Credit Unions Up the Ante for Name Changes

Credit unions know when it’s time to fold as 2004 wraps up with credit unions finding new names, brands and identities. From the made-up to the simplified here is a look at just a few of the notable name changes in 2004: After 70 years Houston-based First Educators Credit Union “wised up” to its more diverse membership and became Smart Financial CU. Over in Vancouver, Washington Clark County School Employees Credit Union wanting to be its members’ financial choice for life opted to focus on “financial intelligence” with its name change to iQ Credit Union. Tampa, Florida-based Pinellas County Teachers Credit Union transformed itself into Achieva CU to better reflect its true nature of serving teachers and whole lot more. In Grand Junction, Colorado, Mesa County Teachers Federal Credit Union made the move toward greater membership diversity with its name change to Western Rockies FCU. Oregon Telco Community Credit Union became Unitus Community Credit Union as way to distinguish itself from the competition and be more inclusive. Reading Works Federal Credit Union in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania changed its name to Discovery FCU to reinforce its image as a progressive guiding force during the evolution of members’ life stages. In Miami Lakes, Florida FAA Credit Union took flight with its name change to JetStream FCU. Livingston Federal Credit Union in Montana also found inspiration from the blue with its name change to Sky FCU. Reaching out a little higher Houston-based S&S Credit Union became Space City CU. Arizona Media Credit Union wanted to better represent its members and made the change to First Edition Community Credit Union. Riverside County’s Community Credit Union drew from local Spanish influences and hopes to reach new heights with its change to Altura CU. With its roots firmly planted in the military community for more than 60 years, Fort Jackson Federal Credit Union hopes a name change to AllSouth FCU will make it more inclusive. Houston Energy Credit Union took the first step in its transformation to a community-based credit union with its name change to First Service CU. Beaverton, Oregon-based Safeway Northwest Central Credit Union is counting on a name change to Rivermark Community Credit Union will lead to future growth.