Jan8

CEO Co-Lab

GoWest's CEO Co-Lab is quickly becoming a "can't-miss" event among the region's most forward-thinking and innovative CEOs – you won't want to miss it.
Jan16

Wyoming CU Day at the Capitol

Our collective advocacy priority will be to showcase the impact Wyoming credit unions are making across the state, while increasing our connection and relationship with our elected leaders at the Wyoming Capitol.
Jan22

Idaho CU Day at the Capitol

Our collective advocacy priority will be to showcase the impact Idaho credit unions are making across the state, while increasing our connection and relationship with our elected leaders at the Idaho Capitol.
Jan28

Arizona CU Day at the Capitol

Our collective advocacy priority will be to showcase the impact Arizona credit unions are making across the state, while increasing our connection and relationship with our elected leaders at the Arizona Capitol.

Brittanie Bonanzino

AVP, Communications

Washington

Alyse Headshot

Alyse Knudsen

Manager, Communications

Oregon

Home » On The Go »

Unitus Community Credit Union Celebrates New Branch Opening with 10-Year-Old CEO

November 3, 2023

Unitus CEO Steven Stapp and Unitus BizTown Branch CEO Jalyn.

Unitus Community Credit Union, based in Portland, Oregon, recently announced it opened its newest branch at Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington’s BizTown in Southeast Portland.

Leading the organization through the grand opening was 10-year-old Jayln, a fifth-grade student at Columbia River Gorge Elementary School in Washougal, Washington. She serves as the first Unitus CEO at the new JA BizTown branch. 

JA BizTown provides students with a unique opportunity to experience their personal financial futures firsthand. Within a simulated economy, students embark on the challenge of starting and running a business. Through an in-class curriculum focused on the circular flow of the economy and citizenship, students are prepared for their roles within the various storefronts at JA BizTown.  

“As a credit union, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through financial education,” explained President and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union Steven Stapp. “Our involvement in JA BizTown further solidifies this commitment and will expose students to the services that credit unions offer.” 

Stapp met with Jalyn at the branch opening to offer some pointers on running the credit union. While she was certainly busy, she appreciated meeting with Unitus’ real-life CEO. During her report to BizTown, she celebrated the financial decisions of the members of her community. 

“Many of you made the responsible choice of saving for your future. Thirty-five citizens opened savings accounts with Unitus. It was a pleasure to see these citizens of JA BizTown demonstrate good financial decisions. Thank you for choosing Unitus Community Credit Union. We are happy to serve our community at JA BizTown,” announced Jayln. 

Unitus has been a proud partner of Junior Achievement since 2012, with employees regularly volunteering for Junior Achievement capstone programs, JA BizTown® and JA Finance Park®. These programs focus on entrepreneurship, personal financial education, and workforce readiness, aligning with Unitus’ mission to promote financial education and empower future generations. 

Posted in Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington.