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We’re home: With determination and many helping hands

A project like the infill building on Dorman Road that houses the new branch of First Credit Union doesn’t come easily. It takes the will and determination of many players and the skill and talent of many artisans and trades-people.
FirstCU
The ribbon cutting at First Credit Union's new location on Dorman Road. From left, Alison Morse, Kevin Manning, Gerry Wray, Murray Atherton, Cro Lucas, and First Credit Union CEO Dave Craig. Peter Rankin stands behind Murray Atherton.

A project like the infill building on Dorman Road that houses the new branch of First Credit Union doesn’t come easily. It takes the will and determination of many players and the skill and talent of many artisans and trades-people. We should all be very proud of the fact that this was accomplished with close to 100 percent local input. We now have a new, locally owned amenity for the Island.
First and foremost I would like to thank the Bellringer family for making our expansion a reality. Without their vision and fearless determination to upgrade Village Square to the benefit of all Bowen Islanders, this would not have happened. Thank you also to our previous landlords Wolfgang Duntz and Bowen Island Properties who helped us significantly in those early years and showed incredible flexibility to us throughout this move.
As is often the case, it is the unsung heroes that make things happen once the vision and financing are all in place. I’d like to thank in no particular order the multitude of talented Bowen Islanders that contributed to the building of this space. I am truly in awe of the skill and talent we have on this island. On behalf of First Credit Union, thanks to each and every one of you: James Tuer of JWT Architecture, Eric Blomberg and the Blomberg Building Group, Andy Rainsley and Bowenshire, Rod Marsh and Quickway, Dave Stalker and Bowen Bay Plumbing, Chris Sorrentino and Steve Trende from Wakefield, Burns Jennings, Frank Olsen, Jen McIntyre, Eric and Clayton Hunter-James, Steve Bayly, Colleen Bergin, Tim Hausch, Coral Louie of The Sign Studio, Vicky Noble of Colony Home Furnishings and Sue Hetherington, whose art is the first to be displayed. My sincere apologies if I have forgotten anyone.
Finally I would like to thank you, the community of Bowen Island for making this all possible. Without your support we wouldn’t be in a place where we need more space to operate. As a credit union and a financial cooperative it is our mandate to give back our profits to the communities we serve. Since 2007 we have given over $515,000 to the community of Bowen Island. We look forward to growing further in our new location and seeing that number grow with us!

Thank you!

Kevin Manning
Branch Manager, First Credit Union (Bowen Island branch)