TBA Credit Union began with a few spare dollars, a cigar box and a basic trust in people. It was 1955. Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House. Elvis had not yet had his first hit. And a few members of the Traverse City school system were making a little history of their own. Seeing a need to help educators and school staff with their finances, the small group pooled the $50 needed for a credit union charter.

On Thanksgiving Day, 1955, the Traverse City Board of Education Employees Credit Union was chartered. The original board members were Garland L. House, James C. Baker, Jr., John Youker, William Novak, Allen A. Lockman, H.J. Olson, Edward H. Bailey and G.E. Loomis who all had four shares each. Referred to as TBA Education Credit Union starting in 1967, the official license was received in January of 2004, making the new credit union name TBA Credit Union. In those early days, funds were kept in a cigar box. Those needing a loan could take what they needed and leave an I.O.U. to be covered the next payday. It was a level of shared trust that continues today with TBACU members. Like our area, TBACU has grown considerably and now provides a wide range of services to over 20,000 members. We strive to provide financial education for all ages and to stay true to our co-op roots.