In 1935, employees of the Humble Oil Company founded a member-owned financial cooperative to meet the needs that traditional banks often ignored. Over the decades, that cooperative grew and evolved—changing names and merging with other institutions—to become what is now known as Community Resource Credit Union.

“Credit unions are generally created out of a common bond amongst people, and CRCU is no exception,” said President and CEO Chad Heese. “Back then, many of the banks were ignoring regular people's banking needs, so they came together to create something for themselves. That spirit of community is still what drives us today.”



Services that grow with members

Since its founding, CRCU has continually expanded and adapted its services to meet the changing needs of its members.

Current services include:
  • Personal banking
  • Online and mobile banking
  • Consumer loans
  • Construction loans
  • Wealth management
  • Business lending
  • Insurance services
“We recognize that banking needs change over time,” Heese said. “That’s why we are committed to learning and growing with our members and modernizing our services while staying true to the personal, community-focused approach that has always defined us.”



Keeping money where it matters

One of the defining principles of Community Resource Credit Union is ensuring that the money members invest or borrow stays local, directly benefiting the surrounding community. Rather than sending profits to out-of-state shareholders or corporate headquarters, CRCU reinvests those funds into local initiatives, schools and organizations.

“Credit unions, particularly in smaller communities, have a unique ability to expand the wealth of the community they serve,” Heese said. “When our members work with us, that money stays local. Our goal is to be a financial partner, helping the communities we serve grow and thrive.”

This approach contrasts sharply with large, for-profit banks, where profits often flow to corporate headquarters or distant executives rather than staying in the community.

At CRCU, every dollar spent on loans or earned through savings remains local, creating a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of its members and neighbors.



CRCU’s vision for the next decade

As CRCU celebrates 90 years, it is focused on evolving to meet members’ changing needs while maintaining the personalized, high-quality service that defines its legacy. Heese explained that CRCU will continue modernizing alongside advancing technology to serve members more quickly and efficiently.

“At CRCU, our goal is to make banking the smallest speed bump on the freeway of life,” Heese said. “By combining cutting-edge technology with genuine care, we’ll help members focus on what matters most—their lives and goals.”

With a strong foundation and a clear vision, CRCU is committed to being a trusted financial partner well into the future.

Why choose CRCU? 5 reasons to join

Community Resource Credit Union isn’t just a place to bank; it’s a partner invested in financial well-being and the health of its community. Here are five reasons why CRCU stands out:
  1. Local ownership and influence
  2. Comprehensive, evolving services
  3. Personalized, high-quality service
  4. Commitment to financial education
  5. Celebrating 90 years of trust


Interested in becoming a member? Visit the Become A Member webpage.

To learn more about CRCU, visit www.crcu.org.


The above story was produced by Community Impact's Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.