Our History

Member service, lower loan rates, higher share dividends, no fee accounts, people helping people, and you - the member. This is what makes a Credit Union unique.

It was with these ideas in mind over fifty years ago that this Credit Union was formed. The Credit Union was chartered on October 24, 1950. The original name was, I.A. of M. Local #1349, "International Association of Machinists". On July 17,1953 the name was changed to Aro Employees Federal Credit Union and then changed on April 15th, 2004 to our new name Northwestern federal Credit Union. The following list of individuals were the charter members of the Credit Union: Elaine Mavis, R.P. Gecowett, L.E.Clark,
W.J. Wickerham, Marshall Killian, Leo D Woolace, Ed A Wyse, Milo L Gorrell,
Aonzo Zuber and G.B. Dierks.

1971	Purchased the current building
1976	Reached our first million in assets
1984	Edgerton Forge became a Select Employee Group allowing employees to join ARO
1987	Began offering Christmas Clubs to members
1989	In house computer system installed
1990	Vacation Clubs and Certificates of deposits were added to our services
1991	Tru-Fast became a Select Employee Group allowing employees to join Aro
1993	ARO merged with St Patrick's Catholic Credit Union allowing us to serve their membership.
1994	Cash transactions, Automated Clearing House and Share Drafts were added to our services
1995	Our VISA Credit Card Program was added
1996	Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA's) and ATM Cards were added to our services
2003	Became Community Charter CU allowing anyone who lives, works, worships or attend school in Williams County to join.
2004	Changed Name from Aro Employees Federal CU to Northwestern Federal Credit Union Purchased Property, built new facility and Opened in New Building on Dec. 13th

We are continuously striving to improve our services to you and to keep introducing products and services that benefit you the member/part owner.