Ripco celebrates anniversary, International Credit Union Day with celebrations through Oct. 19

This year, Ripco Credit Union will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in conjunction with International Credit Union Day. During the week of Oct. 15-19, Ripco's "Attitude of Excellence" and the 2012 Credit Union Day theme of "Members Matter Most" will be integrated to create a festive, member-focused experience at both Ripco branches in Rhinelander and Eagle River.

The celebrations will include daily prize drawings in both branches, a free community-wide shred event to be held at the Rhinelander Home Depot parking lot on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from noon to 3 p.m., and an all-day celebration at both branches, complete with refreshments, prizes and drawings, capped off with a grand prize drawing for a 32" Samsung LED TV.

This year on Oct. 18, credit unions in 100 countries will celebrate International Credit Union Day. Ripco's Credit Union Day celebration will also focus on member appreciation and observance of the 80-year anniversary.

Ripco Credit Union obtained its state charter in the fall of 1932. It was organized by Charles Hyland and initially, membership was available to employees of the Rhinelander Paper Company and of Ripco Credit Union, and their immediate families. The name "Ripco" is an acronym for Rhinelander Industrial Paper Company.

In 1972, Ripco became a community credit union with a charter including the city of Rhinelander and the towns of Pine Lake, Crescent and Pelican. The charter further expanded to include all of Oneida County in 1976, and all of Forest County was added in 1977. In 1980, Ripco acquired Musky Credit Union in Woodruff. As a result, people living in the parts of Vilas County who were formerly served by Musky Credit Union became eligible for membership in Ripco. In November of 2009, Ripco's membership was further expanded to include everyone who lives or works in Oneida, Forest, Florence, Vilas, Langlade, Lincoln or Price counties.

Most recently, Ripco acquired via merger the assets and members of the former Nicolet Credit Union of Eagle River in September 2011 and the assets and members of Lake Tomahawk's Rainbow Credit Union in August of 2012.