offers a venue for women to develop business connections, make friends, and build community. For more information, please visit valleywomensnetwork.com.

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September 29, 2006
Envision Financial welcomes Tim Mackie as AVP, General Manager Envision Insurance Services

Langley, B.C.—Envision Financial is pleased to welcome Tim Mackie as Assistant Vice-President, General Manager Envision Insurance Services.

“Tim is someone who believes in cultivating long-term relationships with member-owners and advocating for their best interests,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “He shares our vision to deliver the best service our member-owners have ever seen. We’re confident that he’ll be a valuable asset to our team as he provides leadership for Envision Insurance Services.”

Mackie came to Envision Financial earlier this year as Assistant Vice-President, Regional Manager Delta/South Surrey. Before joining Envision’s senior management team, Mackie was the Superintendent of International Forest Products (IFP)’s Maple Ridge Sawmill. He has extensive experience in senior-level management, and has a history of providing outstanding leadership with IFP. Mackie holds an Executive MBA from Queen's University.

“Envision Financial’s commitment to going above and beyond in building member-owner relationships resonates deeply with my personal business philosophies,” says Mackie. “I’m excited to help strengthen Envision’s commitment to being the best place British Columbians have ever done business, particularly in insurance services.”

Mackie spends much of his free time with his wife Laura and their two young children. He loves exercising, and particularly enjoys golf and hockey.

Envision Insurance Services Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Envision Financial and offers a full range of home, auto, travel, life, and commercial insurance.

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September 26, 2006
Envision Financial names Yolanda Fequet Branch Manager in Coquitlam

Coquitlam, B.C.—Local credit union Envision Financial is pleased to announce that Yolanda Fequet has been named the new Branch Manager of its Sunwood Square branch in Coquitlam, located at 600-3025 Lougheed Hwy.

“The Tri-Cities area is a very exciting place to be,” says Fequet. “It’s growing, vibrant, culturally diverse, and I know Envision can do great things for the Tri-Cities community. We’re already supporting many local causes including the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, the Douglas College Foundation, local Rotary clubs, and community-building events like the Envision Financial Light the Lake and Golden Spike Days.”

Fequet has extensive management experience, having served as Assistant Branch Manager at Envision’s South Point branch in White Rock since 2000. While at South Point, she played an instrumental role in orchestrating the branch’s 2001 relocation and 2004 achievement of Envision’s Branch of the Year award. Fequet has an educational background in financial planning and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University where she majored in Finance and minored in Human Resource Management. She has been highly involved in the community as a Rotary Club member, a facilitator with Junior Achievement B.C., and a Girl Guide Leader.

“We’re delighted that Yolanda will be moving into this new role and are confident that our member-owners will benefit from her leadership,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “She’s definitely a champion of Envision’s commitment to exceptional, member-centric service.”

“My staff and I are here to help our member-owners make informed choices about investment options, structuring their finances, lending facilities, business banking, wealth protection, and even tax efficiency,” says Fequet. “As a cooperative financial institution owned by our member-owners, doing the right thing for each individual is always top of mind for us—when you see your member-owners achieve success, you become very passionate about the services you offer.”

Envision Financial’s Sunwood Square branch opened in mid-September of 2005.

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September 21, 2006
Envision Financial appoints Kay Gandham as Branch Manager in Langley City

Langley, B.C.—Envision Financial is pleased to name Kay Gandham the new branch manager of its Langley City Branch, located at 20627 Fraser Highway.

“Kay is a highly skilled leader with extensive experience and a strong work ethic,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “We’re delighted to appoint her Branch Manager at our Langley City location. Her commitment to the community of Langley and to our member-owners is outstanding.”

Gandham started with Envision Financial in 1992 as a Service Representative, and subsequently held a series of sales, service, and lending positions with increasing levels of responsibility. In 2003 she was named Assistant Branch Manager of the Langley City Branch, a position she held for nearly three years before becoming Branch Manager. She holds a Computer Operations diploma from Control Data Institute and is currently working towards her Certified Financial Planner designation.

“Langley is a vibrant, growing community,” says Gandham, “and this new position enables me to have even greater influence in serving our member-owners here. I’m excited to lead the team of dedicated employees at the Langley City Branch.”

Gandham succeeds Tim Lounsbury, former manager of Envision’s Langley City Branch and 2004 recipient of the H.D. Stafford Good Citizen of the Year Award. Lounsbury retired earlier this year.

Gandham is active in the community and is a member of the Langley Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this year, she helped launch “Voom” Kids’ Credit Union, a hands-on business education program for students at Langley Montessori School. In her spare time, Gandham enjoys spending time with her family.

“There’s nothing as satisfying in this profession as witnessing the successes of our member-owners and the community as a whole when we are able to help people achieve their financial dreams,” says Gandham.

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September 19, 2006
Envision Financial President Emeritus Peter Podovinikoff creates new scholarship

Surrey, B.C.—Surrey resident Grace Pawluk has been declared the first-ever winner of a new $1,000 educational award introduced this year by the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation. This award, called the Peter Podovinikoff Scholarship is named after the President Emeritus of Envision Financial, who is responsible for creating the fund.

“Beginning this year, the Peter Podovinikoff Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student Envision member-owner who exemplifies Peter’s commitment to bettering the community,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “Grace is our very first recipient, and we wish her the best of success in her future endeavours.”

Pawluk graduated from Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary in June 2006 and started attending Kwantlen University College this fall, where she plans to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Her eventual goal is to become a chartered accountant. An avid athlete, Pawluk also holds a spot on Kwantlen’s women’s basketball team. She volunteers with local sports programs, elementary schools, and community groups including Young Life.

“It’s an absolute honour to be the first recipient of this scholarship,” says Pawluk. “It will greatly help me in financing my education.”

The scholarship fund was created when Podovinikoff, a Delta native, retired as President of Envision Financial in 2004. In lieu of receiving a retirement gift, Podovinikoff requested that the credit union set up a scholarship fund through the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation.

“I saw it as a great opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and reward students who show exceptional dedication to community service,” says the Delta native. “I’m very proud of how Envision supports local students with their educational pursuits, and I want to congratulate Grace on being the first recipient of this new scholarship.”

Podovinikoff, who received an honourary doctorate from Kwantlen earlier this year and recently retired as Chair of the Kwantlen University College Foundation, was thrilled to give the new scholarship to a Kwantlen student.

During his time as President of the credit union, Podovinikoff oversaw the creation of the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation itself—an endowment that, since its inception in 1996, has contributed more than $1 million to Lower Mainland community organizations and projects like the Delta Hospital Foundation and the SOS Children’s Village B.C. in Surrey. Over the years he played a critical role in developing Envision’s many corporate citizenship endeavours. Podovinikoff is an inductee in the Canadian Credit Union Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his outstanding contribution to society.

In 2005, Envision Financial increased its total scholarship funding from $21,000 to $32,000 per year. By adding the Peter Podovinikoff Scholarship, the total is now $33,000 per year. To date, Envision has given nearly $300,000 in scholarships to B.C. students.

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September 15, 2006
"Nick-of-time" $4,000 donation from Envision helps Women's Centre provide school supplies for needy kids

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows, B.C.—Forty needy children in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows returned to school this year sporting new school supplies instead of showing up empty-handed, thanks to the Ridge Meadows Women’s Centre and a well-timed donation of $4,000 from local credit union Envision Financial.

Every year, the Women’s Centre’s Back-to-School program provides new backpacks filled with notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, geometry sets and even shoes for children who otherwise couldn’t afford them. This year, however, a severe shortage of community donations threatened the program’s survival.

“It was a crisis,” says Cheryl Lynne Peters, Executive Director of Ridge Meadows Women’s Centre. “We usually get lots of donations well before the beginning of the school year. We had never experienced a lack like we did this year.”

With the start of the school-year upon them, Peters says the staff of the Women’s Centre were starting to panic, until they received the phone call from Envision.

"We were overjoyed when Envision told us they wanted to cover the entire cost of the program,” says Peters. “We also received monetary and in-kind donations from other caring groups and individuals in the community—this generosity more than met our needs, allowing us to double the number of backpacks given out to children this year and expand the program to include winter coats which will be given out before Christmas.”

“Every child should be able to start school with the basic items they need to succeed,” says Peters. “When all the other kids all have new shoes but one child doesn’t even have new pens and pencils, it can be a little hurtful. Having new school supplies can help a child’s self-esteem, and that can even help the child do better in school.”

According to Rob Watkins, Assistant Branch Manager at Envision’s Coquitlam location, Envision employees were prompted to act when they noticed a brief article in the Vancouver Sun describing the Women’s Centre’s plight. Within a matter of minutes, representatives from the credit union were on the phone with Peters to make arrangements for a donation.

“Envision Credit Union is committed to making a difference in all its communities,” says Watkins. “We’re opening a new branch in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area in spring 2007, and we’ve been looking for opportunities to start giving to the community. When we heard about this last-minute opportunity to help needy schoolchildren, it was something we jumped at.”

"Community donations like these are so valuable,” adds Peters. “Without them, we’re forced spend so much time fundraising to keep our doors open that it detracts from our ability to actually run the centre.”

“We’re so grateful to Envision and all of the other caring individuals who opened their hearts. Every time the Women’s Centre has been at risk of closing, this community has come to our rescue,” she says. “All the contributions will definitely be put to good use—we’ll have funds to carry through to our Christmas stocking, dinner, and donation programs.”

The Ridge Meadows Women’s Centre aids women, children, and needy families in the Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge areas with services including an ongoing donation program, self-help groups, a food co-operative, a nutritional networking lunch, a “back-to-work” boutique, a parenting support group, addiction resources and crisis counseling services. The Centre exists to empower people in need, offering “a hand up, not handout.” For more information about the Women’s Centre or to make a donation, call 604.460.0064.

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with 18 branches and 19 insurance offices across the province and over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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September 8, 2006
Envision Financial welcomes two new managers in Delta: Josh Hoskins and Nar Virk

Delta, B.C.—Envision Financial is pleased to announce the appointment of two new branch managers in Delta. Nark Virk will be joining the Envision team as Branch Manager of the North Delta Community Branch, located at 8393 - 120th Street, while Josh Hoskins has been named Branch Manager of Envision’s Scottsdale Community Branch, located at 6955 - 120th Street.

Virk comes to Envision from TD Canada Trust. He has nearly 10 years of experience in the financial services industry and has managed two branches for TD Canada Trust. Virk has a proven track record in improving customer service and in strong business development. He is a Certified Financial Planner and has a diploma from Kwantlen University College. Virk is also active in the community and has been involved with the World of Smiles Telethon, the Vasakhi Festival and BC Children’s Hospital.

“We are confident that Nar will be a tremendous asset to our organization,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “He shares Envision’s commitment to the local community and to providing exceptional levels of service to our member-owners.”

“Envision Financial is moving into a time of incredible growth and I’m excited about the opportunities that are available,” says Virk. “At the same time, the organization is also committed to putting people first and giving back to local communities.”

Hoskins, the new manager at Scottsdale, previously served as Manager of Loans Administration at Envision’s head office in Langley. He also brings a wealth of in-branch managerial experience to his new role, having served as Assistant Branch Manager at Envision’s Tsawwassen branch and Yarrow branch in previous years. Hoskins is highly involved in his community and coaches kids’ baseball and rugby. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife Jenny and their three children.

“Josh is a highly experienced manager with a commitment to excellence and a strong work ethic,” says Huston. “We’re confident that our member-owners will greatly benefit from his strong leadership.”

“I’m very excited to be taking this new position and directly serving Envision’s member-owners in the Scottsdale area,” says Hoskins. “Delta is one of Envision’s founding communities—this is a great opportunity, and I’m looking forward to contributing here.”

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September 5, 2006
Delta schoolchildren create public environmental conservation mural with funds from Envision

Delta, B.C.—As students return to Beach Grove Elementary School this fall, they’ll no longer be confronted by a blank wall and an unwelcoming sign that says “Do Not Bounce Balls on Wall.” Instead they’ll be greeted with a brightly-coloured tiled mural that expresses a socially-conscious message, thanks to the students’ creativity and efforts, coupled with the vision of the Delta School District staff, the investment of students’ parents, and the support of local credit union Envision Financial.

The mural, which depicts wildlife in British Columbian beach, ocean, and mountain ecosystems, expresses a spirit of environmental conservation and is the central component in an initiative called Art and the Virtues Project: Building Curb Appeal and Social Responsibility. Visible from the road, the mural adorns the exterior front wall of the school gymnasium and faces 17A Ave. It consists of 484 tiles, each one individually fashioned by a Beach Grove student.

“Beach Grove’s new mural leaves a legacy of what the kids see in the community,” says Beach Grove Elementary Principal Bonnie Steffler. “Not only does it beautify the school and improve the curb appeal, but it reinforces the message of social responsibility that is being taught to students in all areas of their schooling.”

The mural’s design was conceptualized by the students themselves, with the help of Helen Robertson, Delta School District Coordinator of Fine Arts. Robertson collected approximately 320 drawings—one from each Beach Grove Elementary student—and incorporated an element of each drawing into a single picture. She then divided the picture into 484 individual squares and imprinted the images onto clay tiles. The students did all the work firing and glazing the tiles.

“This project involved the entire student population,” adds Steffler. “Creating the mural provided the students with an opportunity to learn new skills in art and develop new ways to express their feelings about environmental stewardship.”

While the students and staff supplied the vision, creativity, and effort for the mural, it was the Beach Grove Parent Advisory Council and Envision Financial who supplied the resources. With the help of the Parent Advisory Council, a new kiln was purchased for the school. Envision Financial funded the raw materials for the project, including the clay tiles and glazing supplies

“We’re very proud to be able to contribute to Beach Grove’s environmentally-conscious mural project,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “This project shows that small investments can make a big difference in the community when dedicated people apply their time and talent to create something beautiful.”

Beach Grove Elementary has been recognized repeatedly for its environmental initiatives, having won the B.C. Ministry of the Environment’s Environmental Award, the Environmental Educators Provincial Specialist Association’s Environmental Award, and Canada Trust’s Friends of the Environment Award. The school has a thriving EcoKids club, an active gardening club, and a partnership with Ducks Unlimited as well.

Envision Financial is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with 18 branches and 19 insurance offices across the province and over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. In 2005, Envision invested more than $1.2 million in community organizations and initiatives.

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August 31, 2006
Surrey Food Bank discovers new use for "Gleanings" with Envision's help

Surrey, B.C.—When most people think about making a donation to the Surrey Food Bank, they think about donating canned goods, or other non-perishable food items. What they don’t realize is that fresh fruits and vegetables are also welcome—even if they’re still in the field or on a tree.

But thanks to Envision Financial, that message is starting to get out. The locally-based credit union recently donated $3,000 to help promote the Surrey Gleaning Project, an innovative program that helps ensure low-income families have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

“The Gleaning Project organizes volunteers to help harvest produce that would otherwise be wasted from local farms and backyard,” explains Marilyn Herrmann, Executive Director for the Food Bank. “Every year in B.C., an estimated 16 million tons of food goes to waste in farmers’ fields. Sometimes farmers grow too much, or the produce ripens faster than they can get it to market. In other cases, the problem is an economic one. Often it’s just not feasible for them to do a third harvest, even though the plants are still producing.”

Last year, the Surrey Food Bank’s Gleaning Project harvested 23,475 lbs of fresh produce. This year, the goal is 30,000 lbs.

“The support we have received from Envision has been fantastic,” says Herrmann. “They’ve provided us with hundreds of posters and thousands of brochures to help us educate the community about the program and recruit volunteers.”

While some communities across the country organize “Grow-a-Row” programs in which people are encouraged to grow food specifically for their local food bank, the Gleaning Project targets owners of commercial farms and larger enterprises, not just backyard gardeners.

“The Surrey Food Bank currently provides bi-weekly food hampers for 14,000 clients each month and 45% of our clients are children and babies,” says Herrmann. “The volume of fresh fruits and vegetables we need is significant.”

As for what kind of produce the program accepts, the list is endless—from apples, strawberries, blueberries and plums, to lettuce, carrots, rutabagas and kale.

“You name it, we’ve gleaned it,” laughs Herrmann. “We even provide recipe suggestions for the more uncommon fruits and vegetables.”

For Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston, the Gleaning Project is just one more way Envision can help give back to the communities it serves.

“Credit unions were founded on the principle of neighbour helping neighbour and the Gleaning Project exemplifies that spirit,” he says. “This is a project that truly makes a difference in the lives of residents in our local communities.”

Indeed, in addition to connecting low-income families with nutritious fruits and vegetables, the program also has several side benefits.

“Gleaning is a very satisfying volunteer pursuit,” says Herrmann. “It helps get people active and also helps keep backyards free of rotting fruits that can attract pests.”

Already this year the Surrey Gleaning Project has harvested some 17,000 lbs of fruit and vegetables.

To find out more about how you can donate to the Gleaning Project, or to become a volunteer gleaner, contact the Surrey Food Bank at 604-581-5443.

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August 29, 2006
A Lifesaving Grant: Envision provides needed funding for CPR training for B.C.’s high school students

Langley, B.C.—High school students in British Columbia learn a lot of things in the classroom and soon, CPR will be one of them. Thanks to a grant of nearly $53,000 from the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation, students at secondary schools in Coquitlam, Langley, Hope and Kitimat will soon learn how to intervene in emergency situations and save lives.

This new high school CPR program is a joint initiative of the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation, the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) and the Ambulance Paramedics of BC (APBC).

“The ACT Foundation has already set up the CPR program in more than 700 schools across Canada,” explains Sally O’Sullivan, chair of the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “This grant will enable them to expand the program within B.C. so that more students can be trained in this life-saving skill. The goal is to see every B.C. high school student graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to save lives.”

“Eight in 10 cardiac arrests occur at home and citizen response is available in only 15% of cases,” says ACT Foundation Executive Director Sandra Clarke. “Research indicates that survival rates can be almost four times higher with citizen CPR. High school CPR will prepare all youth to assist whatever the situation—whether it’s a parent or grandparent experiencing a heart attack or stroke, a sibling or child choking, or even a friend in a drowning emergency.”

Each student who participates in the high school CPR program will not only be trained to recognize developing medical emergencies, they’ll also learn how to take charge and provide emergency first aid care until the ambulance paramedics arrive.

“The Government's goal is that every Grade 9 and 10 student in this province will have the opportunity to learn CPR by 2010. At the rate that B.C. schools have been implementing the program, this goal is entirely attainable,” says Langley MLA Mary Polak. “By teaching life-saving skills in our schools, we are helping develop responsible young people who will contribute to our communities for years to come.”

“As an organization, the BC Ambulance Service has been making dramatic advances in terms of pairing new technology with experienced paramedics who’ve been trained to provide rapid response for cardiac patients,” says BCAS Vice President, Medical Programs, Dr. Jim Christenson. “However, despite the technology, medical expertise and the rapid deployment of first responders, the best chance for someone in cardiac arrest is still to have a bystander perform CPR until our paramedics can get there.”

The high school CPR program is unique in that it trains teachers to provide CPR training to students as an ongoing part of the curriculum. Corporate partners like Envision help cover the cost of mannequins and other start up resources, but once established, the program requires relatively little financial support.

“This is a very exciting project that will result in an unprecedented number of newly-trained CPR providers each year,” says Gord Huston, President and CEO of Envision Financial. “As a company, we provide funds to our Foundation each year with the hope that we can have a positive impact on the communities we serve. This program more than meets that objective.”

Each year, the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation selects one major project to support, in addition to several smaller initiatives. Projects are chosen based on a variety of criteria, but preference is given to initiatives focusing on two key areas: health and safety, and youth. The high school CPR program addresses both.

Last year, the Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation awarded more than $273,000 to a variety of community organizations and groups, including SOS Children’s Village BC and the Kwantlen University College Foundation. This year, the foundation is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Envision Financial is B.C.’s third-largest credit union with 18 branches and 19 insurance offices across British Columbia and over $3.0 billion in assets under administration. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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August 18, 2006
Unique Canadian partnership attracts international attention

Calgary, AB—Two Canadian credit unions are creating a stir and making international news with a unique and highly innovative partnership. This joint venture, known as the Pathways Project, is a one-of-a-kind inter-provincial partnership between B.C.-based Envision Financial and Alberta-based First Calgary Savings. Recently, Pathways caught the attention of major American media network MSNBC, one of the world’s leading news organizations.

MSNBC will feature a story about the Pathways Project on Terry Bradshaw’s Winner’s Circle Monday, August 21. The Winner’s Circle is a television program that highlights successful North American companies and businesses that apply innovative approaches and strategies. The Pathways feature will also appear online at broadcastnewscorp.com.

Launched in 2004, the Pathways Project is a partnership between Envision Financial and First Calgary Savings which sees the two credit unions consolidating many operational functions to achieve growth, enhanced financial performance, increased operating efficiency, and added value for member-owners. At the same time, the partnership enables each credit union to retain its identity, offering locally-responsive decision-making and service within its own marketplace.

“The Pathways Project is truly a ground-breaking venture,” says Dave Gregory, President and CEO of First Calgary Savings. “It’s the first inter-provincial credit union partnership in Canada, and the first partnership of its kind in North America. Naturally we’re pleased to be featured on a major news network like MSNBC.”

“First Calgary Savings and Envision share the same values and vision, and share a similar deep-rooted commitment to their member-owners and their respective communities,” says Gord Huston, President and CEO of Envision Financial. “When two organizations that are moving in the same direction identify an opportunity to forge a mutually beneficial relationship that will bring about greater financial strength, it makes sense to partner.”

“This unique partnership enables us to consolidate our back-end office functions to achieve economies of scale and increase our efficiency, while at the same time maintain our local brand and standards of personalized, regionally-sensitive service,” says Gregory.

“The benefits reaped by our member-owners are significant,” adds Huston. “Pathways results in improved financial performance for both credit unions, helping us become stronger, healthier, more sustainable organizations with expanded pools of resources and expertise. As a result, our member-owners gain access to a greater selection of products and services.”

The MSNBC feature on the Pathways Project will air on Monday, August 21 at 7:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, 5:45 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time, and 4:45 a.m. Pacific Time. For more information on the Pathways Project or to view the two-minute segment, visit www.gopathwaysproject.com.

First Calgary Savings is a proud member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum Club, while Envision Financial is recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Employers for four years running as determined by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine.

First Calgary Savings’ branch network consists of 16 retail branches, 12 financial planning centres, a commercial banking facility, a dealer services operation and a locally-based contact centre. With $1.5 billion in assets under administration and approximately 100,000 member-owners, First Calgary Savings offers a complete line of financial products and services. First Calgary Savings is designated a caring company by Imagine Canada. The 425 employees of First Calgary Savings are proud to be leading, learning and living in the communities they serve. For more information on First Calgary Savings, visit 1stcalgary.com.

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August 15, 2006
Envision Financial awards $32,000 in scholarships to deserving local students

Langley, B.C.—Lower Mainland-based credit union Envision Financial has given 16 B.C. students a major boost in their education funds this year with the Envision Financial Education Award. The award is given out in the form of 16 individual $2,000 scholarships. This year’s winners are Joel Primus and Krista Vos of Abbotsford, Todd Bakker, Danielle Godin, Steffany Munshaw, and Christy-Lee Wellsby of Chilliwack, Jordan Manning, Caitlin Vincent, and Mari Steinmann of Delta, Stacie Reis of Kitimat, Samuel Fricker and Kara Jansen VanDoorn of Langley, Nicole Krentz and Amanda Kristman of Mission, and Tanya Dhaliwal and Calla Loewen of Surrey.

Sixteen of these scholarships are awarded annually to secondary and post-secondary students throughout the province who are Envision member-owners and have demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability and exceptional community volunteer service.

“Envision is proud to be able to assist deserving students with their educational pursuits.” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “Each scholarship recipient has shown a commitment to bettering his or her community—and that resonates with what Envision is all about.”

Since 1996, the Envision Financial Education Award has helped a total of 171 students in B.C. finance their educations, and has provided over $287,000 in scholarship funds.

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is among Canada’s largest credit unions with 18 branches and 19 insurance offices across British Columbia, over $3.0 billion in assets under administration, nearly 80,000 member-owners and nearly 800 employees. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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July 25, 2006
Envision Financial to expand into Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge, B.C.—B.C.’s third-largest credit union, Envision Financial, has announced that it will soon be opening its first branch in the Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows area.

“Maple Ridge is one of the fastest growing communities in the Lower Mainland,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “It’s an area with great potential, and we’re very excited about offering its residents a complete range of financial products and services in a convenient location.”

“There are already a number of Envision member-owners who currently live in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area,” adds Huston. “This new branch will allow us to better meet their needs and give them more convenient access to Envision’s exceptional person-to-person service.”

The new branch, which will be known as the Ridge Meadows branch, will be built at 20133 Lougheed Hwy., at the intersection with Dewdney Trunk Rd. between the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows city centres. Construction is planned for September 2006, and Envision anticipates that the branch will be open for business in late spring of 2007.

Envision Financial currently has 18 branches spread throughout British Columbia. Envision has also recently begun construction on a credit union branch in Westbank, just outside Kelowna.

The Ridge Meadows branch will offer a complete range of financial products and services, including full credit union services, insurance services, and the popular Redfrog mortgage, an all-inclusive account that enables homeowners to save thousands of dollars in interest and leap out of debt years sooner.

Like other B.C.-based credit unions, Envision Financial has been recognized for its exemplary community investment practices. In 2005 alone, Envision donated $1.2 million to local groups, events, and charities in the communities it serves. Envision has also been recognized as one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine for four years running.

“Envision Financial is a different kind of financial institution,” says Huston. “We’re a locally-based credit union that focuses on fulfilling the financial needs of our member-owners and exceeding their expectations in terms of service. I’m confident Envision will have a very positive impact on the communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.”

Envision Financial is among Canada’s largest credit unions with 18 branches and 19 insurance offices across British Columbia, over $3.0 billion in assets under administration, nearly 80,000 member-owners and 750 employees. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd.Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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July 19, 2006
Envision partners with Summerland credit union to run insurance brokerage

Summerland, B.C.—Envision Financial has just signed the papers to solidify a partnership with Summerland & District Credit Union (SDCU) in the operation of SDCU’s insurance division, McBain Insurance Agency Ltd. With the new agreement, both credit unions will jointly own and operate McBain Insurance.

“We’re very excited about this partnership with Envision, which we perceive will bring economies of scale to our marketplace,” says SDCU General Manager Kelly Marshall. “By partnering McBain Insurance with a highly experienced, well-known insurance services provider like Envision who also shares our local credit union values, we will significantly enhance the products and services we offer to our members and clients.”

McBain Insurance, formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of SDCU, will now be owned jointly as a subsidiary of SDCU and Envision Insurance Services, Ltd. The brokerage will continue to offer a complete range of insurance products.

Marshall gives the credit for the formation of the partnership to Lou Campana, SDCU’s former General Manager. Campana played an instrumental role in building the relationship with Envision before transitioning the credit union and brokerage’s leadership responsibilities to Marshall. “I’m pleased to have this opportunity to build on what Lou has already accomplished and to see the partnership through to fulfillment,” says Marshall.

Envision, a B.C.-based credit union that operates throughout the province in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Okanagan Valley, and northern B.C., is pleased to extend its insurance services to the Summerland area.

“Partnering with Summerland Credit Union to run McBain Insurance is an excellent opportunity for us to grow our insurance business and offer our high standards of service to the community of Summerland,” says Envision Financial President & CEO Gord Huston. “Envision is founded on a philosophy of â€˜neighbour helping neighbour’—building relationships and understanding individual people’s unique needs. SDCU shares this commitment, so naturally we’re very happy about this partnership in operating the McBain brokerage.”

Summerland & District Credit Union is a single-branch financial services provider serving Summerland and the surrounding area. With 7,342 members and $142 million in assets under administration, the credit union has a significant presence in the region. SDCU supports several local community programs, events, and groups; in 2005, SDCU donated $30,000 to community activities and $25,000 to the Penticton Regional Hospital.

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is among Canada’s largest credit unions with 18 branches and 19 insurance offices across British Columbia, over $3.0 billion in assets under administration, nearly 80,000 member-owners and 750 employees. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine. Envision is known for its corporate citizenship and is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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July 12, 2006
Envision Financial puts down roots in Central Okanagan

Westbank, B.C.—British Columbia’s third largest credit union is now calling the Okanagan Valley home. Early in 2007, Envision Financial, which currently provides financial services in the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley, and northern B.C., will open its first retail and business banking operations in Westbank.

Construction is already underway on the new location, which will be called the Vintage Hills branch. Situated at 201-3550 Carrington Road in Westbank, the Vintage Hills branch site is positioned just outside downtown Kelowna.

“The economic strength of the Central Okanagan region is extremely promising,” says Envision Financial’s President and CEO Gord Huston. “People who live in an area with such a robust economy require exceptional financial services from institutions who invest in the community and care about corporate citizenship. That’s why this is such a tremendous opportunity for Envision.”

“Envision’s long-term goal is to provide superior financial services for all British Columbians,” adds Huston. “We believe in delivering highly personalized, locally-responsive service based on understanding and meeting our member-owners’ individual needs—and now, we’re beginning to be able to do this in an increasing number of locations throughout the province. Expanding to Westbank is an important step for Envision as we build a stronger, more accessible financial network.”

Although Envision’s Westbank location will serve as the credit union’s first location offering banking services in the Okanagan, it’s not Envision’s first foray into the region. Envision has had a presence in the Kelowna area since late 2005, when it added Don Stobbe Associates Insurance Ltd. to its subsidiary operation, Envision Insurance Services.

“Don Stobbe Insurance has enabled us to build relationships in the area,” says Huston. “Our Westbank location will give us the opportunity to continue our commitment to the people and communities in the Central Okanagan area, offering them a much fuller range of financial products and services.”

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is among Canada’s largest credit unions with 18 branches and 19 insurance offices across British Columbia, over $3.0 billion in assets under administration, nearly 80,000 member-owners and 750 employees. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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June 28, 2006
Envision Financial helps Surrey ESL students succeed with S.P.A.R.K.

Surrey, B.C.—For children living in homes where English isn’t the primary language, developing literacy and language skills is often a challenge. But thanks to the Project S.P.A.R.K. family literacy program and ongoing support from Envision Financial, that situation is changing.

“When I started teaching in the Surrey School District 15 years ago, I noticed that the literacy level of second language children entering kindergarten was significantly lower than I’d experienced elsewhere,” recalls Project S.P.A.R.K. co-creator Ann Turner. “Part of the problem seemed to be that parents and caregivers weren’t aware of how to support their children’s language and literacy learning at home. They didn’t know how to share books with their children or use everyday situations as learning opportunities.”

Further complicating the situation, many of the parents Ann met had limited literacy skills themselves, even in their first language.

“Project S.P.A.R.K. was designed especially with ESL kindergarten students and their families in mind,” she explains. “It invites parents and caregivers into the schools and models a variety of ways in which family members can become more involved in their child’s literacy learning.”

Each hour-long session is focused on a particular topic and demonstrates to parents how they can use books, cooking activities, nursery rhymes and other activities to enhance their child’s learning. There’s even a lesson on how to use videos to help children develop active viewing and listening skills.

Now run at more than 36 schools throughout the Surrey School District, Project S.P.A.R.K. has been an important part of helping thousands of Surrey’s youngest ESL students succeed.

Over the last five years, many of Project S.P.A.R.K.’s resources have been created and donated by Envision Financial, including alphabet books and number and letter charts for each student. The credit union has also provided a host of dual language books for use in the full day kindergarten classroom. They’ve also helped cover the cost of photography that promotes the program’s success with families of second language.

“The dual language books are a very significant part of the program,” says Ann. “There’s nothing like watching the joy on a parent’s face as they read a favourite story aloud with their child in either their first or second language; for example, Punjabi, Urdu, Cantonese or English. These books really validate a family’s first language.”

Since 2001, Envision has contributed more than $8,000 to Project S.P.A.R.K.

“Envision has been an integral part of the program’s success,” says Ann. “For example, the dual language books used in the program are an expensive resource as they are only published in Britain. With Envision’s help, we have been able to make sure that every site has a variety of books for families to enjoy. The program wouldn’t be where it is today without Envision’s support.”

“At Envision, we strive to make a difference in our local communities and this program makes a tremendous difference,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “What is particularly impressive about Project S.P.A.R.K. is that it fosters relationships between the families and the schools. It really promotes schools as welcoming places for non-English speaking parents and helps them connect with the broader community.”

Envision Financial, home of the Redfrog mortgage, is among Canada’s largest credit unions with 18 branches and 18 insurance offices across British Columbia, over $3.0 billion in assets under administration, nearly 80,000 member-owners and 750 employees. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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June 19, 2006
Bulkley Valley Credit Union and Envision Financial partner to acquire Smithers brokerage

Smithers, B.C.—Bulkley Valley Credit Union (BVCU) and Envision Financial are pleased to announce that their insurance divisions have partnered to purchase long-serving Smithers insurance brokerage Pioneer Agencies, Ltd.

“Pioneer Agencies has a reputation for being one of the best insurance agencies in Smithers,” says Dave Stene, CEO of BVCU. “We wanted to expand our insurance operations while retaining our commitment to the communities we serve—acquiring Pioneer allowed us to do just that because we’re adding a local business that has been serving the Smithers area for over 50 years. Obtaining Pioneer will also help us build presence and financial strength as we extend our services to Houston in the future.”

“We’d taken the business as far as we could financially,” says Dale Clarke, Co-owner of Pioneer Agencies. “Coming under the umbrella of Bulkley Valley Insurance and Envision Insurance was a great opportunity to get the financial backing we needed and to maintain our strong ties to the communities we serve.” Both co-owners—Clarke and his counterpart Natalie Trueit—will continue to work with Pioneer as it becomes part of Bulkley Valley Insurance Services.

Bulkley Valley Insurance Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of BVCU, and Envision Insurance Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Envision Financial, first partnered together in early 2006 when they entered into joint ownership of R. W. Calderwood Insurance.

“Envision firmly believes in fostering locally responsive, community-oriented service in each of its communities,” says Envision Financial President and CEO Gord Huston. “As a provincial credit union, we’re thrilled to be able to extend our northern operations in partnering with BVCU, and invest in the community of Smithers.”

Bulkley Valley Credit Union is proud to serve 13,400 members from Burns Lake to the Hazelton along Highway 16 in northwest B.C. The credit union is a full-service financial institution that uses technologies such as MemberDirect Internet banking and MemberLink Telephone banking to enhance member accessibility. BVCU has 73 employees who provide the high level of personal service that its members have come to expect. Bulkley Valley Credit Union recently established an Economic Development Committee that has, in its first year of operation, contributed over $48,000 to assist local business ventures with various start-up costs. For more information on BVCU, visit bcvu.com.

Envision Financial is among Canada’s largest credit unions with 18 branches and 18 insurance offices across British Columbia, over $3.0 billion in assets under administration, nearly 80,000 member-owners, and 750 employees. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CU Dealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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June 14, 2006
Golden Spike Days Festival set to celebrate 30th anniversary with help from Envision Financial

Port Moody, B.C.—The largest Canada Day weekend festival in the Lower Mainland is gearing up to celebrate its 30th Anniversary this year with an exciting line-up of entertainment, contests, food, and activities for all ages. Golden Spike Days Festival will take place from June 30 through July 2 on the ocean’s edge at picturesque Rocky Point Park in Port Moody.

The event’s organizers are expecting record turnouts of over 45,000 people this year, due in part to the vast scope of activities offered at the festival—made possible by the sponsorship of local organizations like Envision Financial. A $10,000 donation from the Lower Mainland-based credit union gave this year’s festival a major boost.

“Golden Spike Days depends entirely on volunteers and contributions from businesses and organizations within the community,” says Patty Klassen, President of the Golden Spike Days Society. “It’s support like this that has made the festival a success for 30 years.”

In addition to Envision Financial, other major sponsors include the Appia Group, the City of Port Moody, the Port of Vancouver, Westminster Savings, and Pacific Coast Terminals, among others.

“Golden Spike Days is the biggest family festival and the best Canada Day weekend celebration around,” says Julie Clitheroe, manager of Envision Financial’s Sunwood Square branch. “It really brings the community together. Envision is delighted to be the Premiere Sponsor this year.”

Golden Spike Days Festival will feature attractions including the ever-popular “Port Moody Idol” competition, “Ocean Watch” ecological boat tours, a 5K and 10K run around the inlet, BMX bike stunt demonstrations, a brunch for seniors, a variety of entertainers and performances on multiple stages, a giant inflatable children’s slide, and of course, plenty of great food. One of the highlights at this year’s celebration will be a Friday night performance by Juno Award-winning band Trooper, who will be kicking off the weekend as they crank out signature classic rock hits like “Boys in the Bright White Sportscar.”

Golden Spike Days Festival is organized and run by the Golden Spike Days Society, a registered, non-profit society that exists wholly as a result of generous financial and in-kind contributions from the community. The Society is staffed entirely by volunteers who are dedicated to making the annual festival a successful family event. For more information on Golden Spike Days, visit goldenspikedays.bc.ca.

Envision Financial is among Canada’s largest credit unions with 18 branches and 17 insurance offices across British Columbia, over $3.0 billion in assets under administration, nearly 80,000 member-owners and 750 employees. Envision has four subsidiaries: Envision Insurance Services Ltd., Envision Investment Services Ltd., CUDealerlink and Envision Leasing Ltd. For four years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.

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Envision Financial announces results of 2006 Director Elections

Langley, B.C.—Envision Financial is pleased to announce the results of its 2006 Director elections. David Letkemann, Henry Jansen, Myrna Webster and Don Murray were the successful candidates. Letkemann is a first-time Board member, while Jansen, Webster, and Murray are returning Board members—each will serve a three-year term.

“These individuals bring a great deal of wisdom and expertise to our Board,” says Board Chair Terry Enns. “Each Director is dedicated to building on Envision’s history of financial strength, high level of member-owner service and commitment to investing in local communities.”

Having been an Envision member-owner for 28 years, Letkemann has deep roots with the credit union. A UBC law s

December 29, 2006Envision Financial the best B.C. employer says Globe & Mail survey

December 28, 2006Envision Financial accepting nominations for Board of Directors

December 19, 2006Coquitlam resident gets Christmas miracle courtesy of Envision Financial

December 13, 2006Envision Financial branch opening a milestone for Chilliwack

November 22, 2006Envision Financial giving away free money in the Tri-Cities

November 16, 2006Envision Financial's Julie Clitheroe cruises into Westbank

November 8, 2006Envision Financial announces winner of Langley business makeover

November 7, 2006Envision Charitable Foundation celebrates 10 years of community dreams throughout the Lower Mainland

November 3, 2006Envision Financial scores a point for the environment with e-statements

October 26, 2006Envision Financial helps local Air Cadets raise record high $15,000

October 18, 2006Wendy Kraft named Branch Manager at Envision Financial's Snow Valley branch

October 13, 2006Langley entrepreneurs compete for a business makeover with the Valley Women’s Network and Envision Financial

September 29, 2006Envision Financial welcomes Tim Mackie as AVP, General Manager Envision Insurance Services

September 26, 2006Envision Financial names Yolanda Fequet Branch Manager in Coquitlam

September 21, 2006Envision Financial appoints Kay Gandham as Branch Manager in Langley City

September 19, 2006Envision Financial President Emeritus Peter Podovinikoff creates new scholarship

September 15, 2006"Nick-of-time" $4,000 donation from Envision helps Women's Centre provide school supplies for needy kids

September 8, 2006Envision Financial welcomes two new managers in Delta: Josh Hoskins and Nar Virk

September 5, 2006Delta schoolchildren create public environmental conservation mural with funds from Envision

August 31, 2006Surrey Food Bank discovers new use for "Gleanings" with Envision's help

August 29, 2006A Lifesaving Grant: Envision provides needed funding for CPR training for B.C.’s high school students

August 18, 2006Unique Canadian partnership attracts international attention

August 15, 2006Envision Financial awards $32,000 in scholarships to deserving local students

July 25, 2006Envision Financial to expand into Maple Ridge

July 19, 2006Envision partners with Summerland credit union to run insurance brokerage

July 12, 2006Envision Financial puts down roots in Central Okanagan

June 28, 2006Envision Financial helps Surrey ESL students succeed with S.P.A.R.K.

June 19, 2006Bulkley Valley Credit Union and Envision Financial partner to acquire Smithers brokerage

June 14, 2006Golden Spike Days Festival set to celebrate 30th anniversary with help from Envision Financial

Envision Financial announces results of 2006 Director Elections

December 29, 2006
Envision Financial the best B.C. employer says Globe & Mail survey

December 28, 2006
Envision Financial accepting nominations for Board of Directors

December 19, 2006
Coquitlam resident gets Christmas miracle courtesy of Envision Financial

December 13, 2006
Envision Financial branch opening a milestone for Chilliwack

November 22, 2006
Envision Financial giving away free money in the Tri-Cities

November 16, 2006
Envision Financial's Julie Clitheroe cruises into Westbank

November 8, 2006
Envision Financial announces winner of Langley business makeover

November 7, 2006
Envision Charitable Foundation celebrates 10 years of community dreams throughout the Lower Mainland

November 3, 2006
Envision Financial scores a point for the environment with e-statements

October 26, 2006
Envision Financial helps local Air Cadets raise record high $15,000

October 18, 2006
Wendy Kraft named Branch Manager at Envision Financial's Snow Valley branch

October 13, 2006
Langley entrepreneurs compete for a business makeover with the Valley Women’s Network and Envision Financial

September 29, 2006
Envision Financial welcomes Tim Mackie as AVP, General Manager Envision Insurance Services

September 26, 2006
Envision Financial names Yolanda Fequet Branch Manager in Coquitlam

September 21, 2006
Envision Financial appoints Kay Gandham as Branch Manager in Langley City

September 19, 2006
Envision Financial President Emeritus Peter Podovinikoff creates new scholarship

September 15, 2006
"Nick-of-time" $4,000 donation from Envision helps Women's Centre provide school supplies for needy kids

September 8, 2006
Envision Financial welcomes two new managers in Delta: Josh Hoskins and Nar Virk

September 5, 2006
Delta schoolchildren create public environmental conservation mural with funds from Envision

August 31, 2006
Surrey Food Bank discovers new use for "Gleanings" with Envision's help

August 29, 2006
A Lifesaving Grant: Envision provides needed funding for CPR training for B.C.’s high school students

August 18, 2006
Unique Canadian partnership attracts international attention

August 15, 2006
Envision Financial awards $32,000 in scholarships to deserving local students

July 25, 2006
Envision Financial to expand into Maple Ridge

July 19, 2006
Envision partners with Summerland credit union to run insurance brokerage

July 12, 2006
Envision Financial puts down roots in Central Okanagan

June 28, 2006
Envision Financial helps Surrey ESL students succeed with S.P.A.R.K.

June 19, 2006
Bulkley Valley Credit Union and Envision Financial partner to acquire Smithers brokerage

June 14, 2006
Golden Spike Days Festival set to celebrate 30th anniversary with help from Envision Financial