Candace Wolf/Daily Mining Gazette Baraga County Federal Credit Union is located at 101 E. Broad St., L’Anse.

L’ANSE — Banking, mortgages, insurance and loans aren’t usually cause for smiling, unless Baraga County Federal Credit Union is involved.

Established in 1952, the credit union is committed to offering “low-cost, high-value financial products with happy, fun-loving member service,” according to its mission statement.

Membership, which is open to those who live or work in Baraga County and their out-of-area relatives, is what fuels the credit union’s positive attitude.

For the seven full-time and four part-time employees, the small-town atmosphere and each personal member transaction are the foundation of the “where people are worth more than money” slogan.

“I love knowing who I’m helping,” says Dawn Jahfetson, chief executive officer of Baraga County FCU, where she has spent 32 years of her finance career.

For a $1 fee and a $10 savings deposit, customers can become members of the not-for-profit institution, which is governed by a volunteer board. Members enjoy many benefits, including lower fees and rates, online banking, share savings accounts, free notary service, residential home mortgages, vehicle insurance discounts and more.

Among its many products and services, Baraga County FCU is currently offering a certificate of deposit special. The CD rates are 7 month at 5.331% APY; 15 month at 4.835%; and 30 month at 4.318%.

Jahfetson and her staff are marking the 75th anniversary of International Credit Union Day with an open house today at their L’Anse location. All are welcome to join the celebration featuring cookies, refreshments, prizes and giveaways all day.

In conjunction with the anniversary event, the Upper Peninsula Chapter of the Michigan Credit Union League will also host a drawing with a chance to win a top prize of $500, a second-place prize of $300 and seven third-place prizes of $100 each. Winners will be drawn Monday.

Although it operates independently, Baraga County FCU networks with other credit unions and is insured by the National Credit Union Administration to bring additional peace of mind to its membership.

The credit union strives to broaden its membership as it markets itself to new county residents and the under-13 crowd. Youth membership is awarded with a free piggy bank and a selection from the toy chest for each deposit made to their savings account.

While drive-up and walk-up services are available, a constant influx of members enter the light, bright and inviting building. The cupola acts like a skylight, allowing plenty of sunshine to stream into the lobby – even in October in the U.P. Employees warmly greet members, often by name. Friendly service is the rule.

“My staff always has smile on their face,” Jahfetson says proudly.

The institution’s mission statement emphasizes “building and maintaining sustainable, responsible, heart-warming relationships with our community members.”

At Baraga County FCU, it is mission accomplished.

Baraga County Federal Credit Union is located at 101 E. Broad St., L’Anse, and can be reached at 906-524-6151. The lobby hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. Drive-up and walk-up hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.