Credit Union of Southern California was named Business of the Year by the El Monte South El Monte Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the institution’s long-standing partnership with the local community. The honor was presented in July during the Chamber’s annual awards, celebrating businesses that demonstrate leadership, civic involvement, and outstanding service to the El Monte and South El Monte area.
Founded in 1954, CU SoCal has operated in El Monte since 1990. The not-for-profit financial cooperative offers members access to personal banking, affordable credit, and financial education. Michelle Hunter, Chief Communications & Experience Officer at CU SoCal, accepted the award on behalf of the credit union.
“We’re honored to be recognized as Business of the Year,” said Hunter. “This award reflects our dedication to empowering Members and supporting the growth of vibrant, local communities like El Monte.”
Supporting El Monte Since 1990
The Credit Union of Southern California began as Whittier Area Schools Federal Credit Union and has grown to serve more than 180,000 members across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, along with Lake Havasu City. With more than $3.3 billion in assets and a five-star rating from BauerFinancial, CU SoCal has maintained a reputation for stability and member service.
In El Monte, the credit union has played a vital role in neighborhood development and economic opportunity. Its involvement with the El Monte South El Monte Chamber has included event sponsorships, financial literacy workshops, and collaborative initiatives that support small businesses and working families.
For more information about CU SoCal, visit CUSoCal.org.
Chamber Connects Local Business and Leadership
The El Monte South El Monte Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1936, supports the business interests of the cities of El Monte and South El Monte. With a mission to advance economic growth and community leadership, the Chamber offers members resources such as business advocacy, educational seminars, networking opportunities, and promotional services.
Over the decades, the Chamber has grown into a central hub for local enterprise, connecting businesses with city leaders and state representatives to help shape policies that affect the local economy. Its Business of the Year Award is given annually to a company that exemplifies integrity, service, and active engagement in the community.
For more information, visit emsemchamber.org.
A Model for Member-Focused Banking
CU SoCal’s business model puts people over profit. As a member-owned credit union, it reinvests earnings into better rates, lower fees, and community programs. In addition to traditional banking services, CU SoCal offers homebuyer workshops, credit counseling, and scholarships.
The recognition by the Chamber comes at a time when access to affordable banking remains a challenge for many families. CU SoCal has remained consistent in its mission to close that gap, especially in underserved areas such as the San Gabriel Valley. The El Monte branch is part of that commitment to keeping banking local, accessible, and inclusive.
Continued Growth Rooted in Local Service
As CU SoCal expands across Southern California, its leadership says it remains focused on personalized service at the branch level. The El Monte team is active in school partnerships, city initiatives, and volunteer service, representing a model for community-driven financial services.
This year’s Business of the Year award is not only a recognition of past service but a reflection of CU SoCal’s promise to continue investing in the neighborhoods it serves.
For local residents, CU SoCal’s recognition affirms the value of institutions that stay rooted in the community while offering tools for economic mobility. The credit union’s presence in El Monte reflects what’s possible when local service meets long-term commitment.
