Achieve Credit Union 2026 Annual Meeting: Growth and Impact
Key Highlights from the 2026 Annual Meeting
2025 was the most financially sound year in Achieve Credit Union’s history.
Strong growth in loans and deposits, with a healthy capital ratio
$70,000+ contributed to nearly 30 local organizations through the Community Impact Program
39 financial literacy workshops delivered across Lorain County
65 community events attended in Elyria, Lorain, Amherst, and beyond
Elyria branch renovation completing in May; new Lorain branch opening in July
Achieve named Best Credit Union and Best Bank in The Morning Journal’s 2025 Best of the Best Reader’s Choice Awards
Report from Board Chair Jessica Wolfram
Board Chair Jessica Wolfram delivered the following remarks during her report at the Annual Meeting:
Welcome to Achieve Credit Union's 68th Annual Meeting.
I want to extend a special welcome to Beth Bartter, wife of John Bartter — the man who launched this credit union at Midview High School. Sixty-eight years later, we are still here keeping the same promise: promoting your financial success. Not many organizations can say that and truly mean it — we can.
Before I go further, I would like to take a moment to recognize someone who has helped guide this organization for a remarkable length of time. Hank Harsar, thank you for your 6 years of service as Chair, and many more as a board member.
That kind of steady leadership does not happen by accident — it takes commitment, patience, a deep belief in what we do, and of course humor. We are better because of it. In honor of Hank, I have one dad joke – two wrongs don’t make a right, but what do two Wrights make? An airplane.
“Our financial strength allows us to keep auto and home equity loan rates among the most competitive in Lorain County.”
- Jessica Wolfram, Board Chair, Achieve Credit Union
2025 Financial Performance Highlights
2025 was not without its pressures. Interest rates have begun to ease but remain elevated compared to five or six years ago, and households across Lorain County continued to navigate real financial uncertainty. We heard it from members directly — and we showed up. That is exactly what this credit union exists to do.
I am proud to report that 2025 was the most financially sound year in Achieve Credit Union's history: strong net income, a healthy capital ratio, and continued growth in both loans and deposits. And yes — for the accounting people in the room — that is about as exciting as it sounds.
Our financial strength allows us to keep auto and home equity loan rates among the most competitive in Lorain County, offer certificate rates near the top of the local market, and find ways to say “yes” when other banks — and even other credit unions — say “no.”
Supporting Members in Lorain County
Just as we believe auto loans should be affordable, we believe financial success should be accessible.
And for us, that is not just lip service — it is personal.
About 30 years ago, this very credit union helped my mom save her home. She still lives there today. That moment provided stability for our family, and it is a reminder that what we do here truly matters — sometimes in ways that last a lifetime.
Community Impact and Financial Literacy in 2025
We are learners, dreamers, and achievers — and in 2025, we leaned into all three.
We held 39 financial literacy workshops at high schools, middle schools, colleges, and community centers — covering budgeting, credit basics, and fraud prevention.
Our staff participated in 65 community events across Lorain County, from Broadway in Lorain to the downtowns of Elyria and Amherst. (I think at this point we may qualify for frequent flyer miles within the county.)
Our Elyria branch is completing a full renovation in May, and our new Lorain branch on N. Leavitt Road will open this July. Everywhere we show up reinforces one thing: we intend to be where our members live and work.
Our Community Impact Program contributed more than $70,000 to nearly 30 local organizations last year — and we have committed another $70,000 for 2026.
The day after we announced that commitment in 2025, one of the first requests came in from a local teacher. This teacher, Dan Wervey, Intervention Specialist at Elyria High School, could have asked for thousands. Instead, the request was for seventy-five dollars to buy snacks and prizes for a rewards bin for students who did something unexpected or scored high on an assignment.
So, we decided to exceed expectations. We showed up with over $1,500 in supplies: snacks, prizes, notebooks, pencils, motivational posters — supporting the students who need it most.
Awards and Recognition
Stories like that travel. The local community took notice of everything we accomplished together, and Achieve was voted both Best Credit Union and Best Bank in The Morning Journal’s 2025 Best of the Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Repeating as Best Credit Union and winning the bank category — that is not just recognition, that is feedback. That is members telling us we are doing our job well.
And when we see those trophies in our branches, they serve as a reminder: success is not owned — we earn it every day. In every member interaction, every phone call, every loan application, every community event.
Leadership and Team Recognition
None of this happens without extraordinary people.
To my fellow Directors — your commitment keeps us grounded and moving forward.
To our management team and every Achieve employee — you are why members feel heard, helped, and valued. That is not something we simply teach — it is something we hire for. And we have the right people.
And as we continue to grow, we are always looking for others who want to be part of that mission. We currently have open Associate Board positions for individuals who are passionate about serving our members and our community. If that is something that resonates with you, please reach out to us.
Closing Message to Members
And to you, our members — you have trusted us along your financial journey. You have referred your friends and neighbors. Some of you have passed that trust across generations, to your kids and grandkids. We handle that trust carefully — and we hold it up proudly.
Your financial success remains our mission — in 2026 and every year after.
Thank you for being part of Achieve!
Take The Next Step.
Visit A BranchStop by your local branch, and we’ll be happy to help you!SEE LOCATIONS |
Talk With UsCall (440) 324-3400 to speak with our Member Services team.CALL US |
Become a MemberIt’s easy to join Achieve CU and open your account.JOIN US |
About the Author
Scott Nelson
Scott Nelson has served as Achieve Credit Union’s Marketing Director since 2022. Scott’s a big fan of credit unions and the positive impact they have on the local communities they serve.
Fun fact: You may see Scott at your local high school baseball games - as an umpire.