As we complete the credit union’s transition to our new President/CEO, Terry Burn, it seems appropriate for some reflections on the nearly 7 years that I have had the opportunity to lead Northwoods Credit Union.
First, I must acknowledge the wonderful organization that my predecessor, Barb Brown, left for me to lead. Barb navigated the credit union through a time of growth and change. Likewise, my time has been a time for the credit union to continue to grow in assets, staff, and services.
We have all had our lives changed by many things, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic highs and lows, and plenty of uncertainty. However, through it all, Northwoods has held steady to our Mission, Vision, and Values. Our commitment to you, our member/owners, has never wavered. Our commitment to being there when you need us the most still drives the way we lend, do business, and give back to our communities.
I can mention the obvious accomplishments during my tenure as President/CEO, like our assets growing from $111.5 million to $180.0 million, the remodeling of our Floodwood office, and our Cloquet offices (Ave B and Stanley Ave). All creating better member experiences and more efficiency. We added an administration building in Cloquet that saved millions of dollars versus expanding existing facilities.
I could mention the new services we have made available, the services that we have improved, but, to me, our unwavering commitment to our members and communities has been the most important thing.
We have supported our communities in numerous ways, including our continued significant financial support for the hockey facilities in Cloquet, Moose Lake, and Carlton. We have also made other significant financial commitments in our communities that included supporting the Cloquet Library expansion and providing needed CPR training aids, AED devices, and hearing screening equipment to the Floodwood School.
Every year, we give to the food shelves in Cloquet, Moose Lake, and Floodwood, and to numerous safe post-prom/graduation parties. We do all of this and more, not for recognition, but because we live in these communities and it is just the right thing to do.
While all of this is wonderful, as I look back on my time here at Northwoods, I cannot help but think of the amazing people that I got to work with every day. Our management team and staff are among the best I have ever worked with during my 43-year career.
I’m grateful for our terrific Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee members. I think of all the members I got to meet, especially during our Annual Meetings and Member Appreciation events.
I think of all the community organizations and events I got to participate in and serve within. But most of all, I think about how we have kept Northwoods true to our credit union founding principle of members helping each other through their cooperative financial institution.
So, as I finish up my last few weeks before retirement, I am grateful for the opportunity and trust that was given to me to lead Northwoods. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I look forward to the great things that lie ahead for Northwoods with Terry steering the ship.
– Doug Wolf