History

BTCU Milestones: From 15 members & $2,000 to 18,000 members & $185 million.

In 1957, a group of leaders in the building and constructions trades came together to form a new kind of financial institution. Inspired by the desire to help fellow workers, they organized the Cement Masons Local 560 Credit Union to provide a banking alternative for themselves and their fellow union workers.

1957—Cement Masons Local 560 Credit Union Founded

The Credit Union was originally run by just a few volunteers. The original share balance limit was $2,000. Loan limits were $100 for unsecured loans and $300 for secured loans.

1959—Name Changes to Building Trades Credit Union

Cement Masons Local 560 Credit Union changes its name to Building Trades Credit Union.

1960-1988—Slow & Steady Growth

The Credit Union continued to grow and expand its membership and product offerings over the next decade. Checking accounts were introduced in the 1980s, followed shortly by ATM cards, IRAs and Share Certificates. By the mid-1980s products and services continued to expand and the Credit Union offered credit cards, home equity loans, and telephone banking.

1989—Leesa Husak Becomes President

Leesa Husak is chosen as President of Building Trades Credit Union.

1991—Building Trades Credit Union Converts to a National Charter

Building Trades Credit Union converts from a state to a national charter and changes its name to St. Paul Building Trades Federal Credit Union.

1992—St. Paul & Minneapolis Building Trades Federal Credit Unions Merge

Another charter change added substantially to the growth of BTCU. St. Paul Building Trades Federal Credit Union merged with Minneapolis Building Trades Federal Credit Union to form Twin Cities Building Trades Federal Credit Union. Membership doubled to 8,000 and assets totaled $23.4 million.

1993—New Office in Shoreview

Twin Cities Building Trades Federal Credit Union opens a second office in Shoreview.

1995—Twin Cities Building Trades Federal Credit Union Changes Its Name

Twin Cities Building Trades Federal Credit Union becomes Minnesota Building Trades Federal Credit Union.

1998—A New Headquarters

The Credit Union constructed a new building in Maple Grove office to house operations and a member service center.

1999—Mortgage Loans Available

The Credit Union continues to expand its services and begins offering mortgage loans.

2001—New Office in Inver Grove Heights

The Credit Union opens its third office in Inver Grove Heights.

2006—Credit Union Offers Business Services

The Credit Union begins to offer a full range of products and services designed for small businesses.

2007—New Office Opens in Eden Prairie

The Credit Union opens its fourth office in Eden Prairie.

2009—Credit Union Name Reflects its Roots

In May 2009, the Credit Union changes its name back to Building Trades Credit Union. 

2013—Bill Daehn Becomes President & CEO

Bill Daehn is appointed President & CEO of Building Trades Credit Union.

2014—BTCU Combines Inver Grove Heights & Eden Prairie Branches at a New Location in Bloomington

BTCU’s new branch, located just off 35W at 98th & Lyndale, opened April 9, 2014.

2016—BTCU Expands its Bloomington Branch

In early 2016, we doubled the size of our Bloomington office to accommodate Business Services and Commercial Lending, our Mortgage department, and our Member Solutions department.

2017—BTCU Launches New Digital Banking Platform

The new digital banking platform was designed to enhance security and offer expanded features and functionality to the BTCU Mobile App including mobile deposit, debit card controls, touch ID, face recognition and more.

2018—BTCU Remodels Maple Grove Branch

BTCU’s Maple Grove branch was remodeled to create an updated and more efficient floor plan to better serve our members. 

2020—Rick Odenthal becomes President & CEO

Bill Daehn retires. Rick Odenthal is appointed President & CEO of Building Trades Credit Union.

BTCU—Today

BTCU is more than 18,000 members strong with about $200 million in assets. We are one of the Minnesota’s largest credit unions for men and women in the building and construction trades unions and their families.