QC, That’s Where! We are Vibrant

MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) -The year was 1935, the height of the Great Depression, and eight John Deere Harvester Works employees came up with a better way for ordinary people to borrow money.

Like many Americans of that era, they didn’t trust big banks. But they did trust each other. So they each decided to contribute five bucks into a pool. Any of them could ask to borrow from that pool as needed—and pay it back at a lower rate than any bank would ever offer.

That was the start of the Deere Harvester Credit Union, the financial institution known today as Vibrant Credit Union. Those eight original members have grown to more than 50,000, and that $40 into more than $1 billion in assets.

But the fundamental approach to business has never changed because Vibrant Credit Union continues to value people over profits.

Among the topics highlighted during the interview are how members can opt for current products like interest-earning savings and checking accounts. For example a Preferred Savings account can earn $450 on a $10 thousand balance over a year which is different than most banks where you are more likely to earn about a dollar for the same investment.

New and current members are also taking advantage of Vibrant CD promotions at higher rates that continue to be available.

The financial institution has also become committed to disrupt traditional banking in the age where people are generally not opting to conduct in-person banking. Vibrant has transformed their online banking platform, invested in a call center, closed some physical branch locations (so there is less overhead and the money can go back to customers) and has turned some spaces into something else--like coffee shops.

Among the investments that Vibrant Credit Union has made into the community are sponsoring the venue Vibrant Arena at The Mark. Another is a partnership with Junior Achievement of the Heartland on a new learning center where thousands of students in 4th through 9th grades will have the opportunity to experience and learn the economy.

The JA Inspiration Center, a new 14,000 square foot space in Moline located between the Vibrant headquarters and the new Vibrant Coffeehouse and Kitchen, is set to open in October and will allow these students to focus on things like workforce development as a means to grow and thrive into adulthood.

To learn more about personal or business banking and the perks of being a member, visit Vibrant Credit Union online here. To get in touch over the phone, call 800-323-5109.

QC, That’s Where! We work best when we’re together! QC, That’s Where! is brought to you by a partnership with the Quad Cities Chamber and Visit Quad Cities.