Celebrating America's 250th and the Values That Lift Us Up

As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary—also known as the Semiquincentennial—of the United States on July 4, we're reminded of the principles that have shaped our nation since its founding: freedom, opportunity, cooperation, and the belief that people can accomplish more when they work together.

For 250 years, Americans have faced challenges & embraced change to build stronger communities and brighter futures. The credit union movement reflects many of those same ideals.

Credit unions are democratically governed, member-owned financial cooperatives built on the principle of people helping people. Like our nation, credit unions were founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to opportunity and the ability to improve their financial well-being.

At Levo Credit Union®, those values have guided us since our beginning.

Founded in 1934 as the Sioux Falls U.S. Employees Federal Credit Union, Levo is proud to be South Dakota's oldest active credit union. What started with just a handful of members and two employees operating out of the Federal Building in downtown Sioux Falls has grown into a thriving financial cooperative serving more than 34,000 members across South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.

Over the last 90-plus years, we've evolved alongside the communities we serve. We've expanded our footprint, embraced new technologies, and welcomed generations of members and employees into the Levo family. Through it all, our purpose has remained remarkably consistent: helping people reach their financial goals while treating them like real people—not account numbers.

As Levo President and CEO Fran Sommerfeld often says, "We live to serve our members." That commitment continues to guide every decision we make, from offering helpful financial advice and competitive products to providing the friendly, personalized service our members have come to expect.

Many of our members have been with us for decades. Member Darla Newborg and her husband Doug joined 56 years ago when Levo was still operating out of the basement of the Federal Building. “The people have been what’s kept us here,” says Darla. “They’ve always been so cooperative - going above and beyond!” Their stories reflect something that has always set credit unions apart: relationships.

Members frequently tell us that while great rates, low fees, and convenient technology matter, it's the people who keep them coming back. It's knowing someone is there to answer questions, help navigate life's financial milestones, and celebrate successes along the way.

That sense of community extends beyond our branches. Over the past year alone, Levo donated more than $98,000 in funds and goods to more than 80 causes and organizations. Our employees volunteered more than 1,300 hours supporting nonprofits, schools, and community initiatives throughout the region. Through programs like our Perky Coffee initiative and the Levo Cares Foundation, we're continually looking for ways to lift up the communities we call home.

In 2021, we adopted the name Levo—a name that means "to lift up." It reflects both our history and our future. Whether we're helping a member buy their first home, finance a vehicle, save for retirement, recover from a financial setback, or pursue a lifelong dream, our goal is the same: to help people move forward.

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we're reminded that both our nation and the credit union movement have thrived because of a shared belief in people, community, and the power of working together.

While neither journey has been perfect, both have continually evolved while staying true to their founding principles. Those values have carried us through times of change and uncertainty, and they continue to guide us today.

So, amid the fireworks, parades, cookouts, and celebrations this Independence Day, we encourage you to reflect on the ideals that have helped our nation—and credit unions like Levo—grow and thrive.

As we look ahead to the next 250 years of American history and continue our own journey beyond 92 years of service, we remain committed to the values that have defined us from the beginning: service, cooperation, community, and helping people achieve financial success.

Because when people lift each other up, everyone rises.