2003 Archives

Langley, British Columbia - For the second year in a row, Envision Financial has ranked as one of the best employers to work for in the country. The credit union received the honour this week in Hewitt Associates' annual survey of the "50 Best Employers to Work for in Canada " published in the Globe and Mail's Report on Business magazine. This prestigious ranking puts Langley-based Envision alongside Microsoft Canada Co., Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., and BC Biomedical Laboratories Ltd.

The nation-wide survey asked nearly 750 Envision staff questions about whether their opinions were valued at work, the effectiveness of the organization's leadership, the credit union's commitment to career skill development, and their understanding of the organization's strategic direction and goals. The results of the survey showed that Envision has created a work environment that encompasses a member-focused and community-minded approach to business. It's that approach that continues to attract over 80,000 members.

"Our people are at the heart of Envision," says Gordon Huston, CEO, Envision Financial. "They are what make this organization successful. It's very rewarding to know that our employees enjoy coming to work everyday. Their desire to improve and consistently go the extra mile is what makes Envision a better place to work."

Huston admits that achieving the 50 Best designation this year was not without its challenges, especially since the organization completed merger activities that began two years ago. Given the change staff were experiencing, Huston says there was a determined focus on workplace wellness and work-life balance.

"Creating a work-life culture is about fostering an environment where our people can be free to grow their talents and contribute them to their community and their organization," says Huston. "It's been our experience that, even during a time of change, as the organization invests in its people, the staff will in turn make this the best place our members have dealt. And in doing so, we'll become the industry leader in financial performance."

Envision is BC's third largest credit union with 17 branches throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat. Envision Financial, with over $2.2 billion in assets, has 750 staff and more than 80,000 members. The credit union includes three subsidiaries-Insurance Services, Investment Services and CU Dealerlink. For its extensive support of the community, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy.

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November 18, 2003

Large and small financial organizations share insights to gain competitive edge

Langley, British Columbia - The public perception of business, whether unfair or deserved, focuses on competition - companies 'gaining the edge', being at the top. But two independent B.C. credit unions are experimenting with the idea of honing their competitive advantages by sharing knowledge and capitalizing on diversity instead of adversity.

While many Lower Mainland families choose to visit the Sunshine Coast for its picturesque vacation spots, Shelley Besse, a manager of process improvement at Envision Credit Union, recently trekked to Powell River, not to take in the sights, but to start a three-week learning stint as Powell River Credit Union's CEO.

Bessey's temporary role at the smaller credit union and the subsequent visit of a Powell River employee to the Langley office of Envision was part of a test project designed to help employees from the two companies share knowledge and resources that they couldn't get from anywhere else than from each other. By getting behind someone else's desk, discovering what takes place within the walls of another institution and by simply forming relationships with other experienced staff, the employees taking part in the work exchange hoped to maximize their own performance at home.

But truly going under the surface at another institution isn't a flippant proposition. A certain amount of trust must be assumed by the parties involved when business know-how and specific trade strategies are being discussed. While Besse wasn't asked to make long-term decisions in her temporary title, she did assume the role of 'top dog' for the better part of a month. She wasn't job-shadowing or simulating the experience. This was the real deal. Her counterpart, Powell River marketing manager Sandra Phillips, while not sitting as CEO during her trip, gleaned key insights from the branch managers, marketing, human resources, insurance and community relations departments at Envision.

"There's a lot of trust needed to make that relationship happen," says Envision CEO, Gord Huston, pointing to two objectives met by his credit union. "As a large credit union we want to contribute to the system and part of doing so means being a good neighbour for other credit unions. We also wanted to expose our staff to different business models and different atmospheres. Shelley's chance to sit in the CEO's chair for so long would not present itself in this organization. Now she's had the chance to feel the 'weight of the desk,' if you will."

While the two credit unions are in the same business, there are many fundamental differences between their day-to-day operations. The biggest element was size. Powell River has two branches that serve two communities. Envision serves some of the most populated regions of the province outside of Vancouver. According to Powell River CEO Dave Craigen, experiencing those differences first hand was one of the most worthwhile elements of the experiment. "These are people coming from a world away, but who still understand credit unions. They got to experience a different world at a different speed at a different depth."

For Phillips the exchange allowed her to experience the specialized nature of a larger scale of financial management. "Larger companies go through a lot more volume at a faster level. That creates questions and challenges that come up more regularly," she says. By meeting with Envision sales departments and related subsidiary managers, Phillips says she learned more about meeting specific sales targets and how to help make staff more accountable for their individual sales. By meeting with branch managers she gained a better understanding of how to foster a team-oriented environment.

Conversely, going to a smaller credit union afforded Besse the chance to appreciate the need to be a generalist, to gain quick experience at all levels of the institution. "The challenge that small credit unions have is that CEO's have to wear a number of hats and specialise at being generalists," says Huston. "You do everything in a day," concurs Craigen.

Stepping in as a boss created an immediate need for Besse to relate to the staff, who were all strangers to her. "Envision is twenty times their size. It was important to go there in the right frame of mind, as a Powell River employee, not an Envision employee," she recalls, noting that even the simple act of using the words "we" and "us" when referring to the Powell River team brought cohesion to the decision-making process. "I learned to come in and establish credibility with people and have trust in people," she says. "Coming into an environment where you know nobody, you have to create trust and confidence that you can make the right decisions."

Besse says she did her homework before the exchange because she "wanted to add value" before she left. Being an outsider gave her a unique chance to chat candidly about efficiencies with employees in the host branch too. "I was able to facilitate a management meeting and a full staff meeting as well as attend a board meeting." Seeing things from a short-term perspective was relatively easy for the Envision employee, but grasping the long term perspective was tougher as she needed to be consistent with where Craigen sees the company going. After her term, she left a report for Craigen that included suggestions and solutions that she could see herself implementing if she was in the CEO's chair full-time.

Phillips is grateful for the new business relationships that have begun, and she's now tapping-into the experience of those colleagues, who now have a connection in Powell River . "Shelley was able to put me in contact with key people to look at things we could bring back to our credit union," she says.

This test has led to other employee exchanges between credit unions, with Powell River's CFO teaming up with Envision in October for a week. Both Envision and Powell River are touting the concept to their counterparts in financial management. Huston even believes branch managers and their management counterparts at retail chains could benefit from such a program. "We both share customer service challenges. We could learn from them about merchandising and they could learn about relationship building from us."

Envision Financial, with over $2.2 billion in assets, has 700 staff and more than 100,000 members. Recognized as one of the Best 50 Employers in Canada , the credit union has 17 branches throughout BC's Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat. The credit union includes three subsidiaries-Insurance Services, Investment Services and CU Dealerlink. For its extensive support of the community, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy.

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November 18, 2003

Is British Columbia the ideal province to work in?

Langley, British Columbia - The words on our license plate say it all: "Beautiful British Columbia." BC has consistently been ranked as one of the best places to live. But how does it rank as a place to work? This is the question that some of the best employers in the province will be evaluating at the B.C. Work Life Summit on Wednesday, November 19 at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver.

"At Envision, we believe creating a work-life culture is about fostering an environment where our people can be free to grow their talents and contribute them to their community and their organization," says Gordon Huston, CEO of Envision Financial and a guest speaker at the event.

Reflecting on his own organization's work-life journey, Huston adds, "Investing in the lives and well-being of your employees increases their commitment to the organization, and further engages them in the work they do." Providing a balanced workplace has become a high priority for the credit union-Envision U, its corporate university has partnered with local university colleges to provide staff with the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary degree while still working at the credit union. Other work-life investments include a wellness centre, health club and a full-time staff concierge.

The BC Work-Life Summit brings together leaders from business, labour, government, non-profit organizations and other sectors of the community to benefit employers and employees as they grapple with the balance of work- life issues.

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September 23, 2003

Envision Financial to be official partner of BC Summer Games

" We believe in our province and the people and spirit of Abbotsford, so we're looking forward to making this great event happen." Gord Huston, Envision Financial CEO.

Langley, British Columbia - For some people daily exercise is their biggest challenge, but for more than 4,000 athletes in B.C. envisioning a gold medal at next year's BC Summer Games will be their greatest challenge. Last week, Envision Financial announced that it will be the official financial services corporate partner of the BC Summer Games to be held in Abbotsford from July 15-18, 2004. The third largest credit union in BC was selected from many other corporations as an exclusive supplier for its banking, insurance and investment services.

"We're a local financial services provider, and we really believe in taking care of the community," says Envision Financial CEO Gord Huston. "This new partnership is exciting for us because we have always had strong roots in the Fraser Valley, especially in Abbotsford where we have operated for over 40 years. We believe in our province and the people and spirit of Abbotsford, so we're looking forward to making this great event happen."

Gene Creelman, Envision Financial's VP, Marketing and Communications agrees. "This is very exciting news, particularly as many of the participants in the BC Summer Games are directly from our key target market-young families. Also, over half of the participants will be from the Lower Mainland, due to the population density of this area." As one of the individuals who helped orchestrate the partnership with the games, he adds, "Last year, Envision provided over one-half million dollars in initiatives that benefited our communities, so we're continuing our tradition of community investment through our partnership with the BC Summer Games."

Milt Walker, the President of the BC Summer Games says, "The mission of the games is Celebrating Athletic Achievement and Community Spirit and Envision Financial, through its very generous donation has demonstrated a strong belief in the community, its volunteers, and a support for sport." He adds, "We are indebted to Envision Financial for its support and know that Envision's willingness to step up to the plate as a corporate sponsor will only aid in making these games the best ever."

The BC Summer Games are held every second year with athletes, coaches, managers and officials participating in over 36 sport events, including athletics, cycling and archery. The games provide an excellent opportunity for developing young athletes in an event, where they can demonstrate their individual excellence and skill.

Envision Financial, with over $2 billion in assets, has 700 staff and over 100,000 members. Recognized as one of the Top 50 Employers in Canada, the credit union has 17 branches throughout BC's Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat. The credit union includes three subsidiaries-Insurance Services, Investment Services and CU Dealerlink. For its extensive support of the community, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy.

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August 11, 2003

Envision helps clear the air with its new Willoughby Branch

Langley, British Columbia - Head into the Fraser Valley on a hot mid-summer's day and you can't help but notice the white haze hanging over the picturesque landscape. And with continued growth in communities like Langley that haze won't be disappearing anytime soon. But Langley residents can breathe a little easier knowing that at least some of the rapid growth in their community won't leave them gasping for air.

On August 5, Envision Financial opened its newest branch at 20193 - 64 Avenue, Langley. What makes this state-of-the-art branch so special for the community is that its energy comes from 100 per cent green sources.

"When we set out to build the new Envision Willoughby branch, environmental sustainability was an important consideration," says Gordon Huston, CEO, Envision Financial. The credit union purchased 100 per cent Green Power from BC Hydro for its new branch. "Like our members, Envision staff not only work in Fraser Valley communities, we live in them too. So through careful building design and smart energy choices, our new Envision Willoughby branch will help clean the air by removing the equivalent of 60 cars from the road for a year and is saving enough energy to power 60 households," continued Huston.

By purchasing Green Certificates, Envision supports the generation of green electricity. According to BC Hydro, Green Power is socially responsible electricity generated with minimal environmental impact from renewable resources, such as small hydro projects. These power facilities, BC Hydro notes, "meet criteria that ensure they have minimal impact on existing aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Impacts assessed include those on water quality, plants, fish populations, and other wildlife." In addition, Green Power avoids electricity generation methods that result in higher amount of green house gasses.

"Purchasing 100 per cent Green Power is one of many examples on how Envision Financial is looking after the interest of the communities we serve," explains Huston. "We are committed to being a socially responsible organization in our community and are striving to help make Langley a more enjoyable place to live and work."

Located at a high traffic-shopping destination, Envision's new Willoughby branch offers a complete range of personal banking, insurance, investment and business services. Commercial insurance has also been introduced at this new location, as well as a convenient drive-through ABM.

The grand opening of Envision's Willoughby branch will take place on Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to participate in the festivities that will include BMX performance team demonstrations, ICBC/Police bike safety inspections, and special guest Michael Levy who will be available to answer finance-related questions. Big Brothers and Sisters of Langley will be selling hot dogs. Refreshments will also be available. One lucky participant will win a custom travel package valued at $5,000.

For more information on Green Power, visit BC Hydro's website at www.bchydro.com/greenpower.

Envision Financial, with over $2.2 billion in total assets, has 700 staff and 100,000 members. The credit union includes three subsidiaries - Insurance Services,
Investment Services and CU Dealerlink - and has 17 branches throughout BC's Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat. For its extensive support of the community, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy.

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August 8, 2003

Envision Credit Union recognized nationally for its commitment to quality

Langley, British Columbia - Just two years after a merger, Envision Financial has won the National Quality Institute's Canada Awards of Excellence Certificate of Merit for its commitment to organizational excellence. Although many companies applied for the award, only three were recognized, including Envision.

"We really didn't expect to be in this position now, given that we've just come through an integration," says Envision CEO Gord Huston. "Winning this award is a real compliment to our staff and leadership team. It really speaks to their ability to adapt to change and play to win."

Each year, the National Quality Institute (NQI) recognizes Canada's best organizations through its "Canada Awards for Excellence" competition. Organizations are evaluated in seven key areas including leadership, planning, process management and organizational performance.

"Many companies don't win the award on their first try, nor do they make the shortlist," says Barry Delaney, Envision's Senior VP, Quality and Strategic Planning. "So to win the Certificate of Merit so early in our journey is a great honour."

Interestingly enough, both Huston and Delaney say winning the award wasn't their ultimate goal.

"When we first learned about NQI, we saw what we believed would be a long-term method for improving our organization," explains Huston. "The Quality Criteria and framework were excellent and seemed to be exactly the tonic Envision needed."

Delaney agrees. "Our goal wasn't to win a quality award; it was to become a quality organization," he says. "And just by applying, we learned a lot about our organization and where we needed to improve."

Created by the merger of First Heritage Savings and Delta Credit Union in January 2001, Envision has had to overcome many challenges in the past two years. Two corporate cultures, two head offices and three separate banking systems-to name just a few.

"During the merger, we decided we wanted to take our quality initiatives to the next level," explains Delaney. "We had some success at the provincial level, but felt we needed to aim even higher."

The first step of the process? A thorough quality audit. For five days, 15 senior employees talked to 75 individuals. When the final results were tallied, three opportunities for improvement emerged: supplier focus, process management and planning.

"The audit can be a bit of a cold shower," admits Huston, but one he believes is well worth it. "The more willing you are to hear what needs to be heard, the better off you'll be."

In the months following the audit, Envision worked hard to close its quality gaps by implementing one major change in each area. A new system was established for maintaining and evaluating supplier relationships, for example. And a Process Improvement Officer was appointed to reduce the amount of re-work within the organization.

"This past January, we did another audit and were pleased at just how far we'd come. It was at that point that we decided to apply for the award," says Delaney.

"Our greatest strength really is our staff," says Huston. "We have an outstanding leadership team with a strong desire to continually improve. That makes a big difference. Do we still have areas where we could improve? Of course. But this award confirms that we're on the right track."

While the full report won't be released until later this month, Delaney is optimistic about the future.

"In many ways, our quality journey has only just begun," he says. "We're going to continue to examine our processes and use the NQI framework to evaluate our progress. In that sense, it's a race without a finish line. Award or no award, we're going to continue to do all we can to deliver outstanding service to the people and communities we serve."

For more information on National Quality Institute or to view its news release, visit: www.nqi.ca.

Envision is currently Canada's third-largest credit union with over $2.2 billion in total assets, 100,000 members, 700 staff and 17 branches throughout the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Kitimat. Earlier this year, it was also recognized by the Report on Business Magazine as one of the 50 Best Companies to Work for in Canada.

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July 15, 2003

Envision Credit Union awarded 17 students with a $1,000 scholarship for their Outstanding School and Community Involvement and one student with a scholarship for Outstanding School and Community Service worth $5,000.

Langley, British Columbia - This year, the winners of the Envision Financial scholarships were: Anthony Turra, Lauren Ogston, Jillian McCrae, Brittany Conkin, Megan Rendell, Jennifer Philpot, Claire Marchant, Derek Fletcher, Luke Bornn, Josh JansenVandoorn, Ramanjot Kandola, James Buis, Sheree Palmer, Kevin Calbick, Sarah Hamilton, Robbie Molnar, Kristal Rama and Dana Boogerd.

Claire Marchant was selected from the 18 winners as the recipient of Envision Credit Union's Outstanding School and Community Service Award worth $5,000. Marchant, earned the scholarship through her extensive school and community volunteer work for such groups as Student Council, Amnesty International, Road Sense Club, Girl Guides of Canada, Camp Phoenix, British Columbia Youth Parliament, Vancouver Youth Parliament and Youth People's Concerts.

Each year, Envision Financial recognizes students throughout B.C. for their strong academic performances and outstanding contributions to school and community life. Since 1996, over $203,000 in scholarship funding has been shared by 122 students.

Envision Financial, with approximately $2 billion in assets, has 700 staff and 100,000 members. The credit union includes three subsidiaries-Insurance Services, Investment Services and CU Dealerlink-and has 18 branches throughout BC's Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat. For its extensive support of the community, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy.

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