| Wilma Howa works at her desk. As president of Balance Rock Credit Union in Helper and Price, Howa keeps busy. She feels that through her job she can make a difference in the local community. |
Balancing a career can be difficult for anybody. But Balance Rock Credit Union president, Wilma Howa makes it look easy.
After working in the banking industry for 18 years, Howa stepped up in 1998 and became the president of the local credit union.
In the past seven years that she has served as Balance Rock’s leading lady, Howa has touched a community with her outgoing and caring spirit. That is why Howa has been named Sun Advocate business woman of the year.
“Wilma is very eager to be involved in the community,” Price city community director, Nick Tatton explained. “She can back up her words. Wilma doesn’t just speak it, she does it.”
As president, Howa serves local residents,but it is through her dedication to the area that brings her closer to citizens.
Howa is currently involved with the Price Main Street Program, CEU Foundation, Helper Library Board and the Eastern Utah Chapter Credit Union League. Through each of these programs, Howa makes a difference in the lives of all who live in Carbon County.
As former chairperson and now treasurer of the Main Street Program, Howa along with other board members are working toward improving downtown Price by creating a friendly and hospitable environment for local residents and businesses alike.
Howa can connect with both business owners and citizens because she wears the hats of both. As co-owner of Southeast Paint and Wallcoverings, Howa and her husband Ed have served the local area for several years. They understand customers needs and strive to provide the best quality service possible.
As credit union president, Howa also deals with consumers on a regular basis. By being in touch with the community through several different roles, Howa understands what life is like for many local residents.
| Howa teamed with the 100 Percent for Kids program and helped to raise funds for Helper Junior High. Howa, along with former Senator Paula Julander, Mike Milovich and Tom Montoya presented Mika Salas with a check for over $3,500. The money will be used to purchase calculators for Salas’ math students. |
“I have had the chance to work with Wilma on projects in the past and she is alway eager to help,” explained Tatton.
Howa’s eagerness to assist others is evident in many of the programs she takes part in as the credit union’s president.
The 100 Percent for Kids program is one that Howa and her organization supports.
“Through donations and fundraisers, money is earned for schools,” explained Howa. “Through these efforts and grants, we give 100 percent of the funds to schools who qualify. The money is to be used for students.”
Recently, Helper Junior High received a check for over $3,500 from the program and the money will be used to purchase calculators.
“The program allows us to put money directly back into the schools. There has already been over $50,000 donated to local schools,” explained the credit union president.
Another program that is dear to Howa’s heart is the Jump Start Program. She explained that Balance Rock Credit Union along with Zions Bank, Wells Fargo Bank and Desert View Federal Credit Union have joined forces and created the program in the Carbon and Emery areas which is already up and running.
The program supports the school system by ensuring that students of all ages receive basic financial management skills.
Organizations who participate in this program will find resources neccessary to teach youth these skills or the members will go into the classroom and teach students themselves. By doing so, members are giving back to the community in a positive manner.
With so much going on in Howa’s career, it is important that she stays true to those she works with. The Carbon County native explained that it is a joy for her to deal with the people that she works with.
“I surround myself with good employees. That is the key to my success,” explained Howa. “That combined with the support of my husband makes me successful.”