BC Business
The Lower Mainland is taking note of G&F Financial Group, a homegrown credit union with over 27,000 members, 12 branches, and more than $1 billion in assets.
G&F’s diligent focus on nurturing its members and employees is paying rich dividends. Over the last year the company has already been selected as one of B.C.’s Top Employers by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, and has won both the Burnaby Board of Trade’s Community Spirit Award, and the Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Customer Service Award.
Founded over 70 years ago as a member-owned, community-based financial institution, G&F has stayed true to its core strengths and values, while constantly evolving to serve its members’ needs. G&F offers a wide range of personal and commercial financial products and services, all stamped with the group’s distinctive brand of practical banking advice and excellent service.
“Technology can facilitate transactions, but the branch staff and manager are still central to relationships,” says Bill Kiss, one of G&F’s co-CEOs. “G&F’s disciplined approach to helping its members achieve financial excellence has enabled us to thrive, even during challenging economic times.”
Over the past year, G&F has made steady improvements, including redefining the leadership of its organization with a dual-CEO model. The company has also strengthened its core business – full service banking and wealth management – by adding programs like Mobile Relationship Managers and Life Insurance Specialists, which offer products and services outside regular business hours.
G&F is expanding its branch network throughout the Lower Mainland, and will open two new full-service branches later this year in Richmond and Burnaby. G&F has also launched a full service contact centre – The Member Hub – expanding access to its services via phone and online, and will soon offer an iPhone app.
“G&F’s future success hinges on our ability to develop partnerships by continuing to deliver excellent service, straightforward advice and offering support to our members and communities,” says Jeff Shewfelt, co-CEO. “By working together, we’re confident we can achieve these goals.”
Co-CEOs Kiss and Shewfelt both agree that G&F’s greatest strength is its ability to build positive and impactful partnerships with people. “Making a difference for our members and our communities is our purpose, and our promise.”
To find out more about G&F Financial Group, visit www.gffg.com, e-mail inquiry@gffg.com or call 604-419-8888.