A new partnership pairing two Spokane-based organizations will provide nearly 1,000 employers with easy access to STCU Business products and services.
[may 12, 2026]
Under the arrangement, STCU Business will offer Associated Industries members exclusive merchant services pricing, and access to business deposit accounts, loans and treasury management services, and even STCU’s first co-branded business debit card. Whether or not they’re STCU members, the businesses can also turn to STCU for financial expertise and consultation.
“As an employer association, our members trust us to connect them with resources that make running a business easier,” said Nicole Tedrow, incoming President and CEO of Associated Industries. “Partnering with STCU Business adds another strong local option for the financial side of operations, helping employers spend less time navigating complexity and more time focusing on growth.”
Associated Industries provides employers with a wide range of services, including employment law and HR advising, employee health and 401(k) plans, management training, mediation services, and background screening services. Headquartered in Spokane, where it was founded in 1910, Associated Industries has grown to serve member businesses across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, with its strongest presence and deepest roots in the Inland Northwest.
While STCU has supported businesses through much of its 92-year history, it has made significant investments in recent years to expand its business banking capabilities and strengthen the STCU Business team. This partnership with Associated Industries represents an important milestone in that growth, said Steve Hauschild, Senior Vice President of Business Banking at STCU.
“We’re honored by this opportunity to serve the members of Associated Industries, including businesses that write the paychecks supporting so many families in our community,” said Hauschild. “We look forward to earning the trust of Associated Industries members and helping them succeed.”
Associated Industries recently underwent a planned leadership transition with the retirement of Jim DeWalt, who served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2004. Tedrow, who succeeded DeWalt, began her career at Associated Industries in 1999. Together, DeWalt and Tedrow championed the partnership with STCU, which Tedrow will continue to build on.
About Associated Industries
Founded in 1910, Associated Industries helps businesses navigate the complexities of employment law, HR, benefits, compliance, and training. Headquartered in Spokane, Associated Industries serves nearly 1,000 member businesses across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.
About STCU
Founded in Spokane in 1934, STCU is a not-for-profit credit union with more than 300,000 business and consumer members, and 51 branch locations in Eastern Washington, North Idaho and northeastern Oregon. There’s an STCU member in more than half the homes in Spokane County.