Business : UICCU ranked #1 out of over 7,200 credit unions nationwide.

For the fourth straight quarter, the University of Iowa Community Credit Union was recognized by independent research firm Callahan & Associates for its first place finish on a measurement known as Return of the Member (ROM).

ROM measures the value that credit unions provide their members. It quantifies how much the credit union gives back in terms of generous rates and how efficiently a credit union provides and promotes services to its members. The leaders in this category are those credit unions that have a high number of account relationships with their members.

“For us, it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff to provide the very best products and services for our members,” commented President and CEO Jeff Disterhoft. “It also validates our business model in that the more efficient we are, the more we can give back to our 91,000 member-owners.”

In the previous five years, the credit union has consistently been in ranked in the top 1% nationwide, but four consecutive first place finishes is more than they expected. “In times like these when many financial institutions are raising fees and tightening lending, it is nice to be recognized as a leader in giving back to the communities we serve” commented Disterhoft.

The streak has caught the eye of Callahan & Associates Inc. Chairman Chip Filson. “Member value is the reason credit unions exist,” Filson commented. “University of Iowa Community Credit Union’s consistent leadership in this effort, as indicated by their consistently high ROM score, demonstrates their ability to use the cooperative design equally for savers, borrowers and even those who just want free checking. The Return of the Members Ranking (ROM) captures a broader performance capability than traditional safety and soundness scores. It combines financial, pricing and participation measures to give a comprehensive assessment. Cooperatives are unique in their singular focus on serving members. UICCU’s ROM numbers validate the exceptional capability of the credit union to keep pace with the ever changing needs of their members and their communities.”

University of Iowa Community Credit Union was formed in 1938 and serves 91,000 members with 10 office locations in Eastern Iowa. Membership is open to anyone living or working in 42 Eastern Iowa counties. UICCU has plans to add to their branch network in 2013 with new office locations in Cedar Falls and Marion. They can be found online at www.uiccu.org. #end#