The nations second largest mega-merger, that of the $4.7 billion California pairing of Kinecta FCU and NuVision FCU, moved a step closer this month with a formal application filed with the NCUA.

Last week credit unions and banks failed to muster the votes to even delay the interchange fee cap regulation by a year. One could argue it was a failure of the American political structure that grants some groups or individuals inordinate amounts of power.

Perhaps the office in Brighton, Mich., reflects what’s been happening as Lake Trust Credit Union marks its first year.

Never underestimate the power of an emotionally appealing marketing campaign.