local credit union member

Rural-first banking.
Made for life here.

Good neighbours make good partners. For nearly 70 years, Vision and Encompass credit unions have been good neighbours, supporting each other as we serve the rural Alberta communities that we call home. That focus on rural communities is our common ground, as is our dedication to providing a financial institution by rural Albertans, for rural Albertans.


In November 2022, Vision and Encompass credit unions united under the Vision banner with a mission to build an even stronger credit union for today’s rural Albertans, and for future generations.


Learn more.

Kael, Rhett and Bryan Perkins (left to right)
Perkins Farms, Wainwright

Rural-first banking.

Together for you.

Good neighbours make good partners. For nearly 70 years, Vision and Encompass credit unions have been good neighbours, supporting each other as we serve the rural Alberta communities that we call home. That focus on rural communities is our common ground, as is our dedication to providing a financial institution by rural Albertans, for rural Albertans. 


This November, Vision and Encompass credit unions will unite under the Vision banner with a mission to build an even stronger credit union for today’s rural Albertans, and for future generations.

Kael, Rhett and Bryan Perkins (left to right)
Perkins Farms, Wainwright

Frequently asked questions

  • Why have Vision and Encompass Credit Union merged?

    The merger of these two reputable credit unions to form a stronger, larger credit union is advantageous because it is...

    • Better for members – the merged credit union has the capacity to attract (or develop) employees with specialized skills to strengthen operations and the level of service for members.
    • Better for employees – the merged credit union allows employees to develop their careers across a broader network of communities, with more positions and a greater variety of roles than is currently available.
    • Better for communities – the merged credit union is financially stronger, and has the capacity to support communities with new services and resources.

    Together, our credit unions are even stronger, and better positioned to continue providing our serving our members and the rural Alberta communities in our branch network.


    The merged credit union offers members access to 23 branch locations across the province.


    Read a full copy of the proposed amalgamation agreement here.

  • How does this impact my branch?

    We will continue to operate all existing branch locations with minimal to no service interruptions. Members of both credit unions can access and use financial services at any of our combined branch locations.

    We will continuously evaluate the operations of our new credit union to ensure the best possible member experience.  

  • Who is the CEO of Vision Credit Union?

    The CEO of the amalgamated Vision Credit Union is Steve Friend.

  • Is there Board representation for Legacy Encompass?

    Yes, three directors will represent these branch locations.

  • Where is the Head Office be located?

    Vision Credit Union's corporate office is in Camrose, and there are administrative offices in Wainwright and Camrose.

  • What role have members played in this decision?

    In June, members of Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union voted in favour of the proposed merger.


    More than 267 Encompass members and 176 Vision members took part in two Special Meetings of Members to cast their ballot and have a say on the future of their credit union. The votes showed a clear path forward: 264 Encompass members  and 174 Vision members voted in favour of merging our two neighbouring credit unions.


  • Have there been any changes to my the legacy Encompass account names or features?

    No. All Encompass account packages are grandfathered for the time being, so your accounts continue to function just as they always have.

  • Have my interest rates or fees changed because of the merger?

    No. Existing Encompass accounts, loans, mortgages, etc. are grandfathered, and your fees and interest remain the same. Any new banking products will offer the competitive fees and rates on Vision’s fee schedule.

  • Do I need to switch my online/ mobile banking?

    No. There aren't any changes to your online/mobile banking for now. We’ll transition Encompass members over to Vision’s digital banking in the New Year, but for the time being, you don’t need to make any changes.

  • Do I need to order new cheques or get a new bank card?

    No. You can continue to use your existing bank cards and cheques until it’s time to renew or reorder them.

  • Will the branch hours of operation change?

    Operating hours for the Hughenden branch have increased to full-time hours. Otherwise. expect the same hours and the same great service at your branch.

  • I’ve been hearing about Vision’s profit sharing program. Will members in Encompass become part of this?

    As of November 1, Encompass members became Vision Credit Union members and joined Vision’s generous profit sharing program. Last year, Vision Credit Union members received $13.35 million in profit shares. For the past decade, Vision’s profit share allocation has been around 25 percent – the highest in the province. Check out our profit shares calculator to learn what your share of the profits could be!  whatsyourshare.ca

Rural-first members

Rural-first. To Vision, that means that rural Alberta is our first priority; our first choice. We spoke with some neighbours in Encompass' communities to find out what rural-first living means to them. 

MEET JANEL FENTON AND KRISTAL MACKAY

They're the owners of Spade to Spoon Garden Market and Greenhouse near Irma, Alberta. Kristal says they're rural-first because running a business in rural Alberta allows them to build relationships with their customers. It means they have the time and opportunity to learn more about their customers on a personal level – and their customers take the time to learn about their story, too. 

MEET BRYAN PERKINS WITH HIS GRANDSON RHETT

Bryan’s family has been farming this land just a few minutes north of Wainwright since 1908. Five generations of Perkins have lived and worked on the homestead founded here by Bryan's grandfather. Rural Alberta is a great place to raise a family and connect to your roots, says Bryan, who now works beside his grandkids on the operation.


It's also a great place to be part of a credit union. The Wainwright credit union was founded around his father's dining room table in the home where Bryan and his wife Sharon live today!


MEET THE LARSON FAMILY

This is Ken and Carrie Larson, their kids Luke, Sadie, Levi and Abby, and their dog Peanut. Ken and Carrie love living in rural Alberta because it's a friendly, supportive place to raise a family. People look out for each other's kids, and they always take the time to wave or have a chat, says Carrie.


The whole family is rural-first because they love living on the shores of Hardisty Lake where they skate and play hockey in the winter, and they swim, boat, water ski, tube, and wakeboard in the summer.

MEET ERNIE ZIEGLER

He's the longtime owner/operator of Lakeview Liquor in Hardisty. Over the years, he's also worked in the energy industry and served as a town councillor, so he has a wealth of information about the hometown that he loves.


Ernie's reason for being rural-first is personal. A few years ago when his daughter was badly injured by a passing driver, Ernie was overwhelmed by the support he received from folks in his community. People stopped by with care packages, offered to lend a hand, and quietly picked up his family's bill at restaurants. Rural Alberta people are the best, he says.

The latest news about our merger

Vision Credit Union and Encompass Credit Union members chose rural-first banking in merger vote

Members of Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union Vote in Favour of Merger

By Vision Credit Union • 03 Jun, 2022
The Boards of Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union are pleased to announce that members have voted in favour of the proposed merger between the two neighbouring credit unions. Subject to government approval, the two credit unions will combine their operations on November 1, 2022, under the banner of Vision Credit Union.

Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union Announce Plan to Merge Operations in Fall 2022

10 Mar, 2022
The Boards of Directors of Encompass Credit Union (Encompass) and Vision Credit Union (Vision) confirmed today that after a comprehensive due diligence process the two organizations have approved a business case in support of a merger. Subject to membership and regulatory approvals, the two credit unions plan to combine their operations effective November 1, 2022.

A rural Alberta CEO

Steve and Jaclyn Friend smiling on their ranch near Viking, Alberta

Meet Steve, CEO of Vision Credit Union

Steve, his wife Jaclyn and and their family operate a ranch near Viking, Alberta. Steve has lived on farms and ranches in Alberta all of his life. Those ties are important to him and they're ingrained in the way Vision operates.


Steve is proud of Vision’s rural roots and its track record of helping members. Serving members is job one for Vision and for Steve. That’s why he's so committed to Vision’s profit sharing program.


Over the past 10 years, Vision has returned 25% of the interest paid by members, depositing it into members profit shares accounts.

LEARN ABOUT VISION PROFIT SHARES

Get an estimate on the Profit Shares you could receive as a member of Vision Credit Union.

Profit shares calculator.

Get the whole picture on profit sharing:

Real people. Real Results.

  • Dan, credit union member

    We see profit sharing.

    Bill and Cindy see fuel for business.

    READ MORE

    • Financial solutions from 
    Vision Credit Union

    credit union profit sharing

    Profit shares primer

    Learn how Vision credit union profit shares work and how you can get your share of the profits.

    LEARN MORE
    Agriculture banking services

    Agriculture solutions

    When agriculture is your business, you put stock in the future and in your ability to nurture growth. We put stock in that too.
    LEARN MORE
    RRSP investment account

    Investment Solutions

    Planning for retirement? Saving for the future? Get peace of mind and your share of the profits with an investment account from Vision.

    LEARN MORE
    Business banking services

    Banking for businesses

    Vision credit union supports local businesses with account options and services designed specifically to make business banking easier.
    LEARN MORE
    Savings accounts

    Solutions for saving money

    Build your nest egg and get your share of the profits with a savings account from Vision Credit Union. 

    LEARN MORE
    Retirement planning services

    Solutions for Retirement

    Planning for retirement? Get peace of mind and your share of the profits with a term retirement savings account.
    LEARN MORE

    Our community stories.

    A VALID individual helping out a customer at the Pot O' Gold Thrift Store in Vegreville.

    Community Visionaries: Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity

    11 Apr, 2024
    In the 1950s, when the town of Vegreville’s population was less than 3,000, life for students who needed extra support wasn’t always easy. Many went without a proper education. But that all changed in the spring of 1959 when a handful of parents met to plan for a better future for their children with disabilities. Flash forward to today and the parent's once-small school has transformed into the Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity.
    Shrey Kothari, Vision Credit Union Investment Specialist, poses at the Camrose City Centre branch.

    Friendly Faces of Vision: Shrey Kothari

    01 Apr, 2024
    When it seems like you’ve lived everywhere, feeling comfortable and welcomed in a community means even more. For Shrey Kothari, Vision Credit Union Investment Specialist, who has lived in India, the US, and across western Canada, that sense of welcome has been something he’s enjoyed since he moved to the “friendly and helpful” community of Camrose early in 2023.

    Vision Credit Union Announces Community Grant Recipients.

    14 Mar, 2024
    Grants contribute more than $200,000 to support community organizations across Alberta
    Photo of the Albrecht-Lehmann barn taken by Sydney Hampshire for Heritage Barns of Flagstaff.

    Stories of Alberta: Heritage Barns of Flagstaff

    12 Mar, 2024
    With the help of a local university student, Flagstaff County took on the Heritage Barns of Flagstaff project to document barns throughout the area and tell stories of the history held within their walls.
    A Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) helicopter in Camrose, Alberta.

    Community Visionaries: Camrose Friends of STARS

    01 Mar, 2024
    Tragedy is a powerful catalyst for change. Western Canada’s Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) knows this all too well, as their origin story is a sombre one. In the 1980s, the founders of STARS were moved to action after a pregnant woman in a rural community died of blood loss during childbirth. They believed this was a preventable loss – that no one should go without critical care, no matter where they live. And that's exactly why the local fundraising group, the Camrose Friends of STARS, was born to help keep STARS in the sky throughout rural Alberta.
    Dan Hautzinger of Vision Credit Union and Alison Hagan of STARS stand by helicopter with donation.

    Vision Credit Union announces $150,000 donation to STARS

    29 Feb, 2024
    Vision Credit Union announced their commitment to a $150,000 donation over 5 years to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS).
    MORE POSTS

    Questions/Concerns? We’re here for you. 

    Get in touch with a Vision Credit Union agriculture specialist

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