We also reinvest a portion of our profits in the Credit Union to provide our members with the products and services they require. Today we offer a wide range of daily banking, investment, loan, business and financial planning services to our members.

But that's not all. We are committed to our communities. All our funds are invested locally - in Woodstock, Ingersoll, Norwich and the surrounding areas - as loans to residents and local businesses. This is where it can help our members the most, through new businesses and prosperous neighbours.

We know that our communities are only as strong as the organizations that work to make them safe, healthy and happy. That's why, each year, we share a substantial portion of Rochdale's wealth with our residents by supporting local charities and social events. In fact, Rochdale is recognized as a Caring Company as part of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy's Imagine Campaign. Imagine's goal - to have Canadian businesses create partnerships that connect them with Canada's communities - nicely reflects our own philosophy. Caring Companies must encourage volunteerism and donate a minimum of 1% of pre-tax profits to community organizations.

There are advantages to being a smaller, local financial institution. We know our communities. Like Rochdale Credit Union itself, most of our employees grew up in the area. We prefer to get to know each member and their financial needs personally. We can be more flexible in meeting these needs because we don't have to report back to a "head office" in a large city where the primary goal is shareholder return.