The Italo-American Federal Credit Union is celebrating 90 years this month, making it one of the longest-running institutions of its kind across the United States. “Our charter number is something like 110, which is very low. I’m not sure the 109 before us are all in operation anymore,” says Craig Montalbano, CEO. “It’s a testament to the operation and staff, and the concern that we have for our members.” 

One could be forgiven for asking what a credit union is to begin with. They don’t blanket news channels and sporting events with advertising like national banks, and even the term “bank” has such a hold on our consciousness as a fundamental unit for managing our money that the idea of parking one’s savings elsewhere might be met with skepticism.