Texas State Senator César J. Blanco Honors Raiz for 90th Anniversary

El Paso, Texas—Raiz Federal Credit Union received a resolution from Texas State Senator César J. Blanco on August 14 to celebrate its 90th anniversary and nine decades of community service in El Paso. Throughout its anniversary year, Raiz has been recognized multiple times: in June, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar acknowledged the milestone in the Congressional Record; the El Paso County Judge and Commissioners Court issued a resolution; and the City of El Paso Mayor and City Council designated August 4 as Raiz 90th Anniversary Day. These recognitions highlight a long-standing history rooted in serving the community since 1936.

“For nine decades, Raiz has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to El Paso by investing in our people, empowering families to achieve a stronger financial future, supporting our schools and nonprofits, and creating opportunities for future generations,” said Senator César J. Blanco. “As Raiz celebrates this remarkable milestone, we honor its lasting legacy of service and partnership. I look forward to seeing the positive impact Raiz will continue to make for generations to come.”

Founded by seven El Paso educators as El Paso Teachers Federal Credit Union, Raiz was built on the principle of people helping people and neighbors helping neighbors to build better financial futures. As El Paso grew, the credit union expanded its reach and services while maintaining its core values of education, volunteerism, and community involvement.

Today, Raiz goes beyond financial services by partnering with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to promote financial education, provide grants and scholarships, and support volunteer efforts while investing in local opportunities to strengthen the Borderland and its residents.

Raiz invests in its staff through the Cornerstone League, a regional credit union association serving credit unions across five states. Team members gain access to professional growth, leadership programs, and opportunities to connect with industry peers. This includes participation in the League’s Young Professionals program, which fosters emerging credit union leaders through education, advocacy, engagement, and professional development. These experiences enable Raiz staff to bring new insights, perspectives, and connections to El Paso, enhancing their ability to serve members and develop local talent. This helps shape the future of the credit union movement locally, statewide, and beyond.

“Being recognized at the federal, state, and local levels during our 90th year is a deeply meaningful honor, as these awards represent the community that shaped Raiz,” said Max Villaronga, President and CEO. “For 90 years, our members have trusted us to grow with them. Our best tribute is to keep moving forward, investing in our people, technology, and community to serve members wherever they are in life.”

While Raiz’s origins are in El Paso, its membership now extends across Texas and nationwide through becoming a Lifetime Member of the Underserved Communities Foundation (UCF), broadening access to its services.

As the community expands, Raiz continues to innovate by adopting new technologies that make banking more accessible, convenient, and connected. This includes updating digital banking, streamlining account opening and financial management, and blending the personalized service of a local credit union with modern tools designed for members’ everyday lives.

Throughout its 90th anniversary celebrations, each recognition celebrates the community driving Raiz’s success and looks forward to future expansion. Raiz stays dedicated to growing with its members, expanding into new communities, and fostering opportunities for future generations.

More information about Raiz’s history, upcoming events, and community resources is available at www.raiz.us/90years.

About Raiz Federal Credit Union: At Raiz (pronounced as “rise”), our members and strong, vibrant community inspire us daily. We share a passion for knowledge and the pursuit of growth, grounded in our heritage as El Paso Area Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU). Today, we guide members from many professions to focus on their goals and help them get there. We’re proud of our roots in El Paso (since 1936) as we envision a bold path forward, leading the way with passion. We are over 79,000 members strong and provide a full range of high-quality financial services at great rates and low costs you can expect from a first-class credit union. Join us and experience the difference that comes from working with people who care.