What does it mean to be a "financial cooperative?"

It means we are owned and controlled by members who use our services. There are no stockholders, so we are not profit-driven, we're service-driven. Credit unions are not-for-profit, and exist to provide a safe, convenient place for members to save money and to get loans at reasonable rates. Credit unions serve groups that share something in common, such as where they work, live, or go to church. In our case, it's anyone who lives or works in Bristol County.