When a financial institution born in the depths of the Great Depression earns national recognition nine decades later, it’s worth paying attention. Orlando Credit Union, founded in 1936 by just 27 City of Orlando employees, is now being spotlighted in both Forbes and Fortune — not for flashy growth metrics, but for an unwavering commitment to community that has defined its operations since the beginning.
The Forbes feature, titled “Built on Community,” dives into how the credit union has maintained its local-first philosophy even as it has expanded services and reach. The article examines the organization’s ability to stay true to its roots while evolving to meet the financial needs of its members across Central Florida.
“Our history has given us grit,” said Suzanne Weinstein, President and CEO of Orlando Credit Union. “We were founded during the Great Depression, and for more than 90 years we’ve remained focused on helping people build stronger financial futures. That’s our mission, and it continues to guide everything we do.”
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Beyond the headlines, the coverage sheds light on the specific initiatives and relationships that set Orlando Credit Union apart. These include helping members navigate major financial milestones, backing local entrepreneurs, and widening access to financial education and resources. The message is clear: the institution’s success has always been tied directly to the well-being of the communities it serves.
The national features also highlight the credit union’s recent growth, particularly the launch of O Financial, a brand extension created to carry its community-focused model into new markets beyond Orlando. This expansion represents a strategic evolution while keeping the core mission intact.
As Orlando Credit Union marks its 90th anniversary, the Forbes and Fortune pieces offer a chance to share its history and impact with a much wider audience. Yet, as the coverage makes clear, the heart of the story remains deeply local: nine decades of relationships, service, and a relentless focus on helping individuals, families, and businesses build stronger financial futures.
To read Orlando Credit Union’s story as featured in Forbes and Fortune, click here.
About Orlando Credit Union
Founded in 1936, Orlando Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative committed to advancing its vision of Financial Well-Being for ALL. What began with 27 City of Orlando employees has grown into a modern, mission-driven institution serving individuals, families, and businesses across Central Florida and throughout the state. Guided by its mission to build lifelong relationships by empowering financial momentum, the Credit Union continues to expand access to responsible, cooperative financial services while remaining rooted in the principle of people helping people.
In recent years, Orlando Credit Union has strategically expanded its impact through the addition of small business and commercial lending, the formation of the Orlando Credit Union Charitable Foundation, and the launch of O Financial to support statewide growth. With a strong commitment to transparency, integrity, and sustainable community development, the credit union is focused on scaling innovative financial solutions that support entrepreneurs, strengthen local economies, and deliver long-term value to members and partners alike.
Kaylee Greene
Orlando Credit Union
kayleeg@orlandocreditunion.org
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Why it matters: In an era of mega-mergers and digital-only banking, Orlando Credit Union’s national recognition proves that a locally rooted, member-first model can still thrive and scale. Its 90-year track record offers a blueprint for how financial institutions can grow without losing sight of the people they serve.
