Reinvention through merger
In the CUES Podcast episode 56, learn how 4Front Credit Union was created from the merger of two solid credit unions.
The most recent episode of the CUES Podcast, discusses a unique merger with the leaders of $488 million 4Front Credit Union, Traverse City, Mich.
Many times credit unions merge because of shrinking membership, loss of management or regulatory pressure. Seldom do you see two organizations combine when there is no catalyst other than two boards coming together for the betterment of their organizations. But that is what happened in this case.
4Front Credit Union is the result of two strong, successful credit unions—Bay Winds Federal Credit Union and Members Credit Union—realizing that they could be even better together! On Jan. 2, 2015, CUES member Andy Kempf became president of the new credit union and CUES member David Leusink became CEO. In addition, the two boards merged to form an 18-person board, with the goal of reducing by attrition down to a nine-member board.
In the podcast, David and Andy tell the story of how the two institutions can come together to provide enhanced value and service to members, career opportunities for their co-workers, and economic strength to their communities. These experiences helped cement their strong belief that credit union mergers need not result in winners and losers, but should instead present opportunities for institutions to reinvent themselves and deliver the very best credit union possible.
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