After months of discussion and due diligence, Goldenwest Credit Union and USU Charter Credit Union have announced their intent to merge. This is an exciting time for both organizations as we prepare to join forces in an effort to better serve our collective 106,000 members.

This merger is considered strategic in nature. Both credit unions are financially healthy and have a strong presence in their respective markets. Our fields of membership, corporate cultures, operations and systems complement each other. Together, we will be among the strongest financial institutions in northern Utah with close to $1 billion in assets and 26 branches. The merger is pending approval from the NCUA, which we anticipate receiving within the next few months.

We intend to honor the legacy of USU Credit Union and their affiliation with Utah State University. The USU Credit Union branches will keep their familiar brand, and operate as a division of Goldenwest Credit Union.

Utah State Aggies, including students, alumni and employees, will be welcome at all Goldenwest branches throughout our state. They will freely enjoy all we have to offer, including access to 6800 branches across the country through the shared-branch network.

USU Credit Union has a talented management team and staff. We are excited to work with them as we navigate through the merger process and beyond. In particular, we enthusiastically welcome David Butterfield, USU Credit Union’s President/CEO, to the Goldenwest Executive Team. David will be named Regional President with responsibilities for the USU Credit Union branches and future growth in the area.

We have met extensively with the Board of Directors from both credit unions, and they are all in support of the merger. Upon completion of the merger, two Directors from the USU Credit Union Board will join the Goldenwest Board. USU Credit Union will also maintain an Advisory Board in Cache Valley.

This historic merger will have profound significance for both organizations going forward. Together, we are committed to stay true to our not-for-profit financial cooperative business model while providing greater resources for our members and strengthening the communities we serve.

On a personal note, I am proud to be among the 160,000 graduates of Utah State University. It’s exciting for me to have this new opportunity to serve my fellow Aggies!

Follow me on Twitter @GoldenwestCUCEO and visit our website for the updates on the merger. As always, you can contact me directly at president@gwcu.org.

Best wishes, and stay safe, as you enjoy the summer holidays with your family and friends.