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MultiCare Health System and TAPCO Credit Union Enter into Equitable Banking and Lending Partnership

TACOMA, WA - October 1, 2024 – MultiCare Health System and TAPCO Credit Union are proud to announce this new partnership, aimed at promoting increased financial access and equity for MultiCare’s large and increasingly diverse workforce.

This collaboration reflects the shared goal of MultiCare and TAPCO Credit Union to foster a financially inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

Our partnership will empower MultiCare employees and volunteers by ensuring equitable access to financial services, regardless of their income or background,” says Shareka Fortier, MultiCare’s Chief Belonging Officer. “This partnership is another step on our journey toward fostering a genuine culture of belonging for our employees.”

As part of this partnership, TAPCO will offer a suite of financial products and services designed to enhance economic access and stability for MultiCare employees, their family members, and MultiCare volunteers.

These services include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting Financial Inclusion: Increasing access to equitable credit and financial services for all employees, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.
• Ensuring Fair Banking and Lending Practices: Developing and implementing banking and lending practices that are transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory.
• Empowering Communities: Providing financial education and resources to empower individuals to make informed decisions about banking, borrowing, and credit utilization.
• Fostering Economic Growth: Supporting economic development within communities by offering equitable banking and lending products.

TAPCO Credit Union is offering services and support through its Affinity Program. This program is designed to address the unique financial needs of MultiCare employees, providing tailored solutions to help them achieve financial stability and success.

“We are thrilled to partner with MultiCare around increasing equity and access for their employees,” said TAPCO CEO Justin Martin. “We look forward to contributing to their financial well-being and long-term success through our tailored services, financial education and a shared commitment to economic empowerment for all.”

For more information about the TAPCO Credit Union, their products, and services, please visit the website: TAPCOcu.org.

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About TAPCO Credit Union

TAPCO Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving individuals and businesses in Washington State. With a rich history dating back to 1934, TAPCO is dedicated to improving the financial lives of its members through personalized service, competitive products, and community engagement. TAPCO Credit Union offers a wide range of financial services, including savings accounts, checking accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment options.

Jeremy Mandery Joins TAPCO Credit Union as Chief Lending Officer

TACOMA, WA - September 25, 2024 – TAPCO Credit Union is proud to announce that Jeremy Mandery has joined the organization as the new Chief Lending Officer (CLO). Jeremy brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the lending space, with a proven track record of success in leadership roles. Most recently, Jeremy served as Vice President of Lending and Credit Administration at Kitsap Credit Union, where he oversaw all aspects of lending and collections. He also played a key role in introducing innovative products that enhanced the member experience and optimized workflows for employees.

A native of Gig Harbor, Jeremy is deeply connected to the local community. His passion for supporting the region was evident throughout the interview process, where he expressed a strong commitment to focusing TAPCO’s lending efforts on serving the entire community. Jeremy’s vision includes developing products and services that foster prosperity for all, particularly underserved segments, through equitable and inclusive solutions. His previous work with a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) reflects his dedication to engaging diverse communities and promoting equity in financial services.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy to the TAPCO team," said Justin Martin, CEO of TAPCO Credit Union. "His experience, combined with his local roots and commitment to community-focused lending, makes him the perfect fit to lead our lending efforts. Jeremy’s forward-thinking approach will ensure TAPCO continues to deliver exceptional value to our members, while advancing our mission of fostering financial well-being and inclusivity."

As TAPCO's Chief Lending Officer, Jeremy will spearhead initiatives that align with TAPCO’s dedication to delivering innovative financial products while supporting the broader community. His leadership will strengthen TAPCO’s commitment to serving the financial needs of the entire South Sound region.

About TAPCO Credit Union
TAPCO Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving individuals and businesses in Washington State. With a rich history dating back to 1934, TAPCO is dedicated to improving the financial lives of its members through personalized service, competitive products, and community engagement. TAPCO Credit Union offers a wide range of financial services, including savings accounts, checking accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment options.

For more information about TAPCO Credit Union and its range of financial services, please visit www.TAPCOcu.org

TAPCO Credit Union Breaks Ground on New Frederickson Branch

TACOMA, WA - June 6, 2024 - TAPCO Credit Union is excited to announce the groundbreaking of its new full-service branch in Frederickson, WA. This event marks a significant milestone in TAPCO’s 90-year history and exemplifies the organization’s ongoing commitment to the community of Tacoma and Pierce County.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on June 6, 2024, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the future site of the TAPCO Frederickson Branch, located at 5320 176th St E, Tacoma, WA 98446. The event will feature light refreshments in celebration of community and growth.
CEO's Address:

In his speech, TAPCO Credit Union CEO Justin Martin expressed deep gratitude and pride in this momentous occasion. He then acknowledged the traditional homelands of the Puyallup and Nisqually Tribes and the broader Coast Salish tribes, recognizing their enduring stewardship of the land. "This land acknowledgment is one small step toward true allyship, and we commit to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of the Indigenous people of this land and beyond," said Martin.
Reflecting on TAPCO's journey since its founding in 1934, Martin highlighted the credit union's growth from its humble beginnings under the stairs of the Old City Hall in downtown Tacoma. He emphasized TAPCO's resilience, innovation, and unwavering community spirit throughout its history, noting that while the name has evolved, the dedication to members and the community has remained steadfast.

Celebrating the groundbreaking of the new Frederickson Branch, Martin remarked, "This branch is not just a symbol of growth and progress; it is a testament to the enduring strength of TAPCO and the communities we serve." Designed to be a community hub, the new location will include a dedicated community space, embodying TAPCO’s commitment to grow alongside the Frederickson area.

Martin extended heartfelt thanks to Momentum Inc. and Helix Design Group for their invaluable contributions to the project. "As we embark on this new chapter in our history, let us do so with gratitude for our past, excitement for our future, and a renewed dedication to serving the needs of our members and our community," he concluded.

About TAPCO Credit Union
Founded in 1934, TAPCO Credit Union has been serving the Tacoma and Pierce County communities for 90 years. Originally established as City Credit Union of Tacoma by nine city employees, TAPCO has grown and evolved, always with a focus on resilience, innovation, and community spirit. TAPCO remains dedicated to providing exceptional financial services and fostering community growth and development.

TAPCO Credit Union Ranked #2 in Washington State by Forbes

TACOMA, WA - June 23, 2023 - TAPCO Credit Union is proud to announce that it has been ranked as the second-best credit union in Washington State in the prestigious "America's Best Credit Unions in Each State" list for 2023, published by Forbes. This recognition highlights TAPCO's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional financial services and demonstrates its strong position in the competitive financial landscape.

To compile the list, Forbes partnered with independent market research firm Statista to survey US consumers, analyzing various factors such as customer service, the quality of the financial advice representatives offer, whether fees are transparent and reasonable, ease of navigating the company website, and on-location branch services. TAPCO Credit Union's remarkable achievement in being included on this national list, as well as securing the second position in Washington State, underscores its exceptional financial service offerings and dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its members.

TAPCO Credit Union has consistently strived to deliver innovative financial solutions that enhance the financial well-being of its members. By focusing on personalized service, advanced digital banking technologies, and competitive products, TAPCO is a trusted partner for its members throughout Washington State.

"We are thrilled and honored to be included on such a prestigious list and to be recognized as one of the best credit unions both nationally and in Washington State by Forbes," said Justin Martin, CEO of TAPCO Credit Union. "This accolade reflects our commitment to providing superior financial services, exceptional member experiences, and fostering long-term relationships built on trust and integrity. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated employees and loyal members for their continuous support and trust."

TAPCO Credit Union's dedication to community development and financial literacy programs has been a driving force behind its success. The credit union actively engages in philanthropic initiatives, supporting various local organizations and community events and empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions.
As TAPCO Credit Union celebrates this significant achievement, it remains committed to its core values of member-centricity, financial expertise, and community support. With a steadfast focus on innovation and member satisfaction, TAPCO aims to elevate its services further and deliver unparalleled value to its members in Washington State.

About TAPCO Credit Union
TAPCO Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving individuals and businesses in Washington State. With a rich history dating back to 1934, TAPCO is dedicated to improving the financial lives of its members through personalized service, competitive products, and community engagement. TAPCO Credit Union offers a wide range of financial services, including savings accounts, checking accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment options.

TAPCO Credit Union Earns Community Development Certification to Better Serve Pierce County and South Sound

Hard-working people in Pierce County have not received the economic opportunities they deserve. TAPCO Credit Union is working to make a difference in the lives of our members, consumers and community.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund recently certified TAPCO Credit Union as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). This designation is available only to organizations that have proven they provide financial services and products in communities that lack access to traditional banking services. CDFI Certification is granted with the purpose of generating economic growth and opportunity in some of the nation's most distressed communities.

Justin Martin, CEO of TAPCO CU, noted, "TAPCO plans on leveraging this certification to obtain grant funding to further expand our products and services to address areas of inequity in our community. We are thankful for the opportunity to earn this designation, as future grant funding will allow us to do more for our community and the people the financial system has historically underserved."

The CDFI Fund was established in 1994 to boost lending and community development through certified CDFI institutions, allowing them to expand their reach into in economically distressed areas and underserved communities. CDFI Certification opens opportunities for institutions to access CDFI grant funds, which must be used to support financially vulnerable residents and communities.

TAPCO Credit Union partnered with CU Strategic Planning, the largest credit union consultancy focused on CDFI certification and grant fund applications, as well as strategic planning, financial empowerment and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives. “The work our client credit unions do to unlock opportunities within their communities is essential to help eliminate banking deserts, eradicate predatory lending and reduce generational poverty across the United States,” CU Strategic Planning CEO/Co-Owner Stacy Augustine said. “CDFI certification opens pathways to additional capital that credit unions can then pump into their communities to improve the lives of their members and those around them.”

"Our next step will be to work with CU Strategic Planning to analyze data around underserved populations in our area. We will seek CDFI grant funding to add products and services that will leverage access to financial services and help address systematic issues perpetuating exclusion from the financial system," stated Justin Martin.

About TAPCO Credit Union
TAPCO Credit Union was founded in 1934 (as City Credit Union of Tacoma) by nine city employees who sought a better way of banking. The credit union’s first branch was located under the stairs of the Old City Hall in downtown. As membership grew, the name changed to Tacoma-Pierce County Employees Credit Union and was eventually consolidated to TAPCO Credit Union to represent Tacoma and Pierce County. As Pierce County’s oldest credit union, we are proud of our roots in the community.

About CU Strategic Planning
For 15 years, CU Strategic Planning is the No. 1 CDFI certification and grant-writing firm for credit unions in the U.S. Through grants, strategic and tactical planning, DEIBA consulting, HERO Community Development Financial Counselor training, community summit facilitation and more, CU Strategic Planning achieves its mission to unlock opportunities for credit unions to change lives and their communities. CU Strategic Planning’s funding procured for CDFI credit unions has reached $800 million.