GOSHEN, Ind. – In another sponsor-forced move, Farm Bureau CU has changed its name to Interra CU after 76 years.
The new name was prompted by a directive a year ago from the American Farm Bureau Federation, the group that owns the trademark to the words “farm bureau” and the acronym “FB.” Smaller independent credit unions with “farm bureau” in their name exist in Texas, Hawaii and Arkansas, but it is unclear whether they also will be required to change their names.
In recent years, sponsors from Northwest Airlines to the Los Angeles Times have forced their credit unions to shed their corporate affiliation or pay licensing fees.
Along with the new name, Interra CU has launched a new logo and Web site. Members will be able to use their old checks and debit cards.
The new name and brand were developed by Weber Marketing Group of Seattle and approved by a member vote, as required under the state’s credit union law.
The new name, which combines “In” representing Indiana and “terra” meaning land, is meant to tap into the $450 million credit union’s community and agricultural roots.
