Northern Credit Union and Countryside Federal Credit Union are proud to announce an anticipated merger that will result in greater financial advantages for the area communities served. This partnership will provide ten locations in Northern and Central New York. The intended merger of Countryside Federal CU into Northern Credit Union will be finalized in the fall following an anticipated positive vote by the members of Countryside Federal Credit Union on August 1, 2022.
“Our goal is to put our members first in all that we do, and this is a great example of how we’re continuing this mission,” said Ben Gasser, CEO of Countryside Federal FCU. “This merger partnership will secure our long-term viability for our membership,” further commented Gasser. Dan St. Hilaire, Northern Credit Union’s President and CEO, also commented by saying “At Northern, our mission is to improve the financial lives of those we serve through empowerment and personalized solutions. When two healthy credit unions such as Northern and Countryside unite, it strengthens our ability to thrive and deliver better financial solutions to our member-owners.”
Northern is committed to retaining employees of both credit unions. As part of the transition, Countryside will convert to a state-chartered credit union. The Countryside name will be preserved, as a Division of Northern Credit Union.
This partnership would create a credit union offering more than ever before. In planning for the future, both credit unions saw a combined organization would bring much greater strength and competitive advantages than each could provide on its own. Together, the partnership will create a synergy of the vision, people, experience, capabilities, and resources of two strong credit unions, benefiting members, communities, and employees for the long-term.