The Early Days
Looking back to 1933, The Kroger Company was interested in offering credit union services to its employees and sent Louise McCarren as representative to an organizational meeting of the Credit Union National Association in Estes Park, Colorado. Ms. McCarren (now the late Louise Herring) was very enthusiastic about credit unions and was instrumental in starting the Kemba General Office Credit Union.
In January 1934, seven employees of the State Avenue Kroger Manufacturing Plant met in the cafeteria and organized the Kemba Cincinnati Credit Union, Inc. to serve employees of the factory and packinghouse. The name Kemba derived from the Kroger Employees Mutual Benefit Association,which extended various benefits to employees. By the end of 1939, assets of the credit union had grown to $110,000.
In its early history, the credit union operated under the direction of part-time employees from the personnel department. In the late 1940's, the first full-time manager was appointed. Assets at the end of 1949 had reached $134,000. Today, with assets in excess of 1.6 billion, Kemba serves more than 100,000 members representing over 1,000 Select Groups and their families. From a small office at the Kroger State Avenue Manufacturing Plant, to our West Chester Headquarters, the credit union continues to expand through its branch facilities. With Kemba serving the Greater Cincinnati region, almost everyone can enjoy the great benefits and services Kemba has to offer.
Where We Are Now
With over 90 years of progress and still growing, Kemba provides a solid financial background making it possible to supply the best products and services technology has to offer. Members have unlimited availability to their accounts, including 24-hour access from anywhere in the world! Online and mobile banking enables our members to easily track cleared checks, debit/credit card transactions, and make transfers all while viewing their accounts in real time (no delayed transaction time). Kemba offers a variety of Loan Solutions for all your lending needs. Our products include various Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts for all ages, Money Market Accounts, various term Certificates, and IRAs. Kemba's Service Organization, CU Advantage offers a variety of services making Kemba your one-stop-shop for all your financial needs. CU Advantage offers Kemba Insurance, Kemba Retail Services and Kemba Auto Resources.
Kemba will continue to build on our foundation for success through strength, stability, integrity and trust. Our board and management staff are committed to offering the best personal service possible. Providing quality service to our membership is what Kemba is all about.