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Sun Media - diference - Index

FirstCalgary
Savings
From Left to right: Ian Campbell, AVP Sales & Ser vice
Carol Rogalski, AVP Marketing, Dave Gregor y, President & CEO
Norm Christensen, AVP Audit Ser vices, Chris Laxton, AVP Credit Ser vices
Dani DeBoice, Manager Corporate Citizenship,
Pat Konoff, AVP Business Systems and Rod Banman, Senior Vice President Credit
Dave Gregory, President and CEO of
First Calgary Savings, runs his business
a little differently than bigger
banks, beginning with insisting he’s
not in the business of financial services.
“We’re in the experience business,” Gregory says.
“If you deal with us on any level, when you
turn away, you should feel like your expectations
were exceeded.”
And doing things differently is working for
him — 2007 saw First Calgary Savings qualify
as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies
for the eighth year in a row, and recognized
as one of Alberta’s 35 Top Employers.
In December, $5 million of its profits were
returned to member-owners, another gesture
that sets First Calgary Savings apart.
“Sharing our profits with our member-owners
and more than 500 employees is just one
of the key differences of doing business with
First Calgary Savings,” he says.
Gregory’s approach to business integrates
well into First Calgary Savings’ roots as a
Credit Union, which he took over in January
1992.
“First Calgary Savings’ values are simple
— people first, service and community,” says
Gregory.
This mantra is apparent in all aspects of
the way First Calgary Savings does business,
including its newest division, Just Financial.
Dedicated to the financially under-served,
Just Financial’s mandate is to provide compassionate
credit to those who have been turned
down at other banks, while also offering longterm
planning and budgeting advice.
Born out of a belief that trust, respect and
partnership are critical in helping people build
financial security, Just Financial helps people
in a way that is uniquely its own, through quality
service, financial advice, education and
creative ideas.
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“For many companies, things get so transactional,
they forget there are people involved,”
says Gregory.
“People should feel they’re an important
part of decision making.”
Being in a position to put people first is a
privilege, says Gregory, who attributes First
Calgary Savings’ success to his staff.
“I am head coach and cheerleader, and I
work with dedicated people who share and
live our values,” he says.
“Great things happen only when great people
work as a team.”
Employee dedication is rewarded through
corporate decisions such as a recent adjustment
of First Calgary Savings branch hours, a
move supported by member-owners when surveyed,
so employees could better manage their
family and work obligations.
The open-minded and empowering
approach Gregory demonstrates, and encour-