Blaze Credit Union is here: SPIRE Credit Union & Hiway Credit Union officially merge; launch new name & brand
FALCON HEIGHTS, MN (January 2, 2024) — Today, the much-anticipated legal merger of Hiway Credit Union and SPIRE Credit Union has arrived, with the two Minnesota-based credit unions coming together as equals to serve their quarter-million-plus members as Blaze Credit Union.
“This is an exciting time for all of our members, our 650+ Blaze Credit Union associates, and our communities,” said Blaze CEO Dan Stoltz, formerly SPIRE’s President/CEO. “When we first started talking about this alliance between SPIRE and Hiway, this date seemed so far away. I’m so grateful for the work our teams have put into shaping this new organization, from creating a new name and brand to developing new service standards to ensure our members have the best possible experience. And, wow, so much else!”
“It’s been an enormous effort and our teams have rocked it,” added Blaze President/Chief Transformation Officer Dave Boden, formerly Hiway’s President/CEO. “With all of our combined talent and resources, we will be able to improve so many more lives, as well as our communities.”
Because Blaze will be operating on two separate core and online banking systems until fall, for members, it will generally be business as usual. Members are encouraged to use their favorite branch and to continue using their current debit cards, credit cards, and checks as usual. A new website, blazecu.com, launched on January 1, and while digital banking functionality will remain as members are used to for now, all will be rebranded as Blaze.
Formally announced in the summer, this merger brings two of Minnesota’s largest credit unions together, now with assets of more than $4 billion, serving 250,000 members, making it Minnesota’s fourth-largest credit union. All 26 branches will remain in operation, and all 650+ associates will remain employed.
About Blaze Credit Union
Born in 2024 out of a merger-of-equals between Hiway Credit Union and SPIRE Credit Union, Blaze is a full-service financial institution, proudly serving Minnesota and Wisconsin residents with Depression-era roots dating back to 1931. Blaze serves more than 250,000 members in Minnesota and beyond, registers $4.0B in assets, and serves 26 branch communities. Blaze is here to help members Go for it, whatever their “it” may be, providing guidance along life’s twists and turns along the way. Driven by Midwestern values like community, integrity, and plain old hard work, Blaze Credit Union is committed to providing smart financial products, great rates, and top-tier service as it lives its mission of improving lives. For more information, please visit blazecu.com.
