RETIRED RCU PRESIDENT/CEO RECEIVES AWARD

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union announces former president/CEO, Charlie Grossklaus has received a Legends of The Movement award from the Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation. The award recognizes and honors past and current credit union leaders in the state of Wisconsin for their service, commitment, and significant impact on the credit union movement at the local and/or state level.  Inductees to the Legends of the Movement include board chairs, credit union CEOs, and credit union board members.

“I am humbled to receive this recognition from the Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation, and to be included in the 2024 class of Legends of the Movement inductees,” said Charlie Grossklaus, retired Royal Credit Union President/CEO. “It truly was a privilege to work in this movement that is rooted in the ‘People Helping People’ philosophy.”

Grossklaus joined Royal Credit Union in 1971 and held the role of Chief Executive Officer from 1984 until his retirement in January 2012. At the time, he was the second CEO to lead the credit union since it was started in the Uniroyal Tire Plant in 1964.

“In his over 40 years of service, Charlie left a lasting impact on the credit union movement in Wisconsin and beyond through his leadership and commitment to putting Members first,” said Tom Huffcutt, Royal Credit Union Board Chair. “It came as no surprise to any of us that Grossklaus was selected an inductee to the inaugural Legends of The Movement class.”

Grossklaus is one of ten individuals inducted to the Legends of the Movement. Nominations for the award were accepted and reviewed by the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation.

"It is an honor to formally recognize the legendary impact these credit union leaders have made on the movement in Wisconsin," said Lisa Palma, Chair of The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation. "We are indebted to their years of dedicated service upholding a mission and vision to improve the financial well-being of all Wisconsinites." 

When Grossklaus was named Royal’s CEO the credit union had $100 Million in assets, 100 employees and 6 branches. His vision to grow Royal to a $1 Billion credit union was realized in 2010 through the purchase of 11 AnchorBank offices. At the time of his retirement, Royal had 582 employees, 25 branches and served 18 counties in Wisconsin and 12 counties in Minnesota.

Grossklaus’s impact on the credit union movement extends far beyond Royal. Grossklaus served credit unions in state and national capacities including director and board chair of the Wisconsin Credit Union League, board member of the Credit Union Council for the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors, and member of the CUNA Government Affairs Committee. He was inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in 2012.

As a devoted community leader, Grossklaus served as chairman of several non-profit organizations, including the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce and the local United Way. He is also credited with the rejuvenation of downtown Eau Claire as he worked with Royal’s board of directors to build the corporate headquarters at the confluence of the rivers sparking the Phoenix Park development.

“The list of Charlie’s activities and awards is a testament to his legendary status in the credit union movement. His unwavering commitment to strengthening the industry and making a difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring,” said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union President/CEO. “Charlie’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Royal. His influence continues to shape Royal Credit Union, enrich our community, and benefit the entire state of Wisconsin. He was not just a great leader and mentor, but a great friend.”

Grossklaus will be recognized with Legends of the Movement honorees in a permanent display at the Wisconsin Credit Union League’s Credit Union House in Madison. He also received a commemorative plaque.