What's Happening
BlueOx Credit Union and Ignite Credit Union Jointly Announce Their Intent to Merge
Battle Creek, MI - Ignite Credit Union and BlueOx Credit Union are excited to announce their plans to merge pending regulatory approval and a membership vote. If approved, the combined organization will operate under the unified brand name, Ignite Credit Union, but will continue to keep their individual names. Under this model, BlueOx would become “BlueOx Credit Union, a Division of Ignite Credit Union.”
This model, where each organization maintains its individual name, was established in 2022 when Allegan Credit Union and Rivertown Credit Union merged. This collaborative concept allows the credit unions to ensure their rich histories and legacies continue to be honored.
Overall, the combined assets would be more than $376M dollars, serving more than 32,000+ members with 11 branches throughout Michigan.
Credit Union mergers remain a hot industry topic. In a financial services sector that is constantly shifting, and is highly regulated, it is becoming more difficult for smaller credit unions to compete at the same level as the bigger players. Industry-wide, there are more organizations pursuing merger strategies that include strategic mergers like this one. For many smaller credit unions left on their own, it is becoming increasingly challenging to offer the wide range of products and services that members want. Attracting new members and new employees in this competitive market is also becoming increasingly difficult. Becoming a larger credit union provides opportunities to leverage resources and position organizations for continued growth. In turn, this would result in being able to provide even more benefits to members in the form of more product and service access, and integrating new and robust technologies while continuing to maintain their unique brand identity that focuses on delivering excellent service.
Both credit unions wanted to find a partner that matched their own passion, aligned closely with their own mission, and shared dedication and loyalty to their team members, members, and community. Another amazing benefit of this partnership is that both credit unions are on the same core system, and combining the two organizations will cause minimal to no member disruptions.
“What better way to demonstrate the credit union industry’s commitment to serve than to partner with a like-minded organization,” commented Steven Cobb, President/CEO of BlueOx Credit Union, “We pride ourselves on helping our members and communities in every way possible and are constantly looking for ways to maximize that impact. We look forward to not only continuing that commitment through this partnership but to a brighter future together, serving more members.”
Recently completing a merger, Kristopher Lewis, President/CEO of Ignite Credit Union, added, “Credit Unions continue to be a huge financial voice and advocate for the communities we serve. I am super excited about our partnership with BlueOx Credit Union and what it means for the future. Mergers like this, born out of the passion to serve more members and help more people, increase our voice and the impact we can make."
As member-owned cooperatives and under the guidelines of the National Credit Union Association, full merger approval is contingent upon Ignite Credit Union membership approval. It is anticipated the entities will become one credit union sometime in mid-2024. As the merger process moves forward, both credit unions will provide information to their respective Memberships via their websites (www.IgniteCreditUnion.com and www.BlueOXcu.org) and other applicable communication channels.
Ignite Credit Union
Ignite Credit Union is the recent culmination of Allegan Credit Union and Rivertown Community Federal Credit Union, two credit unions that formed a partnership to serve their members, employees, and communities more effectively. Both credit unions share blue-collar roots and believed that by joining together, they could do more than either of them could do alone. Uniquely, each credit union has maintained its individual brands under the umbrella credit union created in Ignite.
BlueOx Credit Union
BlueOx’s story began in 1936 in Battle Creek, Michigan – Inspired by a small handful of educators from the Battle Creek School System. BlueOx’s original field of membership was limited to teachers, principals, supervisors, and superintendents of the Battle Creek School System. Today, BlueOx Credit Union’s field of membership is open to the entire state of Michigan.
BlueOx Credit Union Announces College Scholarship 2023 Recipients
“At BlueOx, we celebrate and promote education that engages, enriches, and inspires our young people to develop knowledge and skills for life-long financial competence,” said BlueOx Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Cobb, “so we are honored to help and invest in these BlueOx Credit Union members along their educational path with four $1,000 scholarships, named after retired Board Members - Al Mumford, Dale Dittmer, Jeffrey Stanton, and Robert Harvey.” The winners are selected based on their excellence in academics and outstanding community service.
Al Mumford BlueOx Credit Union Community Scholarship
Allison Myers
A 2023 graduate of Harper Creek High School, Allison maintained a 4.3 GPA. Allison was a Youth Alliance Committee (BCCF) Member and the Harper Creek Student Council Secretary. She also served as President of the Environmental Sustainable Action Club and the Racial Alliance Committee for Equity. In her Senior year, Allison participated in the CONRAD Innovation Challenge, where she received the CONRAD Innovator Recognition for the Health and Nutrition category.
Allison is attending the University of Michigan to study Health Sciences and pursue a career in Biology.
Dale Dittmer BlueOx Credit Union Community Scholarship
Cameron Daniels
Cameron is a 2023 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and maintained a 4.5 GPA throughout his high school career. Cameron participated in basketball, soccer, and track - where he was selected as the Varsity Team Captain. He also served as President of the National Honors Society.
Cameron is continuing his education at the University of Michigan to study Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology, with a future career in Engineering.
Jeffrey Stanton BlueOx Credit Union Community Scholarship
Cing San
Cing is a 2023 graduate of Lakeview High School, maintaining a 4.2 GPA. She was a National Honor Society and Link Crew member. Throughout her high school career, Cing was active in the Student Senate, was the Burmese Club Secretary, and taught Sunday School.
Cing is continuing her education at the University of Michigan to study Health Sciences and pursue a career in Medicine as a first-generation college student.
Robert Harvey BlueOx Credit Union Community Scholarship
Kaden Nicolich
A Harper Creek High School graduate in 2023, Kaden maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.9. Throughout his high school career, he served as President of the Harper Creek Student Council and the National Honor Society. Kaden was also Head Chair for the Battle Creek Community Foundation Youth Alliance Committee and a Youth Representative for the Battle Creek Community Foundation Board of Trustees. During his Senior year, he was the Center Representative for the MASC/MAHS Student Board of Delegates.
Kaden is continuing his education at the University of Michigan, where he will study Health Sciences and pursue a career in Biology.
BlueOx Credit Union is Named a 2023 Winner Of West Michigan's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For
National Association for Business Resources Announces 2023 Best and Brightest Winners in West Michigan
April 13, 2023 — The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is proud to announce and honor the newest 2023 winning companies. Only companies that distinguish themselves as having the most innovative business acumen and human resource practices can be bestowed this honor. Considering the ten to one ratio of this program, these winning companies are truly innovative in their employee engagement execution.
The winning companies were assessed by an independent research firm, which reviewed several key measures relative to other nationally recognized winners. The categories applicants were scored on include: Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Creative Wellness and Wellbeing Solutions, Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment and Selection; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Work-Life Blend; Community Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility; and Leadership, Strategy and Company Performance.
With over 25 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) has identified numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarking for companies that continue to be leaders in employment standards.
“Those companies that made the list of Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® as well as those companies that continue to make the list are truly remarkable. Given today’s need for talent, retention of talent, and the further issues related to the pandemic, these companies have proven they are superior to market conditions. They are elite thinkers and this honor demonstrates their commitment to excellence,” said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of NABR and The Best and Brightest Program.
About the Best and Brightest Programs
The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is a powerful community of the Nation’s elite leaders who share ideas, practices and have proven they are employers of choice. This program identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. There are numerous regional programs throughout the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houston, Milwaukee, San Diego, San Francisco, Miami, New York, Charlotte, Denver, Nashville, Pacific Northwest and Nationally. Nominations are now being accepted for all programs. Visit thebestandbrightest.com to nominate your organization.
BlueOx Credit Union Partners with JATA, Funding Over 650 Rides for Citizens Rebuilding Their Lives
In cooperation with BlueOx Credit Union, the Jackson Area Transportation Authority is proud to announce a new program aimed at lowering transportation hurdles for Jackson residents actively rebuilding their lives. The program will benefit two Jackson area nonprofits and their clients. The Home of New Vision, a leader in substance use disorder treatment, and the Jackson Interfaith Shelter, whose mission is working with people experiencing homelessness, serve a segment of the population that often lacks access to safe, affordable, and dependable transportation.
BlueOx Credit Union has created an account with JATA for both the Home of New Vision and the Jackson Interfaith Shelter, seeding each with $500, which the nonprofits can access to pay for a client's bus pass or Reserve-a-Ride to job interviews, health care appointments, or other vital services.
"We commend BlueOx Credit Union for their generosity and commitment to these Jackson nonprofits and our community. We look forward to growing this program to benefit more residents and area nonprofits," said Jackson Area Transportation Authority Executive Director Michael Brown.
Jessica Webb, Business Development Manager for the Credit Union, who played a significant role in developing the program, said, “BlueOx Credit Union is proud to partner with JATA in providing a solution of transportation needs for both Jackson Interfaith Home and Home of New Vision. Our core values focus on people helping people, creating solutions, igniting change, and supporting growth and prosperity in the communities we serve. We are thrilled to see this initiative come to fruition.”
Patrick O'Dowd
Government & Community Relations Manager
Jackson Area Transportation Authority
517.936.7673
BlueOx Board Member, Al Mumford, Retires After 50 Years of Service
Long-time BlueOx Credit Union Board Member, Al Mumford, is retiring from the volunteer Board of Directors at the end of his term in April 2023. As a BlueOx member since 1964, Al has served in various volunteer board positions since 1973, including Supervisory Committee, Building & Equipment Committee, Nominating Committee, and Personnel Committee. He has been Vice Chair and Board Chair. He has also received the Raiffeisen, Filene, and Bergengren awards from National Credit Union Association (NCUA).
“Working with the dedicated Board and staff at BlueOx Credit Union has been a pleasure. I expect this credit union to continue to serve our community with integrity and excellence for the credit union movement.” Says board member Al Mumford.
“Al’s long-standing support, industry, and institutional knowledge have been invaluable to BlueOx Credit Union. He's always steered our attention toward member value and Credit Union financial stability, and support to our staff,” said BlueOx Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Steve Cobb. “His dedication to us has been vital to our success.”
Representing over $222 million in assets, BlueOx Credit Union is a state-chartered, federally insured credit union, with membership open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Michigan. To find out how you can join BlueOx Credit Union, visit BlueOXcu.org today.
A Letter From Our President and CEO, Steve Cobb
To our Members,
The recent news of potential bank failures due to investment in high-risk start-up technology companies is a great reminder why banking with BlueOx Credit Union, and credit unions in general, is the safest place to do your banking. In our 87 years of business with our local Michigan communities, we have weathered every economic storm along the way.
We were born out of the great depression in 1936. BlueOx has served the state of Michigan and our owner members as their trusted fiduciaries for the entirety of our existence. Credit Unions are owned by you, the member, not stockholders, and are run by a volunteer board of directors who cares about our Michigan communities. Our credit union started with school employees passing a cigar box to collect donations to lend to fellow employees, with interest, to fund the dreams of their future. Our business today is no different. Our assets are our members that take out high-performing loans for automobiles, homes, small businesses, and other needs. Our members are individuals and small businesses in our community with Midwest ethics and values of hard work, perseverance, and strength. That is what BlueOx has always represented.
Not one penny of insured savings has ever been lost by a member of a federally insured credit union. We offer a safe place to save your money, with deposits insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per individual depositor. If you have more than $250,000 at any credit union, several additional share insurance coverage options are available. Our credit union's financial strength backs any federally uninsured deposits. Unnecessary risk-taking and extraordinary profit-seeking are not part of the mission, vision, and core values of BlueOx Credit Union. We adhere to the credit union philosophy of not for profit, not for charity, but for service. Our commitment to our Members today is the same as 87 years ago to be faithful stewards of your hard-earned money.
Now is the time, if you are uncertain about your money at a bank, to invest in your neighborhood, your community, or your BlueOx Credit Union!
BlueOx Credit Union Announces Partnership With Zogo, a Free Financial Education App
BlueOx Credit Union is pleased to announce a new partnership with Zogo, a free financial education app for all ages. Zogo makes learning financial literacy fun and rewarding for all ages. This gamified platform is complete with an ever-expanding content library of over 800 bite-sized lessons for any age group, with a rewards program that incentivizes users to keep learning!
BlueOx recently revamped our Youth Banking Program to provide a simpler and more rewarding experience for our youngest members. The goal of this banking program is to come alongside parents and guardians to help them teach their kids and teens about the value of saving money by giving them the control they want and kids the freedom they need to learn and establish healthy financial habits to last a lifetime. One amazing perk of this youth program is the financial education with Zogo.
Ready to kickstart your young one’s financial future? Open a BlueOx Bright Beginnings Account today and start saving money, earning rewards, and gaining a wealth of financial knowledge! Click the button below to learn more.
BlueOx Credit Union Announces College Scholarship 2022 Recipients
“At BlueOx, we celebrate and promote education that engages, enriches, and inspires our young people to develop knowledge and skills for life-long financial competence,” said BlueOx Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Cobb, “so we are honored to help and invest in these BlueOx Credit Union members along their educational path with six $1,000 scholarships, three of which are named after retired Board Members, Dale Dittmer, Jeffrey Stanton, and Robert Harvey.” The winners are selected based on their excellence in academics and outstanding community service.
Dale Dittmer BlueOx Credit Union Community Scholarship
D’Asia Hicks
D’Asia is a 2022 graduate of Lakeview High School, maintaining a 3.6 GPA. She was a Lakeview Step Team Captain and a Link Crew leader. Throughout high school, D’Asia was active in the Black Student Union Core Team and was an advisory board member. She was also a National Honors Society member for all four years of her high school career. D’Asia is continuing her education at Grand Valley State University to study Health Sciences and pursue a career in Nursing as a first-generation college student.
Jeffrey Stanton BlueOx Credit Union Community Scholarship
Kasey Conklin
A 2022 graduate of Lakeview High School, Kasey maintained a cumulative 3.7 GPA. Kasey was President and a member of her high school’s Key Club for two years. She participated in the 2021 High School Climate Change Symposium and the KCC & WMU Homer Stryker Healthcare Pipeline. She was also active in the Color Guard and played the flute for six years. Kasey is continuing her education at Michigan State University to study Health Sciences and pursue a career in Biology as a first-generation college student.
Robert Harvey BlueOx Credit Union Community Scholarship
Vanessa Hebreo
A graduate of Lakeview High School in 2022, Vanessa maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.1. She participated in wrestling, powder puff, and softball during her high school career. As a first-generation college student, Vanessa is continuing her education at Kellogg Community College to study Health Sciences and major in Exercise Science.
BlueOx Credit Union Community Scholarships
Eliana Wilson
A 2022 graduate of Calhoun Christian School, Eliana maintained a 4.1 GPA. She participated in basketball and volleyball all four years of her high school career and was the Team Captain for both sports her Senior year. She was also active in AAU Basketball and Environmental Action and Sustainability. Eliana is attending Loyola University Chicago to study Health Sciences, with a future career in Biology.
Thang Khup
A 2022 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, Thang maintained a 3.2 GPA. He was the Team Captain of his school’s soccer team, which he participated in for four years. Thang is continuing his education at Grand Valley State University. As a first-generation college student, he is studying Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology to pursue a career in Accounting.
Tyler Sebright
Tyler is a 2022 graduate of Harper Creek High School and maintained a 3.6 GPA throughout his high school career. He participated in football, powerlifting, and track and served as the Team Captain for all three sports. Tyler was also a member of the Link Crew and the National Honors Society. He is continuing his education at Olivet College to study Natural Resources and Agriculture, with a major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability.
Representing over $226 million in assets, BlueOx Credit Union is a state-chartered, federally insured Credit Union, with membership open to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in the state of Michigan. To find out how you can join, visit BlueOXcu.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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