Media Contact:
Joan Collins at Joan Collins Publicity (608) 222-2899
Spokesperson: Kim Sponem, CUNA Credit Union CEO at 244-2400 (Ext. 2145) or cell: 335-3653
The confusion ends.
CUNA Credit Union will become Great Wisconsin Credit Union, with the name legally changing October 17.
Kim Sponem, CEO of CUNA Credit Union, announced the name change at the annual meeting of the credit union May 16. A special membership meeting was called on April 28 to vote on the name change. More than 80 per cent of the members at that meeting voted to change the name to Great Wisconsin Credit Union.
Sponem said the name change will clear up many misconceptions. Because of the variety of businesses in Madison with CUNA as part of the title, Sponem said residents, the media and potential members have been understandably confused.
“Many people think they must work at a CUNA related business to join our credit union, Sponem said. “This is not the case. We are open to the public.”
CUNA Credit Union retained a research-naming firm to develop potential names, which the credit union tested with various groups before putting the name Great Wisconsin Credit Union up for vote.
Sponem said CUNA Credit Union members will see no changes, except the name. The credit union is still owned by members and they can use their CUNA Credit Union checks. All direct deposits, loan papers, and credit cards will be recognized.
“The transition will be seamless,” Sponem said. “Members will not incur any costs with the change.”
The new name will start appearing on signage and brochures over the next few months, Sponem said, with the name change complete by the end of the year.
CUNA Credit Union has seven branches in Madison, Cottage Grove, Waunakee, Fitchburg, and Portage and a new administration building under construction in South Madison. Assets are $330 million. There are 46,000 members.