Diamond North Credit Union in Prince Albert is celebrating a recent major rennovation.

By Paid Partnership

DNCU

Diamond North Credit Union: A fresh take on banking business

Oct 25, 2021 | 11:43 AM

Diamond North Credit Union has a long history in Prince Albert. It was first established in 1939 as the Arctic Savings and Credit Union Limited. While a lot has changed in 80 years, some things have remained the same; a people-first approach, a pledge to give great service and create a culture of caring members, employees, and community.

As the Manager of Regional Relationships, Joël Bilodeau oversees Prince Albert, Debden and Big River. There are also Diamond North Credit Union service locations in Choiceland, White Fox, Nipawin, Carrot River and Arborfield. They serve over 15-thousand members, but their expertise isn’t limited to service locations.

“We are not focused on the bricks and mortar,” said Bilodeau. “Its amazing how the pandemic has forced us to move the needle on technology. We’re meeting with members through Facetime, Microsoft Teams, text and email – all those methods and if you need to sign documents, we can do that electronically now. It’s a different world from when I started 23 years ago, but having said that, we are very happy to jump in the car.”

Diamond North Credit Union has mobile Business Relationship Advisors. They won’t hesitate to travel so they can offer lending advice face to face with farmers or business owners. Take, for example, Jerry Palagian, an agriculture specialist who Bilodeau describes as one of their superstar experts.

“He’s been doing this a long time and he’s got clients he regularly travels out to see in areas like Canora and certainly in the east part of our Credit Union trading area, so he’s a well-travelled and well-experienced lender.”

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Other Business Relationship Advisors include commercial specialist Pierre Leblanc, Wealth Specialist Sheri Baker, and Bilodeau offers his own experience in the system from the Prince Albert location. Business Relationship Advisors, Ken Sten, Niki Panter and Wealth Specialist Laurell Lloyd are based in the Debden and Big River areas.

“I’m just so thrilled about how much experience we have in those roles. We can do wealth services, investments, RRSP’s, consumer lending, mortgages, lines of credit…any of it can be done in any branch.”

Manager of Regional Relationships for Diamond North Credit Union – Joël Bilodeau.

The Prince Albert location in particular focuses on commercial and business lending but is well-staffed and equipped to offer banking solutions for all customers. The building recently had a major renovation and now features an exterior walk-up ATM, and a modern, open concept that still makes members feel at home.

“The Member Service Representatives are right there, and it doesn’t take them long to know you by name. So, I invite people to come check us out. We’ll give you the time of day and be happy to have a conversation with you,” Bilodeau said.

Diamond North Credit Union knows its members are the heartbeat of the community and they’re helping to keep it strong through Amplify Prince Albert – a program that highlights local businesses with the help of Pattison Media. The public is invited to nominate a business, organization, community event or person by explaining how they help amplify the community.

“Outside of this promotion, its just something that we do day-in and day-out. We’re involved in the community through chamber events, staff volunteering around the city and in terms of supporting our businesses…the best way we can do that is to be there and provide that advice, lending options and account services,” Bilodeau said.

As part of a celebration to unveil the new look of the Prince Albert office, Diamond North Credit Union purchased $1,500 worth of gift cards from local businesses. They are inviting new and existing clients to check out their Facebook page or stop in at their location for a chance to win some of those cards. Entries are being accepted from October 25^th – 29^th.

Bilodeau said its also an opportunity to see how different Diamond North Credit Union is.

“It’s kind of like how banking used to be. We strip it down a little bit and go back to the basics,” Bilodeau said. “Its more about the personal relationships. Our members are not just a number.”

Diamond North Credit Union is located at 200 28^th Street West.

Visit them online or by calling 306-922-8252.

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*This content was created by paNOW’s commercial content division.