In the News

By: Amy O'Hanlen, Loan Accounting Manager

Western AgCredit’s Mission Statement is “To provide the most dependable source of credit and related services to agriculture and the rural community.”

Not only does Western AgCredit provide a dependable source of credit but Western AgCredit is committed to supporting agriculture in our territory and being good corporate citizens.

Research has found that companies that encourage community involvement not only distinguish themselves from the competitors but see other benefits including loyal customers and happier employees. Most consumers look at whether a company actively participates in having a corporate social responsibility plan when they are deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop. According to NPT (National Philanthropic Trust), Corporate giving in 2014 increased to $17.77 billion – a 13.7% increase from 2013. Also that 95.4% of households give to charity.

Western AgCredit asks each branch to complete at least one service project each year. Some of the favorite Admin office projects are preparing and serving dinner at the Homeless Shelter, beautification projects at the State Fair Park, and the Christmas Collection that is used to buy Christmas for families in need. Western AgCredit also provides employees the option to use three days of company time to participate in volunteer work that the employee chooses.

Western AgCredit staff enjoys completing projects throughout the year. Below are a few comments from staff on their volunteer experiences:

“I love doing volunteer work and wish there was more to do in our community. Not only does it give me a chance to get the Western AgCredit name out there, but it gives you a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that you are helping make a difference in your community, even if it is just a small project like pulling weeds at the state park, being on the Evanston Cowboy Days committee or helping each Christmas Season with the Angels Among Us group to deliver gifts to families that cannot afford to have Christmas for themselves. I love the opportunity that WAC gives us to be able to take a few hours of work time to participate in volunteer activities!” - Amie Petrie

“It really is true that it is easier to give than to receive. It is personally rewarding to be able to give back to the community but then to have a Company support you in that, it just makes it easier to be rewarded. Every time I see someone who is blind come into the library to see what is available I feel so grateful I was able to contribute to that, even just a little with the small amount of time I give them. It is such a blessing to do something I enjoy doing knowing it will benefit others down the road. Thank you to Western AgCredit for supporting me in my desire to give back and make it easier for me to do so. –Linda Owen

“I always have a good experience volunteering and love to volunteer. I think it is great to work for a company that believes in giving back to their community. To me, it’s fulfilling to be able to help people out. I think it is great that Western AgCredit does service projects and also allows us to choose a service project of our own, so that we can choose to help in something that we are passionate about.” -Tracy Archuleta

I would encourage everyone to find one thing that you are passionate about and look for ways in your community to give back. You will find satisfaction and enjoyment knowing that you are helping others.