90 Years of Purpose: What’s in a Name?
What’s in a name?
For us, it’s our purpose.
For 90 years, we’ve been here in Michigan—serving our communities with banking that’s simple, affordable, and built around people. As a Michigan-born credit union, we’ve always believed local matters. Because when you’re part of a community, you show up differently. You listen more closely. You care more deeply.
And that’s where our story begins.
Humble Beginnings, Lasting Impact
In 1936, the Teachers’ Club of Midland County came together with a simple idea: create something better for their community. With just $50, they started a cooperative rooted in trust and shared purpose.
A passionate teacher, Donald Benfer, opened up his junior high classroom to serve as the first credit union office. It wasn’t much—but it was enough. Because from the very beginning, this was about people helping people.
Growing Stronger, Together
Over the years, that same spirit guided us forward.
In 2012, we joined forces with a long-standing credit union formed by the Clare Manufacturing Company—an organization deeply committed to serving the needs of Central Michigan families.
In 2017, we expanded again, partnering with Michigan’s oldest credit union, originally founded in 1926 by ten United States Postal Service employees.
A Name That Reflects Who We Are
Today, we are Members First Credit Union.
Our name says it all. Everything we do is in pursuit of bettering and strengthening the communities that we’ve grown up in for 90 years.
Because when our members feel supported, confident, and in control, stronger communities follow.
Where Joy Meets Purpose
At Members First, we believe joy and purpose go hand in hand.
So we’re here to make banking easy. To keep things simple. And help you find joy in your financial journey — by delivering the tools, resources and advice to help you reach your goals.
Whether it’s buying a new home, starting a small business, or saving for retirement, at Members First, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
For the Joy of It
Why do we do it? The same reason you do what you love.
For the joy of it.
And after 90 years, that purpose still drives us forward—stronger than ever.
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