EMBARRASS — “This is where it all started,” said Jim Kramar, President/CEO of the Embarrass Vermillion Federal Credit Union. On Tuesday, credit union staff and board members gathered for a formal groundbreaking for the new Embarrass office, which is being constructed adjacent to the current building on Hwy. 21.
“We have served generations of area residents,” said Kramar, “and have thousands of members. Our mission remains the same.”
Back in 1941, seven members each contributed $5 shares and chartered the Embarrass-Vermillion Federal Credit Union to offer fair and affordable financial services to area residents within a 15-mile radius. Originally operating out of the old co-op store, the credit union built its own office after the store burned over 50 years ago.
Since its opening, EVFCU has expanded and now serves almost 5,000 members. In 1967, they expanded their charter to serve residents of Vermilion Lake, Pike, Embarrass, Waasa, Kugler, and Breitung townships. In 1976, they added the some unorganized townships, plus employees and their families. The last expansion was in 2005 when they included all of St. Louis County north of Highway 16. EVFCU now has offices in Tower, Aurora, and at Nett Lake.
The Embarrass location is an “investment in our future,” said Kramar. “We will be providing modern, enhanced services.”
The new building will be slightly smaller than the current office but will have a more intentional and efficient design. The current building has multiple additions, and at over 50 years old was showing its age.
The new building, which will be just under 1,200 sq. ft. in size, is expected to be completed in October. Until then, business will continue as usual in the existing office.
Once the move to the new office is completed, the old office building will be demolished.
The project was designed by DSGW Architects and the construction is being done by Kraus Anderson, out of Duluth.
The new building will have a drive-through window, and the ATM and night drop window will be part of the building, not the stand-alone structure currently in the parking lot.
Kramar, who started his career at EVFCU as a part-time teller, said he loves his job and the people he works with, and he is excited about the future.
The Embarrass office also is home to Cindy Scherer, who will celebrate her 33rd year as an employee in October, just in time to move into the new building. She is the credit union’s longest-serving employee and said she has no intention of retiring anytime soon. The Embarrass office usually has two staffers working, and they have days when it is very busy, she said.
A new challenge for the credit union location has been its proximity to the Mesabi Trail. They have requests from e-bike users to plug bikes in (not permitted), and they have started stocking a more robust first aid kit because they have had injured riders stopping by.
Credit union membership is open to all who qualify. A person must live, work, worship, or attend school in St. Louis County north of Hwy. 16 for at least six months out of the year or have family who do. The National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government, insures EVFCU savings and investments up to $250,000.
The credit union’s annual meeting is set for June 16 at 6 p.m. at the Aurora Community Center. There will be welcome gifts, food, raffles including a grand prize backyard bundle, and special prizes for kids.