Empowering Communities: The Shared Strength of Credit Unions and Electric Cooperatives

Growing up in Van Buren County, just a stone’s throw from the Palisades Nuclear Plant, I had a bit of an unconventional fascination with nuclear energy. I guess you could say I’ve always been drawn to things that power communities, whether it’s lights or loans.

Fast forward to today, as the finance manager at 4Front Credit Union my childhood curiosity has only expanded—now including electric vehicles, carbon-free energy, and yes, cooperative finance. Credit unions and electric cooperatives? These two models might sound worlds apart, but they’re really more like kindred spirits in the quest to keep things local, sustainable, and member-driven.

Shared Values: Member Ownership and Local Impact

When it comes to credit unions and electric cooperatives, the secret sauce is simple: they're owned by the people they serve. Forget about Wall Street investors or faceless corporations extracting capital from the community - whether you're financing an electric vehicle at your local credit union (been there, done that!) or flipping the switch on carbon-free energy with Cherryland Electric Cooperative , it’s all about keeping capital local.

I’ve seen firsthand how both sectors focus on keeping money within the community. At 4Front Credit Union, our goal is to help our Northern Michigan neighbors save more, borrow smarter, and invest in their future. And Cherryland? They’re on a mission to power our Northern Michigan homes sustainably, aiming for 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. That’s not just big talk—it’s the cooperative way: always reinvesting in the places and people that matter most.

Democratic Governance and the Power of Voting

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you vote on something that actually impacts your life? Well, both credit unions and electric cooperatives make sure you experience that often. Unlike most traditional businesses, members actually have a say in how things are run. When I say you’re not just a customer, I mean it—you’re a part-owner. You get to vote on key decisions, from board elections to major projects.

At 4Front Credit Union, members influence decisions by electing the board, which ensures our credit union keeps member needs front and center. Similarly, Cherryland Electric Cooperative puts the power (pun intended) in the hands of its members to shape the future of local energy. And with Cherryland’s focus on carbon-free energy, your vote might just help light up the community in a more sustainable way. So if you’ve ever thought your voice didn’t matter, in these cooperatives, it truly does.

Cooperation for Sustainability: EVs, Solar, and Nuclear Power

Now, let's talk about sustainability—because what’s cooler than driving an electric vehicle that’s powered by carbon-free energy? (Answer: pretty much nothing.) While a credit union helped me finance my EV, credit unions across the country are stepping up to finance solar projects, electric vehicles, and more. This shows how credit unions are quietly fueling the green energy revolution, one loan at a time.

But it’s not just credit unions getting in on the sustainability action. Cherryland Electric Cooperative has committed to providing 100% carbon-free energy by 2030, and that’s no small feat. They’re making strides with clean energy sources, including their partnership with Wolverine Power Cooperative in efforts to reopen the Palisades Nuclear Plant - the object of my childhood nuclear energy fascination. So, whether it's through clean energy or innovative financing, cooperatives are leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.

Shared Advocacy: Why Credit Unions and Electric Cooperatives Should Join Forces

While credit unions and electric cooperatives currently focus on advocating separately within their industries, there’s a strong case for collaboration. Both sectors are deeply committed to keeping capital local and powering a sustainable future, which makes their advocacy goals strikingly similar.

Organizations like the Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates and America's Credit Unions are powerful voices on behalf of credit unions, ensuring that laws and regulations support the community-focused finance model. At the same time, NRECA champions policies that enable rural electric cooperatives to provide affordable, sustainable energy to underserved regions.

Given their shared mission—whether it’s driving local economic growth through financial services or delivering clean, carbon-free energy—credit unions and electric cooperatives should consider working together to amplify their collective voice in policy discussions. Both sectors could benefit from a united front on issues like renewable energy incentives, sustainable infrastructure investment, and community-based development. By advocating together, these cooperatives can help shape a future where sustainability and local financial empowerment go hand in hand.

Conclusion: Building Stronger, Greener Communities Together

At the end of the day, both credit unions and electric cooperatives are about more than just finances or electricity—they’re about community empowerment. Whether it’s voting for your board members, financing your EV, or powering your home through carbon-free energy, cooperatives are all about keeping capital local and sustainability at the forefront.

These sectors are proof that when we come together—whether it’s over clean energy, smarter banking, or simply a shared vision for the future—we can build communities that are stronger, greener, and more resilient.