Community in Motion: Earthmover’s Impact Keeps Growing
When a credit union is built by its members, the community naturally becomes part of the mission. That’s the spirit behind Earthmover’s...
When a credit union is built by its members, the community naturally becomes part of the mission. That’s the spirit behind Earthmover’s Community Impact Initiative, turning everyday banking into meaningful support for the people and places around us.
In 2025, that mission showed up in real ways across our communities. Through donations, partnerships and hands-on involvement, Earthmover continued investing in local schools, non-profits and families who needed a little extra lift. Programs like Earthgivers helped extend a helping hand to individuals facing unexpected challenges, while our teen scholarships encouraged the next generation to start thinking about their financial future early.
These efforts aren’t about headlines. They’re about neighbors helping neighbors and strengthening the communities that support us all.
And in 2026, we’re turning that commitment up a notch.
This year, Earthmover’s Community Giveback budget is increasing from $40,000 to $60,000, allowing us to support even more organizations and initiatives that make a difference locally. Our teen scholarship fund is also growing—from $4,000 to $10,000—opening the door for more students to pursue education and financial opportunity.
We’ll also continue expanding Earthgivers, supporting community members who could use an extra hand during difficult moments.
More support. More opportunities. More investment right where it belongs—back into the community and the people who keep it moving forward.
Good Friends. Good Deeds. One Simple Referral.
Sharing something you believe in can go a long way, especially when it helps others. We are celebrating milestones and new...
Sharing something you believe in can go a long way, especially when it helps others. We are celebrating milestones and new partnerships.
Earthmover Credit Union’s Member Referral Program rewards members for introducing friends, family members and coworkers to the credit union. When a referred friend opens an account, both members receive $58*. Earthmover also donates $58* to one of three non-profit organizations, turning each referral into a meaningful community contribution.
Thanks to member participation, the program has already helped support several local organizations. Since we launched in 2024, we have donated $6,756 to Northern Illinois Food Bank, $3,682 to Fox Valley United Way and $4,828 to Credit Unions for Kids, helping fund food assistance, community programs and medical care for children in need.
Now, we have chosen three new non-profits to benefit from our program:
- Habitat for Humanity Northern Fox Valley, helping families build and achieve safe, affordable homeownership.
- Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center, providing support, education and comfort to individuals and families navigating cancer.
- Association for Individual Development, empowering people with physical, developmental and mental health challenges to live more independent lives.
Know someone who would be a good fit for Earthmover? Invite them to join. They will benefit from all our programs and services to maximize their money. Plus, when members share Earthmover with others, the impact reaches far beyond banking.
*To qualify for the referral bonus, the member making the referral must use the online referral form. The referred person must open a membership with Earthmover Credit Union with a share savings account and open at least one additional account within 30 days of the referral date. The referred new member’s accounts must remain open for at least 365 days. Bonuses will be awarded via deposit to share savings accounts up to 45-60 days after all criteria have been met and verified. In the event more than one member refers the same individual, Earthmover Credit Union will award the bonus to the first member making the referral. Referred member must be new to Earthmover Credit Union. There is no limit to the number of referrals a member may submit. You must qualify for and establish membership at Earthmover Credit Union and be of legal contract age to apply. All accounts are subject to our normal approval process. Members and accounts must be in good standing and accounts must have recent account activity such as debit transactions, credit card transactions, direct deposit, etc. to receive bonuses. Earthmover Credit Union rules and regulations apply. Members who have closed the Earthmover Credit Union membership within three months prior to being referred are not eligible. Fees can reduce earnings on the account. This offer is non-transferable and may be canceled without prior notice. We reserve the right to disqualify any referrals in circumstances where we reasonably believe they were not sent to us in good faith. Local non-profit donation will be paid once all criteria has been met and verified. Earthmover Credit Union reserves the right to terminate the program at any time, revise program terms or refuse bonuses upon our discretion. Ask us for details. Cash incentive will be reported on IRS form 1099-INT.
Building Stronger Workplaces Through CORE
At Earthmover Credit Union, we believe financial wellness should be easy to access, especially at work. That’s the idea behind CORE, our...
At Earthmover Credit Union, we believe financial wellness should be easy to access, especially at work. That’s the idea behind CORE, our workplace financial partnership program designed to bring member benefits directly to local employers and their teams.
Through CORE, employees gain access to aggressive loan and savings rates, and pivotal tools like financial education resources, on-site events, simplified account access and personal support from Earthmover’s team. Employers benefit, too, by offering a valuable financial wellness resource that helps employees feel more confident about their money. We are here to be your lifelong financial partner, no matter what you face. CORE helps your employees thrive.
Two CORE Employer Partners are helping lead the way: Core Pipe and the City of Batavia.
A longtime partner, Core Pipe, has been a global leader in pipe manufacturing since 1984. As a fixture in the community and a respected industry leader, Core Pipe continues to invest in its workforce by connecting employees with trusted financial resources through Earthmover.
In 2025, we were also proud to welcome the City of Batavia as a new CORE Employer Partner. Located about 35 miles west of Chicago along the Fox River, Batavia is home to more than 27,000 residents and a workforce of more than 200 city employees. The partnership is especially meaningful as Earthmover recently opened a new branch in Batavia and looks forward to building even stronger connections within the community.
When employers invest in financial wellness for their team, everyone benefits—from the workplace to the surrounding community.
Investing in the Next Generation: $10,000 in Teen Scholarships
At Earthmover, supporting young members doesn’t stop at savings accounts. It continues all the way to college. Earthmover is now accepting...
At Earthmover, supporting young members doesn’t stop at savings accounts. It continues all the way to college.
Earthmover is now accepting applications for its 2026 Teen College Scholarship, offering $10,000 in total scholarships to help local students take the next step in their education. This year, five graduating high school seniors will each receive a $2,000 scholarship to support their college journey.
Students interested in applying must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or 4.0 on a 5.0 scale) and must be—or become—a member of Earthmover Credit Union or Panther Credit Union.
The application process includes three parts:
- A completed entry form
- A copy of the student’s transcript
- A two- to three-page typed essay responding to the prompt: Tell us about a time when a belief or idea you held was challenged, and what happened as a result.
All materials must be submitted together for the application to be considered.
Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2026, and may be submitted by mail:
Att. Marketing
Earthmover Credit Union
2195 Baseline Road
Oswego, IL 60543
or email to Earthmover’s marketing team: marketingteam@earthmovercu.com
Whether it’s helping young savers build strong habits or helping students reach their academic goals, Earthmover is proud to invest in the next generation. Because when young people succeed, the whole community moves forward.
A Steady Path Home: Mortgage Opportunities at Earthmover
The housing market across the Midwest—including Illinois—continues to evolve. While inventory remains tighter than many buyers would like,...
The housing market across the Midwest—including Illinois—continues to evolve. While inventory remains tighter than many buyers would like, conditions have started to improve compared with the intense bidding environment of recent years. Buyers are finding more opportunities, and sellers are seeing steady demand from households still eager to put down roots.
For many families, the key question is timing. With interest rates stabilizing and lenders offering competitive options, today’s market may present a solid opportunity for buyers ready to make their move. We work with your realtor, attorney and title company to ensure a seamless process.
At Earthmover Credit Union, members have access to mortgage options designed to keep homeownership within reach. For example, Earthmover currently offers a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage with a rate of 5.875%* and a 6.221% APR*, helping borrowers build equity faster while locking in a predictable payment. First-time homebuyers can also take advantage of programs starting at 6.545% APR**, making it easier to step into the housing market with confidence.
Down payments are difficult; that’s why we’ve partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago to offer the Downpayment Plus® Program, which can provide eligible buyers with up to $10,000 in down payment assistance.
And when members are ready to move forward, Earthmover helps keep the process moving. We offer mortgage closings in as little as 30 days and refinance closings in as little as 45 days*** helping buyers and homeowners reach the finish line faster.
Because when the right home comes along, the right financial partner makes all the difference.
*Conventional Assumptions: Purchase Price $312,500, Loan Amount $250,000, single-family home, Illinois primary residence, 80% loan-to-value, credit score 780 or higher, escrow required, 45-day rate lock. Refinance Assumptions: Single-family home, Illinois primary residence, 80% loan-to-value, credit score 780 or higher, escrow required, 45-day rate lock. Rates subject to change.
**HomeReady Assumptions: Purchase Price $260,000, Loan Amount $252,200, single-family home, Illinois primary residence, 97% loan-to-value, credit score 780 or higher, escrow required, 45-day rate lock, income limits apply; income cannot exceed 80% of the area median income(AMI).Rates subject to change.
***From the date Earthmover CU receives complete, signed loan application through date of closing, the mortgage process can take as little as 30 days for a home purchase and for a mortgage refinance. The timelines quoted are contingent upon: (1) borrower providing all requested documents and information by the date(s) stipulated; (2) availability of appraiser to conduct on-site appraisal, if one is necessary; and, (3) available schedule of Earthmover CU loan processors and underwriters.
Staff News and Announcements
Nyla Cortes
Promoted to Director of Risk Management & Compliance. Nyla ensures the credit union adheres to strict compliance and risk management standards.
Kyle Ocasio
Promoted to BSA Officer. Kyle assists the compliance department with following banking standards and guidelines.
Kyle Erwin
Celebrating 5 years. Kyle aids the accounting department with financial recordkeeping and mitigating fraud.
Sarah Monsma
Celebrating 5 years. Sarah manages communication and public relations for the credit union.
Claudia Smith
Celebrating 5 years. Claudia's impeccable customer service helps our call center meet our members' needs.
Marisa Medgyesi
Promoted to Vice President of Marketing & Business Development. Marisa manages marketing campaigns sharing the credit union message, while developing important community partnerships.
Heather Erickson
Celebrating 5 years. Heather provides exceptional service to our members, helping them manage their finances.
TJ Kaur
Celebrating 5 years. TJ processes financial records and assists with fraud and disputes.
Tammy Scheidt
Celebrating 5 years. Tammy helps our members with their concerns, empowering them to manage their money well.