The Face of Banking: Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union

Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union is excited to introduce its new team of advisory experts in Kamloops: Corey MacKintosh, Senior Financial Advisor, Shelly Dundas, Wealth Advisor, Charla Johnstone, Branch Manager, Amy Bos, Senior Financial Advisor, Rebecca Fox, Assistant Branch Manager, Chloe Barton, Business Banking Advisor and Karl Reddick, Senior Financial Advisor.

“The advisors who have joined our team in Kamloops bring decades of financial experience, a genuine desire to help our members through their financial journey and a commitment to our community,” says Kamloops branch manager Charla Johnstone.

Valley First lives by the credo: Keeping It Simple®.

“We want to simplify the financial lives of our members,” says Charla.

“We are with our members every step of the way in their financial journey.”

As a credit union providing banking and investment services for residents and businesses of the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys, Valley First is a member-owned financial cooperative.

“Our members are our shareholders,” says Charla.

“We give back to our members by offering things like our Simply Free Account® and our competitive rates. We also have the ability to make local decisions.”

That local decision-making is backed up by Valley First’s status as a division of First West Credit Union, the third-largest credit union in the province.

“First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service,” says Charla.

“Being in a position of strength while keeping our connection to the Kamloops community is key.”

First West operates 46 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial brands.

Led by Launi Skinner, First West has nearly $15.5 billion in total assets and assets under administration, more than 250,000 members and approximately 1,250 employees.

Valley First prides itself on giving back.

Its signature cause is ‘Feed the Valley’ and funds raised locally stay in the community with the Kamloops Food Bank.

The Kamloops branch also supports Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, the ICCHA Wish Foundation and staff serves on many volunteer boards and gives by volunteering in the community.

Charla knew she wanted to work for a credit union, not a big bank.

“After researching Valley First and its unique structure, I knew it would be a good decision,” she says.

“The importance Valley First puts on its pride of supporting and being involved in the community resonates with me.”
Charla was born and raised in Kamloops and revels in the fact she remains in the community building a career with an exceptional financial institution like Valley First.

When not at work, you’ll find Charla in the great outdoors.

“I have always loved spending time in our beautiful lakes and mountains,” she says.

“I am often at the lake camping, hiking and dirt biking. I also just recently discovered snowshoeing, which I am really enjoying.”