Ariza Credit Union was the recipient of the Business of the Year Award at the recently concluded Grenada Chamber of Industry & Commerce Business Award Dinner for the second consecutive time.

Ariza, formerly the Grenada Public Service Co-operative Credit Union, made a bold strategic business decision to rebrand in December 2016.  The Credit Union has shown consistent growth moving from 176M in assets in 2012 to 331M in December 2017. This growth puts Ariza as the second largest Credit Unions in the OECS, and the largest in Grenada.

To continue along the path of growth and improvement in the way it does business, the Credit Union transformed its Brand, Branches and Behaviors and revolutionized the way financial services are perceived in Grenada and the region.

Winning this coveted award was no easy feat and encourages the Ariza team to continue along the path of assisting its members to achieve financial freedom and be able to live their dreams by providing equitable financial solutions. Ariza will continue to thrive as a leader and motivator in the financial landscape.

A Strategic Decision was taken to rebrand the Credit Union in 2016 in order to prepare for and facilitate long-term growth.  This was to address the ageing of the average Credit Union Population and opportunities for growth in the Sector.  The rebranding was specifically aimed to open the organization up to new markets to be explored and improve the image of the organization in the Grenadian Market.

The choice of name Ariza which connotes “Arise & Horizon” and feeds into the brand promise to assist our members to rise above the Humdrum of every day and aim for their dreams; – whatever they may be.  The brand colours were also updated to orange and teal which are vibrant and visually appealing to the young and young at heart.

The Credit Union in its quest for a higher level of service delivery embarked on a transformational program aimed at improving its behaviours. Through additional strengthening activities such as training and additional staff.  The Credit Union staff increase by 30% in the last two years bringing the total staffing to over 70 persons.  Delivery of the service standards promised under the new brand dictates simultaneous attention to the efficiencies of internal processes, organizational structure and human resource capacity.  A re-engineering project concentrated on reviewing and revising internal processes and training staff for personal and professional development was taken as well.

What does this mean for you?

Ariza is a commitment to continuously strive for self-development as a financial institution; just as we encourage the same for each of our members.  It means a promise to stay technologically aware, member-focused and engaged, and it is finally, an assurance to meet Grenadians wherever they are and show them that they can soar.

Image via Grenada Chambers: Mrs. Lucia Livingston Andall CEO & Mr. Javan Williams, President  share Award at Dinner Event