We have a history of community commitment that has never wavered.
In 1956, Herb Roehl had just started his job with the Missoula Police Department. He was thrilled to be a police officer and to serve his community, but his salary barely covered the basics for his young family. Herb wasn’t alone. Some of his fellow police officers were having the same challenge.
Herb and seven of his colleagues pooled their savings to make loans to each other at rates cheaper than they could get at local banks. They incorporated as Missoula Federal Credit Union (MFCU) in 1956 and, in the following years, opened membership to include city, county, state, and public school employees.
Nearly 70 years later, Clearwater Credit Union is Montana’s largest CDFI and manages over $1 billion in assets for more than 62,000 members. Throughout our history, our dedication to helping people and communities overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities has only become stronger. Explore key moments in our history below.
Founded by 8 Missoula police officers.
Headquarters and first branch open on West Pine St in Missoula.
Total assets exceed $1 million.
Headquarters moves to South Higgins St.
Merger with University of Montana Credit Union.
Headquarters moves to Brooks St.
Merger with Missoula Northern Pacific Federal Credit Union.
Membership expands to include all of Missoula and parts of Ravalli and Lake Counties.
Total assets exceed $100 million.
First branch outside of Missoula opens in Stevensville.
Russell St branch opens and becomes the first LEED-certified building in Missoula
Assets exceed $250 million.
Certified as Montana’s largest Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
Become the second U.S. credit union invited to join the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).
Membership expands to include Missoula, Lake, Ravalli, Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, and Silver Bow Counties.
Total assets exceed $500 million.
Missoula Federal Credit Union changes its name to Clearwater Credit Union.
Membership expands to include all 20 counties making up the mountainous western side of Montana.
First branch in Butte opens.
First Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) partnership established in Great Falls with an onsite Clearwater office.
Membership expands to include all of Missoula, Lake, and Ravalli counties.
Total assets exceed $1 billion.
New branches in Butte, Great Falls, and Bozeman open.