Tech Credit Union strengthens communities through financial literacy and partnerships

Since its founding in 1936, Tech Credit Union has remained committed to supporting the communities it serves. Across Northwest Indiana and Illinois, the credit union works closely with local organizations, union halls, schools, and community leaders to provide financial education, resources, and opportunities that help individuals and families build stronger financial futures.

“Since 1936, our focus has been on the communities we serve and how we can provide them with options that will empower them to be financially successful,” said Michael Evanich, assistant vice president and manager of membership growth and SEG development.

One of the most impactful ways Tech Credit Union connects with the community is through its partnerships with local union halls and workforce organizations. Through these relationships, the credit union is able to meet people where they are and provide meaningful financial education and support.

“Our credit union stays active in the community, especially through the union halls we partner with,” said Zach Thompson, Tech Credit Union’s vice president of union relations and community development. “We regularly attend meetings to talk about the union incentive benefits we offer and how members and their families can use them.”

These partnerships also allow the credit union to bring financial literacy education directly to community members. Thompson frequently leads sessions that help individuals better understand topics such as budgeting, credit, and long-term financial planning.

“We spend a lot of time on financial literacy, teaching sessions at union halls, high schools, and even some local universities,” Thompson said. “It’s about helping people understand the financial tools available to them and how they can use them to improve their lives.”

Beyond education, the Tech Credit Union team stays visible throughout the region by volunteering and participating in community events.

“Beyond education, we volunteer and show up for a lot of community events like Women of Steel activities, Building Trades Day, golf outings, and chamber events,” Thompson said. “We also work career fairs, help students with interview preparation, and take part in networking opportunities throughout the area. It’s about being present and building relationships in the communities we serve.”

Thompson’s role combines outreach, education, and partnership building. He regularly speaks at union halls and coordinates with community leaders through organizations such as READY NWI, Gary Work BIG, local chambers, and union leadership groups like NIALF and the building trades.

“My role is a mix of presenting, teaching, and connecting,” Thompson said. “I regularly speak at union halls, breaking down who we are, what we do, and why we do it, then walk members through the specific benefits they can take advantage of.”

Since joining Tech Credit Union in October 2024 as vice president of union relations and community development, Thompson has continued expanding the credit union’s presence across the region.

“I’ve been in the credit union space since 2015, focusing on development work throughout,” Thompson said. “What’s exciting is seeing how much momentum there already is here.”

Over the years, Tech Credit Union’s involvement in the community has continued to grow through both intentional outreach and strong relationships.

“When I first started in this kind of work, organizations often had to seek out opportunities to get involved,” Thompson said. “Now, through word of mouth and our relationships with different councils and community groups, we’re often sought out.”

That growing reputation has helped position Tech Credit Union as a trusted financial partner for many organizations across the region.

“It’s rewarding to see that people now view us as a resource and a partner,” Thompson said. “Many of the organizations we’ve worked with actively refer us to others as the go-to credit union.”

For Tech Credit Union, that trust reflects the credit union’s long-standing mission to support the financial wellbeing of the communities it serves.

“One of the core values of Tech Credit Union is to be committed to the social and economic success of the communities we are proud to serve,” Evanich said. “We strive every day to make the lives of those we serve in the community better financially.”

To collaborate with Tech Credit Union on a community event, sponsorship, volunteer opportunity, or financial literacy program, visit techcu.org/home/about-us/giving-back.