History

We are often asked what "HAPO" stands for. HAPO is an acronym for Hanford Atomic Products Operations. HAPO was formed by a group of non-exempt workers at the Hanford nuclear site in 1953 to provide a place to save and borrow money.

Our first office was located in Kadlec Hospital. When we opened our doors for business, it was with one employee and were only open on Saturday's from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We remained at the Kadlec until 1956. 

Today, HAPO continues to prosper and provide financial services to our 200,000 members throughout:

  • Washington State;
  • Umatilla, Morrow, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Gilliam, Hood River, Multnomah, Sherman, Wasco, and Washington Counties in the state of Oregon;
  • and Boundary, Bonner, Shoshone, Kootenai, Benewah, Lewis, Nez Perce, or Latah in the state of Idaho.

We strive to promote credit union relevance and ultimately deliver the best value to our membership.

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Credit Union Difference

Members of the credit union are the owners, which means that profits are returned to our member-owners in the form of better loan rates, free or lower cost services, and higher dividends.

Key HAPO Milestones

1953

Founded

We were formed by a group of non-exempt workers at the Hanford nuclear site in 1953 to provide a place to save and borrow money. As HAPO Federal Credit Union, our membership base consisted of government employees.

1978

Establish Headquarters

After over 20 years in a leased building, we built the what is now the company headquarters on Williams Blvd. in Richland, WA. Since then, HAPO has opened 19 additional branches across the states of Washington and Oregon.

1997

Community Charter

In 1997, we changed from a Federal Credit Union to a Community Credit Union which allowed us to broaden our membership base to those that live, work, or worship in Washington state.

2011

Hello Oregon!

In 2011 we began to offer membership to our friends and neighbors in Umatilla County, with our first branch opening in Hermiston, OR. Since then, we have added additional locations in Morrow County.

2012

Over 1 Billion in Assets

Our assets grew to over $1,000,000,000 in 2012. This has allowed us to support our community through sponsorship and partnership opportunities, offer new and convenient services to our members that add value, and build additional branches across the region.

2018

WELL Certification

In 2018, our new Vancouver branch became WELL Certified by the International WELL Building Institute™, a certification that is awarded to structures that demonstrate environmentally friendly practices. We are the only credit union in the world to receive this Certification.