Together…

Post date: 3/21/23
Availability and special terms subject to change.

 

A Stronger, Better Credit Union Awaits!

Special Merger Announcement

Last October, we announced our intent to partner with North Central Area Credit Union, a strong and growing credit union headquartered in Houghton Lake, Michigan. For the past year, I’ve served dual roles as CEO of First United CU and CEO of North Central Area Credit Union. After receiving board approval for the merger, we submitted our application to merge at year-end with the State of Michigan and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

We’ve received excellent news! 

In March, we received approval to merge from both entities, the state, and NCUA. Now that we have approval, we can move forward with this exciting opportunity — and First United CU members can vote on the potential merger.

In May, we will ask for your vote to approve the merger. Following approval, the merger could be completed as early as July 2023.

All Primary Members who joined prior to April 1, 2023, are eligible to vote :

Note: Joint members are not eligible to vote. Primary Members: your last paper ballot submitted will be the only one to qualify.

Upon approval, we will complete the merger process and officially join forces with North Central Area Credit Union, with the formal change occurring as early as July. Both credit unions would unite into a single, strong entity, resulting in a $230 million organization serving more than 20,000 members.

Our name will become “NCACU,” and may take several months for our branding to shift to our new name.

There are only positives. 

A combined organization will offer enhanced products and services while bringing more services in-house. The merger will also lead to cost savings, greater efficiencies, and improved service workflows for an enhanced member service experience. You’ll also gain access to four additional branches in North Central Michigan, plus our current office in Grandville.

You will have a total of five full-service locations!  

Rest assured: 

Both credit unions are financially strong and healthy. You’ll see a collaboration of efforts, talents, and systems upon merging. Greater efficacy will also be seen at all levels, providing new opportunities for members and staff. Aside from our new name, NCACU, the merger will be a seamless change for you, particularly as both credit unions use the same core computer system.

To reiterate, you will see no impact at the local level — only new opportunities!

Under the NCACU name, our exceptional First United CU service culture will continue, and I (Mark Richter) will remain CEO of the combined credit union.

To recap:

Members of our Board of Directors will be appointed to the Board of Directors of the combined credit union to ensure your voice is represented at the highest level of the combined organization.

  • There will be no downsizing or loss of jobs.
  • We foresee additional growth for everyone, including more service options, improved branch access, and increased staff availability.
  • A combined organization can offer more products and services, bring more products in-house, and assist with member workflows.
  • You will gain access to four additional full-service branches in North Central Michigan — in addition to our current office in Grandville. No offices will close.
  • Our name will transition to NCACU, representing First United CU and North Central Area CU.

We’re honored that you have chosen us as your financial institution, and our mission remains the same — providing you with the best financial options in our area. We will take great care with this new partnership, and your accounts will remain safe and secure.

Our commitment to the Grand Rapids community will not waiver, and the merger will be a win-win for all concerned!

Please peruse the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website. And as we move forward with the voting process, please watch your mail for instructions.

Kind Regards,
Mark Richter
President & CEO