Credit union contributes to rodeo

STCU will sponsor a major aspect of the Colorama Rodeo that provides national television coverage of its events, the Ridge Riders said last week.

The Spokane-based credit union that merged with Coulee Dam Credit Union last September noted in a statement that rodeo sponsorship isn't an everyday event, but "we have a long history of supporting cultural events, like Colorama, that reflect the values of the credit union, and the heritage of the community."

Area Branch Manager Beverly Rodriguez said she's been impressed with STCU's commitment to all communities it now serves because of the merger.

"STCU is happy to be part of the Grand Coulee Dam Area, and appreciates the many ways in which CDFCU was integral to the community," the statement said. "We intend to honor the commitments of CDFCU."

Ridge Riders President George Kohout said the money will sponsor the giant big-screen TV at the event and the live coverage on a national channel that comes with it.

"And that's good for the whole community, not just the Ridge Riders," Kohout said.

"With so many touchstone community events disrupted these past two years, there's never been a more important time to support events like Colorama," STCU stated. "They make our communities unique."