Kim Hocking began her 40-year career at Kaskaskia Valley Community Credit Union in 1984, only two years after the credit union was chartered. Originally formed to serve the employees of the Centralia Correctional Center, the credit union has expanded by adding select-employee groups (SEGs) and most recently, opening to the community. "When I started, we were doing $200 loans and now we finance $80,000 trucks," said Kim. "There was even a time when the credit union operated from my house!"

On Kim's first day at the credit union, she "Had the state examiner teaching me how to do my job. A few years later, the same examiner was chastising me for supporting the credit union by not taking a rightful salary for doing my job."

People, both credit union employees and members, are part of Kim's favorite work-related memories. She said, "I have worked with a lot but some stick out more than others, in that really good way." Kim loved it when members would drop by the office to say hello when they're in town. "All the people are heart-felt memories I'll carry with me forever."

Kim is especially proud of the way the credit union found ways to expand their services so they could assist their members with a wider range of financial needs. "Adding checking accounts was significant for us because members were then able to use us as their PFI," said Kim.

The one thing Kim will not miss about working is cleaning the office. "I loved almost everything else at the office; this was my least-favorite task," she said.

Getting involved with the Southern Illinois Chapter (now Southern Burnett Chapter), gave Kim the opportunity to meet and work with people from other credit unions in the area. She held all of the chapter officer positions and also was elected as League Director. As a League Director Kim again was given the opportunity to meet and work with her peers through-out the state.

"The chapter and League was a great way to meet people at other credit unions. We would always help each other, big and small," said Kim. "Credit unions need to keep their common goal front and center."

Kim liked to share a story about a member with every new staff member at the credit union. A long-time member "cussed-out" Kim for turning down the member for a loan. Despite her patient explanation and reasoning, he was furious and stormed out of the office swearing never to return again. The member did not close his account, and a few years later came in to talk about the improvements made in his financial situation. He applied for another loan which was approved.

"Years later, he and his wife came into the office to thank me for turning him down for the first loan. With tears in their eyes, they explained they could not have gotten a mortgage if they did not listen to what was suggested for their financial wellness. You could see the pride of homeownership in their eyes," said Kim.

She wants new employees to know they will have tough moments and doing what's best for the member is always the best course, even when it is difficult at the time.

Kim joins her husband Scot in retirement; he has been retired for 17 years. She is acclimating to her "strange" new lifestyle of not having to be anywhere at any specific time. She plans to travel locally with her camper and spend time with her family including her children, Trevor and Amber, her 6 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Kim also has 10 brothers and sisters who live within 20 miles of each other.

Kim also plans to revitalize her volunteer roles with local organizations including Habitat for Humanity, her church, and credit union. She is also a Fire Department Trustee and Township Supervisor.