One Year, New Name, Same Heart: IVRCC Celebrates Corazo Credit Union's First Chapter

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What started 84 years ago as a hometown credit union has spent the past year reintroducing itself to the Imperial Valley — this time as Corazo.

On September 17, 2026, the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce facilitated a Chamber Mixer at Corazo's El Centro branch, 1602 W Main St, El Centro, CA 92243, celebrating Corazo Credit Union's one-year anniversary under its new name and bringing together Chamber members, business partners and Corazo's leadership team to mark the milestone.

A Name Built to Grow With the Community

Corazo has operated in the Imperial Valley for 84 years, but a year ago the organization made the decision to rebrand — trading its longtime name for one meant to reflect the communities it now serves across both Imperial County and the Coachella Valley.

IVRCC CEO Sher Cowie opened the evening by recognizing the partnership behind the

milestone. "Corazo has truly been one of those partners," Cowie said. "They have been a valued member of the Regional Chamber and have consistently supported our work — not only through their membership, but through their sponsorship of Chamber events and their willingness to show up and invest in the community that we all serve." On the rebrand itself, Cowie added, "A name change is more than new signage or a logo. It represents an opportunity to honor where you've been while looking ahead to where you're going."

For Corazo President and CEO Fidel Gonzalez, the decision carried real risk. Changing the

name of an institution with 84 years of recognition in the Valley meant new signage, updated legal documents, and thousands of forms to revise. But Gonzalez said the shift was about positioning the credit union for its next chapter. "We wanted a strong, modern name to move us forward into the future, and to really reflect the purpose of the credit union," he said. That purpose, he added, is simple: "to serve with heart, helping our communities thrive."

Board Chairwoman Alexis Araujo echoed that sentiment in her own remarks, calling Corazo "more than a name or a logo" and crediting the credit union's growth to its members, employees and community partners.

Growth Behind the New Name

The numbers back up the momentum. Corazo now reports $208 million in deposits, $181 million in total loans and $244 million in total assets, and funded more than $55 million in loans over the past year alone. Membership has grown to nearly 24,000 across the region.

Gonzalez also outlined what's ahead: Corazo is preparing to break ground on a new branch at Cambria Plaza in Imperial, and has purchased land in Calipatria to develop a drive-through ATM, extending access for members across the Valley. The credit union recently rolled out three new checking accounts with low fees, along with loan programs designed for members with limited or no credit history.

A Partnership the Chamber Counts On

Corazo's relationship with IVRCC goes beyond membership. As a longtime sponsor of Chamber Mixers and other events, the credit union was recognized during the evening with a Hospitality Award, presented in recognition of its role in "helping foster warm relations among our members" through the Chamber Mixers program and its contributions to the "economic, cultural and promotional activities" of the Imperial Valley.

Corazo was also presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition on behalf of California's 25th Congressional District, honoring the credit union's one-year anniversary and its continued commitment to providing trusted financial services across the region.

A Little Extra Luck for Attendees

No IVRCC mixer is complete without a drawing, and this one was no exception. Attendees had a chance to win a lineup of prizes donated by local businesses and organizations, adding an extra bit of excitement to the evening.

This mixer's drawing prizes were made possible by Yuma and IV Wealth Management, Corazo Credit Union, Noelani Dance Academy, Vintage and Coffee, Parron Hall and the City of El Centro Aquatic Center. IVRCC thanks each of these businesses for their generosity and continued support of Chamber events.

Closing the Celebration

The evening also gave Corazo's leadership a chance to recognize the team behind the rebrand, including the credit union's executive and management staff who guided the process from planning through execution — a reminder that a milestone like this one is built by many hands before it ever reaches a stage.

IVRCC congratulates Corazo Credit Union on one year under its new name, and thanks the organization for its continued partnership and investment in the Imperial Valley community.

Want to Host Your Next Mixer With the Chamber?

Chamber Mixers are one of the ways IVRCC helps members connect, celebrate milestones and build relationships across the business community. To learn more about hosting or sponsoring a mixer, contact IVRCC at (760) 352-7413.