On October 29, 1946, a meeting was called to order by eight individuals with the idea of starting a credit union. These extraordinary visionaries submitted a Certificate of Organization to the Secretary of State in Jefferson City, Missouri. This document represented their dream to organize a unique financial institution that would serve and benefit the employees of Blue Cross Hospital Service of Kansas City. This dream was realized on November 7, 1946. Blue Cross K.C. Credit Union was born.

After the first year of operation, the credit union had 70 members with total assets of $4,700. In addition to organizing the credit union, these leaders and their successors also preformed all of the daily activities for many years. The Treasurer of the Board of Directors was directly involved in the operations. The Board and Committee member accepted a tremendous responsibility on a strictly volunteer basis. Their talents and time were rewarded by knowing they could help improve the financial well-being of the members and their families.

In 1970, the credit union had total assets of $126,872 serving 308 members. At this time, the first employee was hired. The credit union entered into the age of computers in 1976, by joining a data processing service bureau. In 1986, the data processing was performed "in-house" by the credit union staff.

Over the next ten years, the credit union grew significantly in size, services and staff. In 1994, checking accounts were offered along with ACH transactions. The credit union had tremendous success with checking accounts, opening over 200 accounts and processing $250,000 monthly. In 1996, the credit union added ATM cards to their list of services offered. Additionally, in November of 1996, the credit union changed its name from Blue Cross K.C. credit union to Blue Cross Blue Shield K.C. Credit Union. This associated the credit union completely with our sponsor.

In the fall of 1998, our credit union was contacted in regards to a possible merger with Western Auto Credit Union. With the changes occurring within the Western Auto Company, the credit unions board of directors wanted to continue to offer credit union services to the members of Western Auto Credit Union. They were looking for a credit union that they could continue to have a voice at. Our credit union along with a few others made presentations to the Board of Directors of the Western Auto Credit Union. Our credit union was chosen. In November 1998, at a special membership meeting the members of Western Auto Credit Union voted unanimously to merge with Blue Cross Blue Shield K.C. Credit Union. As of March 4, 1999, our data processing systems were merged. We are pleased to have the members, volunteers and staff of Western Auto Credit Union join us.

We are very proud of our volunteers and staff that offer their talents and resources to serve employees of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and its affiliates, along with the employees of Western Auto, as well as their families.