Redwood Credit Union understands what it means to support Sonoma County, because that’s what it was created to do. Seventy-three years ago in Santa Rosa, seven Sonoma County employees joined together to establish the formerly-named Sonoma County Employees Credit Union, an organization that would support county workers that needed financial assistance and provide a safe place to save for their futures.
Rebranded Redwood Credit Union in 1982, today its reach extends far beyond Sonoma County—but its local involvement has remained consistent, earning RCU the 2023 title as the Best Company to do Business With In Sonoma County once again.
“This recognition tells us that we’re living our mission and values and making a difference in people’s lives,” says CEO Brett Martinez. “With so many amazing local businesses in our community, we’re extremely honored that readers think of us as the best company to do business with.”
Redwood Credit Union knows that supporting businesses through the good and the bad is part of what earned it the award, and in times of recent disaster, RCU demonstrated that commitment. “From the Great Recession to wildfires and the pandemic, we’ve remained committed to keeping our doors open and our employees safe,” says Martinez. “Our team members have become financial first responders and support our members and communities [in getting] through whatever challenges they’re facing.”
Witnessing these challenges in the county encouraged the company to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2013, the Redwood Credit Union Community Fund. Martinez explains that while the fund was “initially developed as a platform for supporting wellness in our communities, with a primary focus on financial education, it soon became apparent that there was a greater need,.” The fund, he says, was expanded to include critical disaster relief. In times of disaster, the nonprofit kicks in and fundraises to support housing security, food security, community wellness and mental health and wellness programs for people who are impacted.”
Aside from the nonprofit’s community involvement, Redwood Credit Union had more than 200 local partners in 2022, providing advocacy for Sonoma County nonprofit organizations through fundraising, sponsorships and volunteerism (more than 3,000 volunteer hours were given in 2022). To bolster locally-owned, independent businesses, Redwood Credit Union is a top sponsor of the Sonoma County Go Local program that provides economic-development services.
Looking to the future, Martinez hopes that the company continues to make strides for its members. “Our hope is to continue to deepen our relationships in the communities we serve and champion financial well-being for all,” he says. “That translates to inclusive financial products and services, financial education and supporting our members’ and team members’ financial journeys so they can live a life they love.”
