The Promise of High Performance PDF
VENTURE was formed by the amalgamation of Grastaff Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited, (Grastaff) and Hydro Agri Credit Union Co-operative Society (Hydro Agri).  Both Credit Unions had a common origin in the Fedchem Credit Union which was registered in November 1960 with the host company being Federation Chemicals Ltd.
 
Fedchem Credit Union progressed into a solid institution and grew in the 1960s and 1970s. Its successful performance was recognized by the Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago (CCULTT) by the award of the Proficiency Cup in 1972 and certificates of achievement in 1979 and 1980.  In 1991 Fedchem Credit Union became Hydro Agri Credit Union when its host company Federation Chemicals Ltd. changed ownership.

Grastaff was established in 1969 as an offshoot of Fedchem Credit Union when a Port-of Spain based group of Federation Chemical Ltd. employees formed a Credit Union separate from the central base.  After a decade of modest growth Grastaff experienced considerable expansion as it increasingly widened its membership to include other host companies in the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

Grastaff and Hydro Agri Credit Unions organized social events designed to encourage social interaction among Credit Union members and their families across the Point Lisas estate and its environs.  These activities built stronger communities within the social environment of the two Credit Unions.  Among the activities prominent in the social calendars of Grastaff and Hydro Agri were inter-company competitions, sports and family days and a Christmas party for needy children.

The track records of  both Credit Unions suggested that they were dynamic and financially viable institutions in the local Movement. Their successes were due to the high quality of leadership and management on the respective Boards, Committees and Management Teams.

Also notable was the significant contribution made by their Boards and Executive members to the development of the local Credit Union Movement through serving on various committees of CCULTT and the Central Chapter, thereby assuming a leadership role in the Movement. This contribution to the national Movement was invaluable during the 1990s when the local Movement was struggling to hold its own in the face of economic recession.  In 1997 Hydro Agri Credit Union and Grastaff merged to become VENTURE after much discussion.

VENTURE absorbed the assets of Couva Community Credit Union in 1999. The Couva Community Credit Union was incorporated in 1950 and was the mainstay peoples financial organization in the community. The merger discussion was initiated in 1998 and after twelve months an agreement was ageed to.

As of 2007 December 31 VENTURE’s asset base stood at $275M with a total registered membership of 10,645, comprising employees of 36 host companies and one (1) Non-Host group.