Draft:Pathways Financial Credit Union

Pathways Financial Credit Union
Pathways Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The credit union operates ten branches throughout Columbus, Dayton, Central, and Southwest Ohio..

History
Founded in 1973 as Powerco Credit Union, Pathways was initially established to serve employees of Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Company. The credit union aimed to provide savings opportunities and low-cost loans for employees. In 1988, it rebranded to Powerco and expanded its services following the merger of Columbus & Southern Electric Power with AEP​​.

In 2012, Pathways Financial Credit Union was formed through the merger of Members First, Powerco, and Western Credit Unions. Subsequent mergers with nine additional credit unions, including WECU, Incenta, and Whitehall Credit Union, further expanded its reach. The latest merger in 2022 included ODJFS Federal Credit Union.​​.

Community Engagement
Pathways has been actively involved in community initiatives, such as participating in the Ohio Homebuyer Plus program, which aims to assist prospective homebuyers with financial aid and educational resources ​​. The credit union also received the Neighborhood Improvement Award in 2022 for the renovation of its Springfield Branch, recognizing its efforts in enhancing local community facilities​​.

Building Trust
Pathways Financial Credit Union has experienced strong membership growth, consistent with trends reported across the credit union industry. Many credit unions, like Pathways, continue to see record membership increases, demonstrating the trust and value members place in these not-for-profit financial institutions

Fraud Prevention
Pathways Financial Credit Union prioritizes protecting its members' deposits, making fraud prevention a top priority. This commitment stems from their core mission to ensure the financial security and trust of their members. By implementing robust security measures and educating members about potential fraud risks, Pathways continues to safeguard assets and maintain the integrity of financial transactions. They remain dedicated to providing a secure banking environment which reinforces the confidence and peace of mind that members have in the institution.

Membership
Membership at Pathways Financial Credit Union is open to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Ohio and the city of Maysville, Kentucky. Pathways also extends membership through over 400 Select Employee Groups (SEGs) and is affiliated with the American Consumer Council, allowing broader membership opportunities across multiple states ​​​​.

For more information, visit the official website at www.pathwayscu.com.