Best Credit Union: GreenState Credit Union

GreenState’s focus on members rather than shareholders and its goal of putting money back into members’ pockets via its deposit and loan products set it apart from competitors, helping the North Liberty-based institution rack up its eighth win as best credit union and third as top residential real estate lender in the Corridor. “While every organization needs profit to survive, it is not our primary focus,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jim Kelly of the state’s largest mortgage lender, which has had a busy year, including the acquisition of $759 million-asset Oxford Bank & Trust of Oak Brook, Illinois, and $383 million-asset Premier Bank of Omaha, Nebraska, as well as the launch of a $500 million initiative to boost homeownership for people of color. “The GreenState difference is primarily found in our culture,” Mr. Kelly said. “It permeates everything. You take good care of staff and they in turn will take great care of the members and the communities that they reside in.” That was especially true during the worst of the pandemic and following last summer’s derecho, when GreenState worked closely with members to reduce fees, defer loan payments and budget during difficult times. GreenState also spent time educating members on free digital options to continue conducting business and debuted contactless credit and debit cards. That commitment continues with GreenState’s “digital services roadmap.” Mr. Kelly said he is also excited about new community giveback initiatives, “which are very lofty 10-year goals that will challenge us.” 1st RUNNER UP: Collins Community Credit Union 2nd RUNNER UP: Veridian Credit Union BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE LENDER GreenState Credit Union 3 times on list 1st RUNNER UP: Hills Bank & Trust 2nd RUNNER UP: Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust