The History of America's Credit Unions
Desert Valleys, in the Eastern Sierra corridor of California, is a $68M credit union with a focus on providing our community with resources to ensure our members achieve their financial goals through an emphasis on personal service.
History
Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union opened on July 11, 1946 with a small branch in the desert community of Trona, CA to provide the plant workers of the American Potash Chemical Company a place to cash their payroll checks. In May 1999, we expanded our field of membership to include the neighboring communities of Ridgecrest, Inyokern, California City, Boron, Lone Pine, Bishop, and Lake Isabella/East Kernville.
During our storied history, Desert Valleys is a survivor. After more than 19 years under Prompt Corrective Action, we emerged in 2019 with sustained capital reserves over 7%. In 2012, we recommitted to community and expanded reach developing our Roadrunner Foundation and creating innovative events like Member Movie Night and Santa Day. In 2007, we built our main branch location in the Ridgecrest Business Park. Our facility supports community groups & events while still prioritizing service to our members. Over the past five years, the credit union has grown significantly offering new and innovative products like our energy efficiency home options with GoGreen Financing, California's first prize-based savings program: Save to Win, and expansion into Commercial Lending and Business Accounts.
We strive to continue to be the "local credit union" and to serve our members in our hometown. Desert Valleys FCU is committed to providing competitively priced products and monetary resources to our members, with an emphasis on personalizing member service. We are dedicated to the idea of providing members the tools for financial success while helping to improve the economic & social conditions of our communities.
