-Submitted photo
Staff at Peoples Credit Union pose at their office recenly. Pictured in the front row, from left to right: Keith Osterberg, Mandy Beckman, Kellie Rude and Cheyenne Jones Back row: Kathy Spal, left, and Angie Jessen.

What is the name of your business? Peoples Credit Union

Where it is located? Home office is in Webster City, with branches in Fort Dodge and Lehigh

When was it founded?

We first established roots in Webster City on May 25, 1962 operating out of the home of Don and Colleen Follett and serving only the employees of Franklin Manufacturing Company and Arrow Acme Corporation. 23 years later, we joined forces with Hamilton County Public Employee Credit Union and changed the name to Peoples Credit Union. Today we are proud to say we are still locally owned with 3 branch locations, serving 11 counties and nearly 8,000-member owners.

Who are the key leaders? Jordan Hensley is CEO/President. Stephen Kesten is VP of Operations. Keith Osterberg is VP Member Services, Mandy Beckman, FD Branch Manager

How many people does it employ? 20

What products and services do you provide?

Peoples CU offers the same products as the big banks; savings, CDs, IRA, Money Markets, Debit & Credit Cards, Commercial and Home Loans, Notary Service and Wire Transfers. Because we are not-for-profit, our loan approvals and interest rates are usually more favorable over the larger financial institutions. Peoples CU does not charge any monthly fees or have minimum balance requirements.

What are you doing differently to serve customers during the pandemic? ‘We have spent a great deal of time training and helping members to learn to use our mobile app and online banking. We share more information on social media and there has been a tremendous jump in utilizing digital signatures for online loan applications and signing of loans.

What is the biggest challenge your business has overcome recently?

We pride ourselves on personal service and care and not being able to see our members in person has been an adjustment. Our community outreach, which is one of our core values, has been more of a challenge during the pandemic. Typically our “Lil Spark” car was out a couple times a month to do random acts of community kindness such as: free gas, buy someone lunch, deliver food to food banks, free ice cream at a tee-ball game, and most of this year the “Lil Spark” has sat idle. Staying involved with our communities is not only good for business but also good for staff morale.

What is the biggest success your business has experienced recently?

We have grown members, assets and lending volume during the pandemic demonstrating our true value to community.