Operating principles point of pride for Safe Harbor Credit Union.

Mason County Press is brought to you free 24 hours a day, seven days a week thanks to the generosity of advertisers. Safe Harbor Credit Union of Ludington is one of those great advertisers.

LUDINGTON — Safe Harbor Credit Union of Ludington operates under a list of operating principles. “I think it is important for all members and potential members to know what our operating principles are and what we pride ourselves on every day we come to work,” said Kyle Gurzynski, Safe Harbor Credit Union operations manager.

Democratic Control

• Credit Union members enjoy equal rights to vote (one member, one vote) and participate in decisions affecting the credit union without regard to the amount of savings of deposits or the volume of business

• Open and Voluntary Membership

• Membership in a credit union is voluntary and open to all within the accepted common bond of association that can make use of its services and are willing to accept the corresponding responsibilities

• Non-Discrimination

• Credit Unions are non-discriminatory on all grounds, including but not limited to race, orientation, nationality, sex, religion and politics

Service to Members

• Service to Members

• Credit union services are directed to improve the economic and social well-being of all members.

• Distribution to Members

• To encourage thrift through savings and thus to provide loans and other services, a fair rate of interest is paid on savings an deposits, within the capability of the credit union. Any surplus of the credit union may be distributed among members as dividends on shares or directed to improved services required by the members.

• Building Financial Stability

• A prime concern of the credit union is to build the financial strength, including adequate reserves and internal controls that will ensure continued service to membership.

Social Goals

• Cooperation among cooperatives
  • In keeping with their philosophy and the pooling practices of cooperatives, credit unions within their capability actively cooperate with other credit union sand associations in order to best serve the interests of their members and their communities.
• Social Responsibilities
  • Continuing the ideals and beliefs of cooperative pioneers, credit unions seek to bring about human and social development. Their vision of social justice extends both to the individual members and to the larger community in which they work and reside.
• Ongoing Education
  • Credit unions actively promote the education of their members, officers, and employees, along with the public in general, in the economic, social, democratic and mutual self-help principles of credit unions.