Members 1st Credit Union recently celebrated its designation as “Best Credit Union” for the 10^th year in the Record Searchlight’s 2025 Best of the North State competition.

The Best of the North State, which showcases businesses from various sectors like beauty and health, dining, and entertainment, selects winners exclusively through local voting. Members 1st received the top vote for Best Credit Union, Best Mortgage Lending Company, and Best Investment Firm, also receiving recognition as Best Employer with 1-100 Employees. Members 1st credits this continued support to its strong connection with its members and exemplary staff.

The local community nominates and votes for its favorite companies in more than 180 categories. From trendy hotspots to hidden gems, this awards program is the community’s chance to shine a spotlight on the establishments that make the North State area of California stand out.

Winners are revealed at an exclusive awards gala and to the public following the event in a printed winners section and online.

Each year, the Best of North State Community’s Choice Awards recognizes over 480 businesses and organizations, all thanks to community involvement. Completely driven by public participation, the program begins with nominations and voting determines the finalists and winners in each category:

• Nomination Round: It all begins with nominations. In this round, the public submits area businesses and organizations for consideration in each category, up to once a day. Users who nominate their favorites in 25 or more categories will be entered to win a $250 gift card.
• Voting Round: After nominations, the top companies in each category move on to the voting round. Here, users can vote up to once a day for their favorites to determine the winners. Another $250 gift card is up for grabs for those who vote in 25 or more categories.
• Winners Announced: Once voting ends, excitement builds. At the awards gala, the businesses and organizations that have earned the most votes in each category are announced. Results are shared with the public after the event.

“Being nominated in so many categories and chosen as the Best of the North State is truly a testament to the hard-working teams we have at Members 1st and our amazing membership,” said Josh Markle, vice president of marketing and human resources. “We are honored to serve and support our deserving community here in the North State.”