Advia Credit Union, abillion-dollar cooperative formed by a merger effective Jan. 1,plans to expand its field of membership to include the entire stateof Michigan and counties in Wisconsin and Illinois.

The 21-branch institution is based in Parchment, Mich., hometownof First Community Federal Credit Union, the surviving $700 millioncredit union that announced plans last summer to merge the $280 million E & ACredit Union in Port Huron, Mich.

The headquarters will remain in Parchment, a suburb ofKalamazoo, Mich., in south-central Michigan.

Advia has more than 100,000 members and serves a field ofmembership with more than 10 million residents, the credit unionsaid. The name change was effective Thursday.

“The advantages of membership with Advia Credit Union will focuson community, trust, innovation and convenience,” said AdviaPresident/CEO Cheryl DeBoer, “in other words – giving, investing,volunteering, educating, advancing, improving, and dedicatingourselves to the financial wellbeing of our members.”

DeBoer had been president/CEO of First Community. In the releaseannouncing its new name on Friday, Advia said it plans to expandits membership to anyone who lives and work in Michigan.

In Wisconsin, membership will be available to anyone living orworking in Rock, Green and Walworth counties, while membership isavailable in Illinois to those who live or work in WinnebagoCounty, the credit union said.

Then-$474 million First Community assumed the assets andliabilities of First American Credit Union of Beloit, Wis., whenthat $137 million credit union was liquidated in 2010. Operations at First American locationscontinued under that credit union's name after its liquidation.Those locations will now carry the Advia name and branding.

In an FAQ section onits website, Advia said, “Our new name of Advia Credit Unionwas selected by our Board of Directors as a reflection of the valuewe provide our members: The ability to experience advantages viainnovative financial solutions. In developing our new name, weworked to introduce one that identifies with our commitment toproviding extraordinary service, as well as able to be trademarkedas unique to us moving forward as we continue to grow into newcommunities.”