Our History

Southern Lakes Credit Union was founded on March 19, 1935 as the Kenosha Teacher’s Credit Union. For thirty-four years we only serviced the teachers of Kenosha. It wasn’t until 1969 that anyone living in the Kenosha Unified School District became eligible for membership. This was an exciting time as this was the impetus for our future growth. Twelve years later, in 1981, Walworth County school employees became eligible for membership. Our credit union was about to experience a period of rapid change.

On July 2nd, 1982, we merged with WAL-CO Credit Union and changed our name from the Kenosha Teacher’s Credit Union to Southern Lakes Credit Union. Only three years later, on August 25th, 1985, we became a community chartered credit union servicing Kenosha and Walworth counties. This allowed us to open our doors and service anyone who lived or worked in Kenosha or Walworth counties.

Over the next 10 years, what was once a small credit union in the attic of a teacher’s home, became a community force in the financial arena. The following events that occurred between 1989 and 1996 highlight our climb to where we are today.

March 19, 1935  Southern Lakes was founded as the Kenosha's Teacher's Credit Union.              

1969 Membership was opened to anyone residing in the Kenosha Unified School District.   

1981 Membership opened to Walworth County School Employees.     

July 2, 1982 Southern Lakes and WAL-CO CU merged.      

August 25, 1985 Southern Lakes became a community chartered credit union servicing Kenosha and Walworth counties.     

1989 Sunnyside C.U. merged with Southern Lakes.

1992 Our charter expanded to include Racine County.

1993 Victory C.U. merged with Southern Lakes.

1994 Kenosha News C.U. merged with Southern Lakes.

2003 Charter expanded to include Milwaukee, Rock and Waukesha Counties in Wisconsin and Lake and McHenry Counties in Illinois.

2005 Charter expanded to include the Harley Owner's Group Members or employees in Wisconsin or Illinois.

2007 Catholic Community Credit Union merged with Southern Lakes and we opened our 4th branch in Racine.

2008 Modine Employees Credit Union merged with Southern Lakes.

Since 1935, we have believed in the credit union philosophy of "Not for profit, not for charity, but for service". Through all of our growth and changes, there has been one constant. That constant is that we are here to service you, our member. Thank you for all your support throughout the years.