A Night of Milestones: Peninsula Credit Union Celebrates 90th Anniversary and Juntos Avanzamos Designation

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 24, 2025

Peninsula Credit Union brought together more than 200 community members, business leaders, and families on Sept. 17 in Shelton, Wash., to celebrate three milestones: the credit union’s 90th anniversary, the launch of Hispanic Heritage Month, and Peninsula’s official designation as a Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) credit union.

During the event, Inclusiv — a national network of community development credit unions — formally presented Peninsula Credit Union with its Juntos Avanzamos designation. This recognition affirms Peninsula’s commitment to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities by providing reliable, affordable, and culturally relevant financial services. The designation also highlights Peninsula’s ability to support members using ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers), making financial inclusion accessible to more families in Washington’s Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, Clallam, and Grays Harbor counties.

(L-R) Jim Morrell, Peninsula Credit Union, and Jean Carlos Rosario Mercado, Inclusiv

“This event was a reflection of our vision for our 90th Anniversary: Grounded in our past. Growing a future together,” said Jim Morrell, President and CEO of Peninsula Credit Union. “Juntos Avanzamos stands for ‘Together We Advance.’ Unidos (Together), we have a responsibility to offer safe financial education and services as well as respect for all members. We are committed to helping people build assets, achieve financial stability, and contribute to our local economy. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow! We’re honored to be recognized as a Juntos Avanzamos credit union, and we will continue to listen, serve, educate, and care…always.”

Community partners at the event, including the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Shelton Family YMCA, Plaza Esperanza, and Sound Learning, supported the event and ensured a welcoming and inclusive celebration that reflected Shelton’s growing diversity.

The program featured remarks from State Representative Travis Couture, who recognized the power of Peninsula Credit Union’s 90 years in the communities it serves. Representative Couture highlighted that Peninsula Credit Union is providing private sector support to empower the financial decisions of the Hispanic members of our community.

Jean Carlos Mercado, representing Inclusiv, officially presented the Juntos Avanzamos designation, underscoring Peninsula Credit Union’s commitment to financial inclusion of the Latino and immigrant population. While Peninsula’s Lending Director Darla Kolbas highlighted Peninsula’s focus on inclusive lending and pathways to financial opportunity. Claudia Suastegui from the Shelton Family YMCA shared the significance of partnership and community connection.

“I’m incredibly proud of our organization and our teams,” said Billy Thomas, Peninsula’s Marketing Director. “Tonight we celebrated two significant milestones: 90 years of strength, care, and determination — and our future, with the Juntos Avanzamos dedication.”

Thomas, who coordinated the event, also chairs the credit union’s Hispanic Initiatives Team, which has worked for four years to expand access to relevant and reliable banking services for Hispanic and immigrant members. That effort led to Peninsula Credit Union’s official designation in 2024. “This milestone isn’t the end,” Thomas added. “The Juntos Avanzamos designation is a major step in our journey toward more inclusive banking. We still have work to do, and I’m excited for Peninsula’s future.”

The outdoor community celebration featured live music from Las Vozess Singers, two authentic Mexican food trucks, colorful papel picado decorations, and face painting courtesy of the Shelton Family YMCA. Guests were also treated to a dazzling performance by dancing horses from Chavez Ranch and friends and Rancho Durango.

Posted in Community Impact, Regional Member News, Washington.