*soft music*
In Vacaville, California civic and business leaders have come together
to change the way its residents live, work and play.
Vacaville is investing in artistic and small business growth.
“Small. In a big way.”
Vacaville is attracting more locally owned restaurants,
shops
and businesses
in pursuit of an economically vibrant downtown.
It’s just the beginning of a great American comeback story.
A story that will include Befit Financial Federal Credit Union.
Befit Financial Federal Credit Union was first chartered in 1957.
Back then, we were known as Kaiperm Vallejo Federal Credit Union.
Under the direction of Norman Peterson,
we served Kaiser Permanente employees and their families.
In the 1990s, Kathy Bobcock Droast took the helm
and expanded the credit union’s reach.
Committed to serving the healthcare industry,
the credit union expanded to serve the Napa
and Solano campuses of Kaiser Permanente.
To reflect our outreach,
in 1998 we changed our name to
Kaiperm North Bay Federal Credit Union.
In 2007, Bobbie Adams became president and CEO.
She took over the credit union
on the cusp of the Great Recession.
Bobbie: Who can forget the 2008 financial crisis?
It was a difficult time for us, our members… for all Americans.
The rate of commercial bank failures
was almost triple that of credit unions.
I’m so thankful and proud that we had such an amazing board,
supervisory committee and staff to get us through.
Our people are our strength.
We emerged from the Great Recession more focused and energized,
with a clear sense of mission and purpose.
Narrator: With that renewed focus,
the credit union expanded its field of membership in 2010.
Under a Trade Industry Professional charter,
the credit union expanded beyond Kaiser Permanente
to serve all healthcare professionals in seven counties.
Today, we serve more than 4,000 members
in Solano, Napa, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma and Yolo.
As our mission evolved, so did our brand.
In 2016, we changed our name to
Befit Financial Federal Credit Union.
Maybelline: Our sole reason for existing is to make sure
you’re financially fit every day.
That’s our commitment to our members.
We take care of your financial needs
so you can take care of the needs of others.
Healthcare professionals often begin their careers with significant debt.
Even with higher salaries, for so many,
managing money just becomes more complex.
By financially empowering our members,
we help people reach their goals,
find more rewarding work and even deliver better patient care
Narrator: So, what’s next for Befit?
It only makes sense that a progressive credit union
would find its way into an equally progressive community.
Today, Befit Financial Federal Credit Union is pleased
to open its new headquarters in Vacaville, California.
Lyn: We are entering into a new chapter for not only Befit,
but for the town of Vacaville.
Our new headquarters is within the East Main District,
where there is a wonderful plan for mixed-use development.
We look forward to being a part of this one-of-a-kind district –
one with a mix of restaurants, retailers, residential and office space.
Gordon: We are thrilled to become a member
of the growing Vacaville community.
We are a credit union with terrific values
and a strong track record of financial growth.
And this year we're
celebrating our sixtieth anniversary.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by investing
in a community that is just as proud of their history,
and has a forward-thinking culture
Narrator: Much like a town that values and boasts,
“Small. In a Big Way,”
we believe our members have always been
the heartbeat of our credit union.
Bobbie: We are incredibly excited to open Befit’s new headquarters in Vacaville.
We are overwhelmed by the gracious welcome and support that we have received.
As we embark on our 60th anniversary,
we look forward to growing here for many years to come.
We are proud to call Vacaville home.
Thank you, and welcome to Befit Financial Federal Credit Union.