Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union was originally organized on April 7, 1949 under the name of Harnischfeger Employees of Escanaba Federal Credit Union. A group of nine employees decided to organize a credit union with the idea that by saving together, they could build a fund from which loans could be made to help Harnischfeger employees who needed money for worthwhile purposes. They felt an employee free from financial anxiety is a more efficient and reliable person. Since organization, several changes have occurred.