Wakota Federal Credit Union – South St. Paul Receives River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Small Business of the Year Award

Inver Grove Heights/South Saint Paul – The River Heights Chamber of Commerce will be honoring Wakota Federal Credit Union of South St. Paul on April 26, 2012 at Mendakota Country Club with their 2012 Small Business of the Year Award. 

Wakota Federal Credit Union was selected by the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s Recognition Committee. The Small Business of the Year Award acknowledges an organization that has been in business at least five years, has 20 or fewer employees, has been a member of the Chamber for at least two years, and has a commitment to the community through its involvement and assistance to community organizations, a commitment to its employees, suppliers and customer relationships, and a commitment to excellence in service, business ethics, friendliness and business operations.  The River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s first Small Business of the Year Award was presented in 1989. 

“It is an honor to just be nominated for the River Heights Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. There are so many small businesses within our Chamber that are just as deserving, that it makes it even more humbling to be this year’s recipient,” commented Mary Matheson, President/CEO of Wakota Federal Credit Union.

Wakota Federal Credit Union ("Wakota") is a small credit union of 9 employees based at 1151 Southview Blvd. in South St. Paul. They provide financial services including savings & checking accounts, consumer loans, mortgage loans, and partners to provide investments, insurance and business lending.  Wakota Federal Credit Union is open to the public and serves all those that live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in Dakota County and family members of existing members. They have been serving the River Heights region for 81 years and have been an active member of the River Heights Chamber for the past 25 years!

Members of the Credit Union do business with Wakota for many reasons; one of which stands out is their loyal, professional staff who provide excellent customer service! Wakota employees work in the members’ best interest to help them achieve financial success.  Their members are treated like friends and family, by taking the time to get to know their story to assist them with their needs.  They know their members by name; members as young as days old.  Their excellent service has resulted in many referrals from their members. Matheson notes, “We are the home town credit union with that small town feel.”

Giving back to the community is also very important to everyone at Wakota Federal Credit Union. Mary added, “We are actively involved with the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, Neighbors Inc., Dakota County Animal Shelters, Toys for Tots through the Marines and Credit Unions for Kids.”   The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award, which honors credit unions for their charitable work in their community, has recognized Wakota Federal Credit Union for many years.

The River Heights Chamber of Commerce congratulates Wakota Federal Credit Union for building a strong financial institution with dedicated and friendly staff that has served so many people over the years. The Chamber looks forward to Wakota Federal Credit Union providing their exceptional service to so many more in the years ahead.  Congratulations on being named the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Small Business of the Year!

The Small Business Award Luncheon & Trade Show will also feature Chamber member businesses at the Trade Show beginning at 11 a.m. followed by Keynote Speaker Karin Housley, Social Media Expert, presenting on "Help! I Have Social Media Phobia!" during the luncheon.  Don't miss this great event!

For more information on this award recipient or register to attend the River Heights Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award Luncheon and Trade Show ($35) on April 26th at 11 a.m. at Mendakota Country Club, please contact the River Heights Chamber of Commerce at 651.451.2266 or visit the Small Business Event Page online at www.riverheights.com. 

About River Heights Chamber of Commerce
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is a business organization who aggressively promotes the interests of the business communities of Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. The organization is volunteer driven and strives to continue to provide value-added opportunities for all members. Visit their website to learn more at www.riverheights.com.