Credit union doubles its lending

Some local credit unions and banks are seeing a major bounce-back in the amount they lend, which could mean big things for local businesses looking to grow.

Last year Idaho Central Credit Union lent out about $1.3 billion, more than double what they did in 2011.

All those loans mean more money flowing into local economies.

ICCU CEO Kent Oram said it’s good news for business throughout the region.

“I think businesses have started to expand a little bit more. There’s a little bit more building going on as you drive around you see more construction happening. And all of those are really good signs,” Oram said.

That’s a big improvement over some of the last few years.

When the recession hit at the end of 2008 it didn’t only raise unemployment and hurt home sales, it also made it tough for any entrepreneur looking to start or grow a business t get a hold of credit.

“The federal government cracking down on what it takes to get approved for loans, and that sort of thing. And I think we’ve seen that ease up a little bit recently, which has really helped,” Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Membership Director John Azzola said.

Oram said it seems like many people were putting off buying homes or purchasing a car until they had a little more confidence in which way the economy was going.

“And we’re able to step up and help them make that purchase. we say a lot of the time that we help peoples dreams come true. And I think that’s really true.”