In October 1933, a small group of employees at an oil refinery in Ponca City, Oklahoma organized the Conoco Employees (PC) Credit Union, at that time only the second credit union chartered in the state.

Now, 87 years later, Cherokee Strip Credit Union provides some of the very best banking, insurance and investment services to members across the state of Oklahoma.

The credit union is also using Zogo’s gamified financial literacy app to recruit new members. Zogo caught up with Finance and Insurance Coordinator Brittney Swain to briefly discuss education, financial literacy and Cherokee Strip’s holistic approach to helping their members achieve financial success.

Zogo: Let’s start with financial education. Why is it important? Why do you think Credit Unions should invest in it?
Brittney Swain: We look at financial education as a very important part of financial success. At Cherokee Strip, we’re not just providing a checking account, a savings account or other financial products — we want to prepare our members for the future and set them up for financial success. We take a holistic approach to financial wellness by tying financial education into all of the products that we have to offer.

Z: So Cherokee Strip is not just providing these financial products — you all can serve as a sort of guide, or a partner for your members during their journey to financial success.
S: Yes! Zogo is one of the many tools we have to set our members up for success.

Z: How do you think Zogo complements the strengths of your organization?
S: I think it goes hand-in-hand with our mission statement, to protect, serve, and care. It’s just an extra tool for us that we can provide to our members to help them feel empowered and knowledgeable when it comes to their finances. As we attract new members, I think Zogo, really ties into our mission.

Z: What are your Credit Union’s goals with Zogo?
S: Our goal with Zogo is to educate and help individuals take control of their finances and build their financial future. Zogo helps with the education aspect while Cherokee Strip provides the other products for financial success.