Names Have Changed, But Horizons North Credit Union Has Been a Mainstay in the City
The city of Northglenn is proud to acknowledge Horizons North Credit Union (HNCU) for their commitment and contribution to the business community over the
past 52 years.
HNCU started back in the early 1960s and was first known as the School District #12 Federal Credit Union. The credit union was established to meet the needs of
the school district and its employees. The credit union began its operations in the school administration building with two employees and it shared office space
with the school district’s spice storage area.
“Members always smelled spices, especially oregano, as they came in to conduct business in those early years,” said HNCU President Brad Harvey.
By the 1980s, the credit union’s concept and banking options continued to grow as it had gained client interest and support from the school district, the city of
Northglenn and Valley View Hospital employees. It was at this time the School District #12 Federal Credit Union merged with Valley View Credit Union and
moved up the street to a new location at 108th Avenue and Washington Street. The move helped to accommodate an expanded customer base.
“There have been challenges over the years for the credit union, as it can be difficult at times to compete with some of the larger banking institutions. Credit
unions operate as not for profit organizations that offer financial services similar to banking institutions,” said Harvey. “Members have voting rights and select a
board that provides the overall direction for the credit union. The board members are all volunteers that are not paid and work for the benefit of our members.”
In 1995, the credit union moved to its current location at 11455 Pearl Street and in 2000 it was renamed “Horizons North Credit Union.” It was also at this time
that the credit union welcomed other employee groups into the current membership, such as North Suburban Medical Center, American Furniture Warehouse
and Community Reach Center.
“When the credit union moved from 108th and Washington Street to our current office, employees physically pushed the vault on a dolly all the way down
Washington Street to this location,” said Harvey.
Throughout the years, the credit union expanded its member base and now serves approximately 8,000 community members. Also, it is a member of a shared
credit union network that offers nationwide service through over 4,500 credit union partners in many locations. Because the credit union operates as not-forprofit,
HNCU can deliver lower loan rates and higher saving rates to its members.
HNCU believes in giving back to the community in which it serves. It has developed an award-winning Member Assistance Program to assist school district
employees who are laid off from their jobs as well as the Summer Club, which helps classified school district employee members with financial planning during
their summer months off. It also supports the Adams 12 Five Star Education Foundation, hosts an annual student art show and sponsors Safe Street Halloween
among various other community events and activities.
“HNCU members and staff have helped make the credit union what it is today. Both have dedicated over 52 years of service to assist in the success of the credit
union,” Harvey said.
“We are also very appreciative of the city of Northglenn. The city has always valued the businesses in the community,” Harvey added. “I’ve been coming to
Northglenn over 16 years with my family. We shop, visit family and have watched it evolve as a community. Throughout the years, the credit union has seen
investments and upgrades to the city’s parks and out-door amenities and that is appreciated for a community of its size.”