OSHKOSH, Wis. — The credit union that once merged three successful institutions into one continues to grow, with Verve, A Credit Union, announcing a completion date for its merger with Community CU of La Crosse.
Verve — formerly known as CitizensFirst until rebranding as Verve, A Credit Union, earlier this year — will absorb CCU on Sept. 1, offering enhanced products and services to more than 11,000 La Crosse-area members.
The merger was announced in January, and CCU President and CEO Chris Butler said the process so far has been a collaborative one.
"Unlike many mergers that happen out of necessity, we've been working together since January to bring our members an even greater credit union experience," Butler said. "By combining our resources, we can continue giving back to our communities in new and exciting ways."
Butler is expected to remain with the credit union following completion of the merger, seving as regional president overseeing growth strategies in western Wisconsin.
Kevin J. Ralofsky, Verve's president and CEO, said the two credit unions have teams that "share the same values when it comes to our members/owners, our communities and corporate culture." He added that the merger could well be a model for future collaborations as verve continues to row.
"It is crucial that credit unions continue to adapt to their communities' changing needs," he explained. "Our partnership with Community is an opportunity to grow so we can have a greater, positive impact on the individual lives that make this work possible."
The merger will bring Verve's branch network to 14 locations, serving nearly 58,000 members throughout La Crosse and Northern Wisconsin. The credit union currently has $580 million in assets and served 47,000 members at 10 locations.
