At the end of 2012, Goldenwest conducted an online member satisfaction survey. We were received many responses requesting Goldenwest open branch offices in Brigham City and Cache Valley. The appeal from our members to open more branches in northern Utah was one of the determining factors for merging with USU Credit Union.

Last month, Goldenwest officially combined financial statements with USU Credit Union. We have a team of talented employees working on the systems merger scheduled for February 1, 2014. After that date, Goldenwest members can be served at the five USU Credit Union branches. Likewise, USU Credit Union’s 17,000 members will have full access to Goldenwest’s 21 branches, our online and mobile banking branches, and 5,000 shared branch locations.

With the merger, Goldenwest gained two new board members. Steve Carroll and Brandon Hendrickson both served on the USU Credit Union Board, and now join the Goldenwest Board of Directors. We appreciate the service they have rendered to USU Credit Union members in the past, and thank them for their willingness to continue their service as volunteers for Goldenwest Credit Union.

Our growing credit union not only provides money-saving benefits to more members across Utah, but also boosts the local economy. Additional resources can be used to generate a greater number of loans for families and small businesses in our state. In some cases, we will expand contracts with local vendors to sustain growing operations. Likewise, our community outreach efforts can influence more people across the state.

In addition to the merger with USU Credit Union, Goldenwest is working on several other projects and programs to better serve you. I appreciate the vision of our Board of Directors, the efforts of our employees, and the support of our members as we work together to fulfill the credit union mantra of “People Helping People” to the best of our abilities.

I wish you a great holiday season with your family and friends. For the latest Goldenwest news, follow me on Twitter @GoldenwestCUCEO.

Sincerely,

Kerry H. Wahlen
President/CEO