First West Credit Union to Honour Family Day as Paid Holiday in 2012

SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Oct. 5, 2011) - First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third largest credit union, today applauded Premier Christy Clark's official declaration of the new Family Day provincial holiday in 2013, and announced its plans to observe the statutory holiday a year early, giving employees an additional paid day off in 2012 to spend with their families.

"There is nothing more valuable to families than time together," said Launi Skinner, CEO of First West. "First West employees regularly go above and beyond to make a difference in the financial lives of our members and our communities. This is our way of recognizing a talented team that cares about British Columbians and has delivered some of the best financial results in the credit union industry."

Formed in January 2010 when Penticton-based Valley First Credit Union joined with Langley-based Envision Financial, First West has been recognized by Aon Hewitt, a global leader in human resources consulting, as having one of the most attractive benefits programs in the industry. In Aon Hewitt's 2011 Benefits Index®, First West's benefits program was compared to all the major Canadian banks and six major B.C. credit unions, and was ranked in the top three for employer paid benefits.

"First West is reinventing the traditional credit union model and striving to become one of Canada's best workplaces," said Skinner. "We value our team and believe in celebrating great work as part of our goal to create a great workplace that engages and inspires employees. Giving everyone an extra day off one year before the stat holiday takes effect is one way for us to say our employees and their families matter."

First West employees enjoy a comprehensive and flexible total rewards program that also includes:

• An attractive and competitive retirement program. First West's Group RRSP plan was ranked third among all other major Canada banks and six major B.C. credit unions in Aon Hewitt's 2011 Benefits Index®.
• Minimum vacation time of three weeks per year for full-time employees.
• Other perks such as preferred staff interest rates, and reduced rates on services and products.

First West Credit Union is also committed to helping build community growth. In 2010, First West contributed more than $1 million of its operating profits to local communities in the form of scholarships, sponsorships and donations. To encourage and acknowledge the devotion of its community investment, First West provides paid time off to full-time employees to volunteer and assist charities.

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. First West is British Columbia's third-largest credit union with $6.2 billion in assets under administration, 167,000 members and 1,300 employees. It operates 37 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial and Valley First brands. For more information on First West Credit Union, visit firstwestcu.ca.