About CaseraSimple and straightforward.
Exceptional service should be an easy flowing transaction between a credit union and its membership. At Casera, we are working hard to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline processes and enhance our interactions.
As a member-focused co-operative, Casera Credit Union’s goal is simple: to provide exceptional service and innovative financial solutions designed to help families prosper, businesses succeed, and communities thrive.
As a member-focused co-operative, Casera Credit Union’s goal is simple: to provide exceptional service and innovative financial solutions designed to help families prosper, businesses succeed, and communities thrive.
| Benefits | Features |
| Open membership | Everyone can join. Become a Casera member in 3 quick steps: • fill out an application online or in-person at your neighbourhood branch • pay your $5 share. • start banking |
| Profit sharing | As a credit union owner and voting member, you are also entitled to share in Casera’s profits through share dividends and patronage refunds, as determined annually by our Board of Directors. |
| Neighbourhood values | We invest in programs, events and initiatives that build stronger, more vibrant neighbourhoods. |
| Expert Advice | Talk to us. Our knowledgeable staff will provide straight answers to all your questions. |
| Secured deposits | All deposits are 100% guaranteed by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba. |
| Diversity of service | Our face to face service and prosperity-building products are at the heart of our success. We also offer the latest in banking technologies, including online and mobile banking, a self-directed wealth management option and a virtual branch – Casera Financial. |
Mission:
To fulfill our members’ financial needs with trustworthy advice, market leading products, and exceptional service that creates rewarding member experiences.
Vision:
We will prosper and enrich our relationship with members by introducing technologies that broaden the ways we deliver service.
Core Values:
Investment in People
We invest in our employees, providing in-depth training and an array of career opportunities to assist them in delivering exceptional member service.
Support of Community
We foster leadership and enrichment in the spirit of the co-operative principles by proudly supporting community programs and events that enhance our neighbourhoods.
Commitment to Excellence
We strive for excellence by embracing change, anticipating our members’ financial needs, leveraging advanced technologies and delivering sound financial solutions.
To fulfill our members’ financial needs with trustworthy advice, market leading products, and exceptional service that creates rewarding member experiences.
Vision:
We will prosper and enrich our relationship with members by introducing technologies that broaden the ways we deliver service.
Core Values:
Investment in People
We invest in our employees, providing in-depth training and an array of career opportunities to assist them in delivering exceptional member service.
Support of Community
We foster leadership and enrichment in the spirit of the co-operative principles by proudly supporting community programs and events that enhance our neighbourhoods.
Commitment to Excellence
We strive for excellence by embracing change, anticipating our members’ financial needs, leveraging advanced technologies and delivering sound financial solutions.
Brent Thomas, Chief Executive Officer
With more than 30 years of front office experience in Manitoba’s credit union system, Brent Thomas has a keen understanding of what it takes to lead an efficient, forward-thinking financial institution. Brent has been at the helm of Casera since 1999, and under his leadership, the credit union continues to grow and deliver exceptional personal service and creative banking solutions.
Board of Directors
Robert Riddell, Board Chair
Barry Hoeppner, Vice Chair
Barbara Anderson
Dave Abel
Sky Bridges
Linda Hansen
Adrian Measner
Glen Swanson
Grace Page
With more than 30 years of front office experience in Manitoba’s credit union system, Brent Thomas has a keen understanding of what it takes to lead an efficient, forward-thinking financial institution. Brent has been at the helm of Casera since 1999, and under his leadership, the credit union continues to grow and deliver exceptional personal service and creative banking solutions.
Board of Directors
Robert Riddell, Board Chair
Barry Hoeppner, Vice Chair
Barbara Anderson
Dave Abel
Sky Bridges
Linda Hansen
Adrian Measner
Glen Swanson
Grace Page
HELP CASERA GROW & PROSPER
Join the Board of Directors
As a Casera member, you have the right to be elected to our democratically elected volunteer Board of Directors. Nominations are called for in January and an election held in April.
The Board works closely with Casera’s management group to define and determine the future direction of the credit union. Since the strongest boards are comprised of people from different walks of life, candidates for the Board should have a passion for credit union values, as well as demonstrated competencies in some of the following:
• audit and compliance
• Board and Chief Executive Officer performance
• credit union operations
• financial literacy
• governance and ethics
• leadership
• regulatory environment
• risk management oversight
• strategic planning.
We offer a comprehensive director-training program that focuses on the authority, responsibility and accountability of new directors.
Nominations are now closed for 2019.
The new director nomination package will be available again in early 2020.
Join the Board of Directors
As a Casera member, you have the right to be elected to our democratically elected volunteer Board of Directors. Nominations are called for in January and an election held in April.
The Board works closely with Casera’s management group to define and determine the future direction of the credit union. Since the strongest boards are comprised of people from different walks of life, candidates for the Board should have a passion for credit union values, as well as demonstrated competencies in some of the following:
• audit and compliance
• Board and Chief Executive Officer performance
• credit union operations
• financial literacy
• governance and ethics
• leadership
• regulatory environment
• risk management oversight
• strategic planning.
We offer a comprehensive director-training program that focuses on the authority, responsibility and accountability of new directors.
Nominations are now closed for 2019.
The new director nomination package will be available again in early 2020.
An easy flowing transaction.
We believe that exceptional service should be an easy flowing transaction between a credit union and its membership. At Casera, we’re working hard to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline processes and enhance our interactions. We are striving to make our members’ banking experiences as seamless and straightforward as possible. In other words, we are making banking uncomplicated.
To learn more about how we're providing value to our members' banking experiences, check out uncomplicatedbanking.ca.
We believe that exceptional service should be an easy flowing transaction between a credit union and its membership. At Casera, we’re working hard to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline processes and enhance our interactions. We are striving to make our members’ banking experiences as seamless and straightforward as possible. In other words, we are making banking uncomplicated.
To learn more about how we're providing value to our members' banking experiences, check out uncomplicatedbanking.ca.
Our purpose is to serve.
Casera Credit Union was founded in the boiler shop of the Canadian National Railway's Transcona Shops in 1951, the vision of 10 tradesmen who invested $5 each for an opportunity to save and borrow money. Since then, we have branched out from Transcona to St. Vital, changed our name from Transcona Credit Union to Casera, and along the way became one of Winnipeg's leading providers of innovative financial services.
Over the years, we have never lost our founders' roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work attitude. We still believe that a person's character is just as valuable as their collateral and that the communities we do business in are our neighbourhoods too. Above all, we are proud of our determination to carry on the time-honoured tradition of face to face service. At Casera, personal service is not just a promise – it is our purpose.
Casera Credit Union was founded in the boiler shop of the Canadian National Railway's Transcona Shops in 1951, the vision of 10 tradesmen who invested $5 each for an opportunity to save and borrow money. Since then, we have branched out from Transcona to St. Vital, changed our name from Transcona Credit Union to Casera, and along the way became one of Winnipeg's leading providers of innovative financial services.
Over the years, we have never lost our founders' roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work attitude. We still believe that a person's character is just as valuable as their collateral and that the communities we do business in are our neighbourhoods too. Above all, we are proud of our determination to carry on the time-honoured tradition of face to face service. At Casera, personal service is not just a promise – it is our purpose.
In Casera's quarterly newsletter you'll find informative news items, a message from our CEO and timely stories about our technologies, products, and services. You can always access the newsletter any time of the day on our website.
Click below to view and download our newsletters.
January 2019 *New*
October 2018
July 2018
April 2018
January 2018
October 2017
July 2017
April 2017
January 2017
Click below to view and download our newsletters.
January 2019 *New*
October 2018
July 2018
April 2018
January 2018
October 2017
July 2017
April 2017
January 2017
A legacy of success.
Since 1951, Casera Credit Union has grown and prospered. We are nurtured by the vision of our ten charter members, strengthened by the loyalty of our members and powered by the dedication of our hard-working staff.
1951
The Group of 10
Transcona Credit Union Society launches with $50 in its account. Ten charter members from the Canadian National Railway (CNR) Transcona Shops – Walter Alam, Harry Brown, Charles Burkett, Robert Davison, Arthur Everton, Eric Hansen, Thomas Herling, Walter Keen, Peter Mathewson and Michael Tomkiw – put up $5 each to form an employee credit union.
1952
Open for Business
TCU operates out of a small trailer on Bond Street, north of the CNR Shops’ main gate. Members can now open savings accounts and apply for mortgages up to $1,000.
1954
Bond Street Finance
A new office opens at 208 Bond Street. Membership in TCU is opened to all Transcona residents.
1960
New Location
TCU moves into new offices at 108 Bond Street.
1963
Open to All
TCU opens its bond of association. Now, anyone can become a member.
1964
Million Dollar Milestone
Thirteen years after being established, TCU achieves $1 million in assets.
1970
Walk-Up Service
Manitoba’s first walk-up teller is installed. It handles deposits and withdrawals before and after regular office hours.
1973
Merger Vote
Members of TCU and the CCIL Employees Credit Union approve a merger. TCU grows by 174 new members.
1977
A New Address
Increasing membership leads to construction of a new building at 1300 Plessis Road. The Bond Street branch is closed two years later.
1984
Another First
TCU becomes the first Manitoba credit union to go online with an electronic financial services network. The move paves the way for automated tellers.
1985
Do-it-Yourself Automation
An ATM is installed in the Plessis branch. By 1989, the machine is recognized as the busiest credit union ATM in the province.
1991
Financial Fun
Thanks to the launch of the Fat Cat and Moving Up youth accounts, TCU’s youngest members can learn about saving money.
1994
Eastward Expansion
TCU opens a new branch on Kildare Avenue. Walter Alam, the last remaining charter member, cuts the ribbon.
1995
Drive-Thru Convenience
Manitoba’s first credit union drive-thru ATM is unveiled at the Plessis branch. It processes 996 transactions in four days.
1997
High School Branch
TCU partners with Transcona Collegiate Institute to form Titan Credit Union, a course-based program that teaches money management.
2001
Celebrating Success
TCU’s first 50 years of success are celebrated.
2006
Fresh Identity
A new branch opens on St. Anne’s Road in St. Vital. To reflect expansion to a new market area, TCU changes its name to Casera Credit Union.
2008
Making a Difference
Casera becomes a sponsor of the Casera Walk With L’Arche,
a major fundraiser to assist people with developmental disabilities.
2009
Service Enhancements
A new computer system is installed, enhancing Casera’s delivery of Internet-based services. Casera becomes the first credit union in Manitoba to launch mobile banking.
2010
Security and Convenience
Casera introduces chip cards that use microchip technology to make retail payments and ATM withdrawals safer and more convenient.
2011
Honouring Our Heritage
Casera celebrates 60 years of success. Publishes Strength Through Service, a history of the credit union from 1951 to 2011.
2012
Rolling Out Technology
New banking technology – Mobile Web, Interac® e-Transfer and Direct Alerts – is rolled out. Casera's Facebook page makes its debut.
2014
Keeping Pace
To keep pace with the competitive financial industry, Casera launches a new app called Casera CU Mobile. Small Business Online Banking is also introduced to help meet the needs of business members.
2015
Stepping Forward
Deposit Anywhere™ is introduced, allowing members to deposit cheques with their smartphones.
Casera refreshes its logo and introduces U.B., the credit union's new spokesperson. A new website called uncomplicatedbanking.ca, is launched, becoming a companion site to caseracu.ca.
Casera partners with Dakota Collegiate to establish Lancer Credit Union, a course-based program that teaches money management.
To help broaden the credit union's reach, a virtual branch – Casera Financial – is launched online. Now, members can conduct business with Casera no matter where they live.
2016
Pioneering Success
Casera celebrates 65 years of initiative and innovation. Publishes Trailblazers Infographic Poster, a history of the credit union’s trailblazing firsts.
The inaugural Casera Community Awards is launched to recognize individuals and nonprofit groups whose tireless leadership enriches our neighbourhoods.
2017
Service Optimization
New generation ATMs are installed at the Kildare and Southglen branches. The machines feature a larger monitor with improved graphics and enhanced interface.
Personal Financial Management (PFM) system launches as an enhanced feature of CU@Home. A smart and secure way for members to view their accounts and understand their money.
Youth branch, Titan Credit Union celebrates 20 year anniversary.
Since 1951, Casera Credit Union has grown and prospered. We are nurtured by the vision of our ten charter members, strengthened by the loyalty of our members and powered by the dedication of our hard-working staff.
1951
The Group of 10
Transcona Credit Union Society launches with $50 in its account. Ten charter members from the Canadian National Railway (CNR) Transcona Shops – Walter Alam, Harry Brown, Charles Burkett, Robert Davison, Arthur Everton, Eric Hansen, Thomas Herling, Walter Keen, Peter Mathewson and Michael Tomkiw – put up $5 each to form an employee credit union.
1952
Open for Business
TCU operates out of a small trailer on Bond Street, north of the CNR Shops’ main gate. Members can now open savings accounts and apply for mortgages up to $1,000.
1954
Bond Street Finance
A new office opens at 208 Bond Street. Membership in TCU is opened to all Transcona residents.
1960
New Location
TCU moves into new offices at 108 Bond Street.
1963
Open to All
TCU opens its bond of association. Now, anyone can become a member.
1964
Million Dollar Milestone
Thirteen years after being established, TCU achieves $1 million in assets.
1970
Walk-Up Service
Manitoba’s first walk-up teller is installed. It handles deposits and withdrawals before and after regular office hours.
1973
Merger Vote
Members of TCU and the CCIL Employees Credit Union approve a merger. TCU grows by 174 new members.
1977
A New Address
Increasing membership leads to construction of a new building at 1300 Plessis Road. The Bond Street branch is closed two years later.
1984
Another First
TCU becomes the first Manitoba credit union to go online with an electronic financial services network. The move paves the way for automated tellers.
1985
Do-it-Yourself Automation
An ATM is installed in the Plessis branch. By 1989, the machine is recognized as the busiest credit union ATM in the province.
1991
Financial Fun
Thanks to the launch of the Fat Cat and Moving Up youth accounts, TCU’s youngest members can learn about saving money.
1994
Eastward Expansion
TCU opens a new branch on Kildare Avenue. Walter Alam, the last remaining charter member, cuts the ribbon.
1995
Drive-Thru Convenience
Manitoba’s first credit union drive-thru ATM is unveiled at the Plessis branch. It processes 996 transactions in four days.
1997
High School Branch
TCU partners with Transcona Collegiate Institute to form Titan Credit Union, a course-based program that teaches money management.
2001
Celebrating Success
TCU’s first 50 years of success are celebrated.
2006
Fresh Identity
A new branch opens on St. Anne’s Road in St. Vital. To reflect expansion to a new market area, TCU changes its name to Casera Credit Union.
2008
Making a Difference
Casera becomes a sponsor of the Casera Walk With L’Arche,
a major fundraiser to assist people with developmental disabilities.
2009
Service Enhancements
A new computer system is installed, enhancing Casera’s delivery of Internet-based services. Casera becomes the first credit union in Manitoba to launch mobile banking.
2010
Security and Convenience
Casera introduces chip cards that use microchip technology to make retail payments and ATM withdrawals safer and more convenient.
2011
Honouring Our Heritage
Casera celebrates 60 years of success. Publishes Strength Through Service, a history of the credit union from 1951 to 2011.
2012
Rolling Out Technology
New banking technology – Mobile Web, Interac® e-Transfer and Direct Alerts – is rolled out. Casera's Facebook page makes its debut.
2014
Keeping Pace
To keep pace with the competitive financial industry, Casera launches a new app called Casera CU Mobile. Small Business Online Banking is also introduced to help meet the needs of business members.
2015
Stepping Forward
Deposit Anywhere™ is introduced, allowing members to deposit cheques with their smartphones.
Casera refreshes its logo and introduces U.B., the credit union's new spokesperson. A new website called uncomplicatedbanking.ca, is launched, becoming a companion site to caseracu.ca.
Casera partners with Dakota Collegiate to establish Lancer Credit Union, a course-based program that teaches money management.
To help broaden the credit union's reach, a virtual branch – Casera Financial – is launched online. Now, members can conduct business with Casera no matter where they live.
2016
Pioneering Success
Casera celebrates 65 years of initiative and innovation. Publishes Trailblazers Infographic Poster, a history of the credit union’s trailblazing firsts.
The inaugural Casera Community Awards is launched to recognize individuals and nonprofit groups whose tireless leadership enriches our neighbourhoods.
2017
Service Optimization
New generation ATMs are installed at the Kildare and Southglen branches. The machines feature a larger monitor with improved graphics and enhanced interface.
Personal Financial Management (PFM) system launches as an enhanced feature of CU@Home. A smart and secure way for members to view their accounts and understand their money.
Youth branch, Titan Credit Union celebrates 20 year anniversary.
Building stronger neighbourhoods.
Caring for our community is one of the cornerstone values of Casera Credit Union. As a community-focused financial institution, we not only help our members achieve their financial goals, we also invest in programs, events and initiatives that build stronger, more vibrant neighbourhoods.
We believe that our communities are made stronger by the diversity of the people in them. We welcome the arrival of New Canadians to our neighbourhoods and we continue to reach out with initiatives that assist them in becoming successful citizens.
Since our founding in 1951, Casera has committed to helping young people grow and prosper. Over the years we have won awards for our efforts, and we will continue to work closely with community-based organizations that create opportunities for young people to learn the value of education, leadership and financial management.
Caring for our community is one of the cornerstone values of Casera Credit Union. As a community-focused financial institution, we not only help our members achieve their financial goals, we also invest in programs, events and initiatives that build stronger, more vibrant neighbourhoods.
We believe that our communities are made stronger by the diversity of the people in them. We welcome the arrival of New Canadians to our neighbourhoods and we continue to reach out with initiatives that assist them in becoming successful citizens.
Since our founding in 1951, Casera has committed to helping young people grow and prosper. Over the years we have won awards for our efforts, and we will continue to work closely with community-based organizations that create opportunities for young people to learn the value of education, leadership and financial management.
Honouring Neighbourhood Heroes
For over 68 years, Casera has actively supported community-focused programs, events and initiatives that enhance our Transcona and St. Vital neighbourhoods.
There are many dedicated individuals and nonprofit groups that work tirelessly and at times without recognition to make our community a vibrant place in which to live and work. We acknowledge their good deeds with the annual Casera Community Awards.
“Our aim is to bring recognition to deserving community leaders and groups in Transcona and St. Vital,” says Brent Thomas, Casera's CEO. “We want to celebrate their endeavours and accomplishments and share their success stories with others.”
There are two categories of awards:
Community Leadership – The Leadership Award honours those individuals who over time have contributed to the social fabric of their community through visionary leadership or tireless volunteer work.
Community Enrichment – The Enrichment Award celebrates nonprofit organizations that over time have made significant contributions to the well-being of the neighbourhoods in which they work.
Nomination are now closed for 2019. The awards will be presented at Casera's Annual General Meeting on April 16, 2019.
An investment in ownership.
Every Casera member approved for membership is required to deposit into a common share account as a declaration of his or her ownership. Common shares form part of the capital of the credit union and are a required investment. A monthly deposit of $2.50 into your share account (up to a maximum of $200) is a condition of ownership in the credit union. You may grow your common shares to the maximum limit at any time by purchasing $5 shares bimonthly ($2.50 is withdrawn every month from your account) or purchasing 40 $5 shares ($200) when you open your membership.
Surplus shares are dividends paid out by Casera and are based on the value of a member’s common shares. With the approval of the Board of Directors, patronage refunds may be paid on interest earned or paid by the membership. Common shares and surplus shares are RRSP and RRIF eligible. Since 1994, Casera has returned over $3.4 million in shared profits to members.
Casera also offers a Class A Preference Share Program, an exclusive equity investment option that provides an opportunity to earn an attractive dividend. The sale of preference shares also helps strengthen Casera’s financial position through increased member share capital.
More information about our preference share program.
Casera’s Common Share and Surplus Share programs are free.
View Casera's service fees.
Every Casera member approved for membership is required to deposit into a common share account as a declaration of his or her ownership. Common shares form part of the capital of the credit union and are a required investment. A monthly deposit of $2.50 into your share account (up to a maximum of $200) is a condition of ownership in the credit union. You may grow your common shares to the maximum limit at any time by purchasing $5 shares bimonthly ($2.50 is withdrawn every month from your account) or purchasing 40 $5 shares ($200) when you open your membership.
Surplus shares are dividends paid out by Casera and are based on the value of a member’s common shares. With the approval of the Board of Directors, patronage refunds may be paid on interest earned or paid by the membership. Common shares and surplus shares are RRSP and RRIF eligible. Since 1994, Casera has returned over $3.4 million in shared profits to members.
| Benefits | Features |
| A healthy credit union | Casera’s common share program helps the credit union maintain a strong equity position. |
| Strong membership | As owners, members participate in Casera’s democratic framework. You can help elect directors and influence policy at annual general meetings. |
| Shared earnings | Ownership allows members to share in Casera’s profits. |
| Affordability | Minimum share ($2.50 per month) required. |
Casera also offers a Class A Preference Share Program, an exclusive equity investment option that provides an opportunity to earn an attractive dividend. The sale of preference shares also helps strengthen Casera’s financial position through increased member share capital.
More information about our preference share program.
Casera’s Common Share and Surplus Share programs are free.
View Casera's service fees.
The credit union advantage.
At Casera, all member deposits are guaranteed 100% by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation (DGCM) of Manitoba. Click here to access DGCM's website.
About DGCM
The Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba (DGCM) is the deposit guarantor for Manitoba Credit Unions and is required by law to guarantee without limit, all the deposits you make with your credit union. DGCM guarantees all money placed in a savings or deposit account, including any interest credited to those accounts. The corporation does not guarantee or insure the equity of a credit union. Equity consists of shares issued by the credit union or other securities and surpluses of the credit union.
Further, DGCM promotes adherence to sound and prudent standards of financial practice by all Manitoba credit unions. This is accomplished through the monitoring and examination programs of the corporation, which also help to ensure that each credit union operates within the requirements of The Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act and its Regulations. In addition, an independent, annual audit confirms that each credit union's financial statement presents a true picture of its operating results.
At Casera, all member deposits are guaranteed 100% by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation (DGCM) of Manitoba. Click here to access DGCM's website.
About DGCM
The Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba (DGCM) is the deposit guarantor for Manitoba Credit Unions and is required by law to guarantee without limit, all the deposits you make with your credit union. DGCM guarantees all money placed in a savings or deposit account, including any interest credited to those accounts. The corporation does not guarantee or insure the equity of a credit union. Equity consists of shares issued by the credit union or other securities and surpluses of the credit union.
Further, DGCM promotes adherence to sound and prudent standards of financial practice by all Manitoba credit unions. This is accomplished through the monitoring and examination programs of the corporation, which also help to ensure that each credit union operates within the requirements of The Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act and its Regulations. In addition, an independent, annual audit confirms that each credit union's financial statement presents a true picture of its operating results.
Every five years, Casera’s Board of Directors initiates a review of the credit union’s By-laws to remove any outdated provisions, make changes that align them to sound governance and current industry practices, and ensure that they comply with The Credit Unions and Caisse Populaires Act. The latest evaluation was undertaken in late 2017 with the assistance of legal counsel and completed in early 2018.
As a result of this review, some proposed amendments to the By-laws were presented for approval by Casera’s membership in a special resolution at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 17th.
The changes focus on revising the qualifications of Directors to include a minimum competencies requirement, expanding the methods of voting, amending the nomination process, selection and campaigning of Directors, and broadening the method of providing notice for meetings.
The new By-laws document has also been improved — it is now presented in a more simplified format, which makes it easier to reference. To review Casera’s By-Laws, please click below.