From hospital hallways to Marshfield cornerstone: MMCCU celebrates 60 years

MARSHFIELD – Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union (MMCCU) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this October.

MMCCU President David Murphy said that the company has continued to grow and adapt over the years to remain here for the Marshfield community.

The credit union was established in 1965 by 25 employees of St Joseph’s Hospital to serve healthcare workers and their immediate family members.

In its early years, MMCCU operated within St. Joseph’s Hospital and was open for two hours each weekday, staffed entirely by volunteers.

In 1973, the name changed to Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union to reflect an expansion of membership eligibility to include Marshfield Clinic employees.

In 1978, MMCCU relocated for the third time within the hospital to the west wing, and in 1985, the credit union moved into its own building at the corner of St. Joseph’s Avenue and Blodgett Street.

At that time, MMCCU expanded its hours to include Saturdays and longer weekday service and added a drive-up window to accommodate more than 1,500 members.

“At this time is when we added multiple services like certificates and share drafts (now known as checking accounts) and Social Security payments. In order to become a member, you had to buy a share,” Murphy explained.

By 1990, membership had grown to 2,400.

That year, MMCCU began offering mortgage lending and issued TYME cards — “Take Your Money Everywhere” — part of Wisconsin’s first debit card network.

In 1995, the credit union launched MemberLink, an automated phone system that allowed members to make transactions and inquiries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Membership reached 4,440 by the end of that year.

In 1997, MMCCU moved to its current facility at 302 W. Upham St., Marshfield.

That year, it received an award for mortgage loan origination volume and installed its first ATM in St. Joseph’s Hospital’s emergency room waiting area.

Three years later, the credit union launched its first informational website, and in 2003, expanded its Upham Street building to improve member privacy and create additional space for board meetings and staff training.

Two additional ATMs were also installed at Marshfield Clinic locations.

In September 2019, MMCCU completed a major renovation project to update the facility with maintenance improvements, technology upgrades and a refreshed interior design.

Following the retirement of former president Carol Adler, Murphy became MMCCU’s new president.

Under his leadership, the credit union introduced several programs, including the “Kids Rewards Club,” which promotes financial education for youth, and “Solar Lending,” which supports members investing in renewable energy solutions.

As MMCCU reaches its 60-year milestone, Murphy said, “We are exploring opportunities to possibly expand outside of the Marshfield area.”

Currently, MMCCU operates a single branch.

“We want to make sure we keep that civil, humane connection with our members so we can be around for another 60 years,” Murphy added.