History
Your future, our history
Your future, our history
In 1938, a small group of dedicated and concerned teachers met for the purpose of forming a financial cooperative for school employees and their families. From these very humble beginnings, Valley Strong Credit Union was founded and formed.
The first Valley Strong “office” was actually a small room located in the library of a local high school. A single volunteer conducted all the operations, with transaction receipts kept in a shoe box. By the end of our first year, Valley Strong had 141 individuals banking with us and approximately $1,300 in assets.
Simply stated, a lot has changed over the last three-quarters of a century. However, our commitment to serving all of California remains the same. That’s why more than 290,000 individuals representing nearly $4 billion in assets choose to bank with us.
Our mission is to turn people’s financial possibilities into financial realities. We work every day to create a better tomorrow for our children and families. We are here to stay and grow together. And, here to discover the best financial possibilities for the best possible outcomes.
From extensive loan programs, including home and auto, to the latest in digital technology, retirement and wealth management services, and business banking, Valley Strong is your lifelong financial partner.
So no matter what your financial possibilities may be, we are here to serve you.
Valley Strong Credit Union – Grow Your Possibilities
Credit Union established at Bakersfield High School
Granted federal charter as Kern County School Employees Federal Credit Union
First branch opened on Oak Street
Shortened name to Kern Schools Federal Credit Union
Ming branch opened
Mt. Vernon branch opened
Town and Country branch opened
Delano express branch opened
Online banking launched
Panama branch opened
Tehachapi express branch opened
Rosedale branch opened (moved to Artisan Square in 2017)
DataMobile banking app launched
Buena Vista branch opened
Moved to new Corporate Office at 11500 Bolthouse Drive
Celebrated 75th anniversary
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union changed to Valley Strong and now serves the whole San Joaquin Valley.
Saw the first expansion outside of Kern County with two branches opening in Tulare County (Tulare Branch, North Visalia)
Porterville Opens
Merge with Solano First Credit Union – adding 3 locations
Central Visalia Opens
Merge with Financial Center Credit Union – adding 6 locations
Dinuba Opens