ST. LOUIS — Vantage Credit Union celebrated its merger with Community Educational Federal Credit Union with a Wood River branch VIP ribbon cutting ceremony and public grand opening celebration attended by city and local officials as well as current and former credit union board members.

As part of the ceremony, $500 was donated to Riverbend Family Ministries a local community outreach center.

Branch Manager Marilyn Frye and Board Chairman Jerry Eichholz cut the ribbon, while Christopher Slusser accepted the donation on behalf of Tammy Iskarous, executive director of Riverbend Family Ministries, who was unable to attend the event.

The Wood River Branch serves all members of Vantage CU, including those living or working anywhere in Madison or St. Clair counties.

"We are thrilled with this merger. It has been mutually beneficial for both credit unions," said Vantage CU President/CEO Hubert Hoosman Jr. "Vantage members now have a local branch to visit, and Community Educational Federal members have access to more financial services with the same great service from familiar faces."

As part of the festivities, area residents were invited to stop by and sign up for a patio fire pit, and the first 100 people who opened a new Vantage CU account received a $10 Quik Trip gasoline card. In addition, a local radio station was on-site broadcasting live.

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