LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 02/07/13 -- Employees at First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third largest credit union, are marking B.C's inaugural Family Day by doing just what the province's newest holiday was intended for - spending time with their families. In a survey of employees conducted by the credit union, out of more than 570 responses, 71 per cent of employees shared that on Monday, February 11, they are spending time with their families. Fifty-six per cent of employees who responded are also staying local instead of opting for a quick family getaway.

"There is nothing more valuable to families than time together," said Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union. "That's why we recognize the importance of Family Day and as our employee survey results indicate, 92 per cent of our employees agree that having one extra day off is something they really appreciate."

The next runners up in the survey? Ten per cent of employees who responded are catching up on their to-do list of errands at home, and another ten per cent are getting active by hitting the ski slopes or going for a run.

"Whether it's hitting the local ski hill, enjoying a meal out or just spending time together at home, we are all excited to celebrate Family Day," says Marion Henselwood, branch manager at Valley First. "Not only do we get a much needed break from the doldrums of winter, but we get to be with our loved ones."

Jeff Knutson, branch manager at Envision Financial adds, "This holiday presents our team with a great opportunity to spend time with those who matter most-our families. "I'm a father to three young children and I know that as a working parent, it can be a challenge to find quality time with your family. I am looking forward to having an entire day to spend with my kids and my wife-we're planning to go tubing at Manning Park Resort and have a few snow ball fights while we're there."

Formed in January 2010 when Penticton-based Valley First Credit Union joined with Langley-based Envision Financial, First West was the only company in British Columbia to offer Family Day to its employees in 2012 - one year before the statutory holiday officially came into effect in the province.

Skinner continues, "Our decision to offer Family Day as a paid holiday in 2012 was our way of recognizing a team that regularly goes above and beyond to make a difference in the financial lives of our members and our communities. Plus it was one more way for us to say, our employees and their families matter."

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia's third-largest credit union with $6.6 billion in assets under administration, more than 169,000 members and close to 1,300 employees. It operates 38 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial and Valley First brands. For more information on First West Credit Union, visit www.firstwestcu.ca.

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