The merger of Portage Credit Union and Austin Credit Union takes a significant step forward today, and over the next ten days, as members decide what the new entity will be called.

After a process of several months, including 150 submissions from members, two names have been selected -- InView Credit Union Limited, and Stride Credit Union Limited.

Portage Credit Union CEO Dave Omichinski and Austin Credit Union CEO Brent Budz say member engagement for this has been excellent.

Omichinski: "Whether it's the 150 suggestions, I know that both Brent and myself, as well as our staff members, know there's a lot of excitement out there. 'When are we going to hear the new names, how's that happening', it doesn't matter where I go, it doesn't matter where you (Budz) go."
Budz: "I think that there's a lot of anxous anticipation for the name, because we've said that we're creating a new entity. And that's just it -- people -- our members and our staff -- are just really wanting to have that identity."

Budz adds it was important to have members involved in the process of naming the new credit union.

"We did obtain over 150 names from our members on both sides. We also engaged the services of a marketing company to help go through those names, and also to provide other names that could be considered. I can tell you, it's been quite a process, but we're very happy that we got to the point that through our Board -- our new joint Board -- we have narrowed it down to two names. We're excited about that."

Omichinski explains the voting process.

"The process is voting on-line between Wednesday (September 21), and the 30th of September, over a ten day period. Members that don't have on-line access can stop by any branch. We have self-service workstations set up, and assistance by staff."

Once a selection's made, it'll go before ratification meetings of both memberships on October 25th.

Here's a voting link.

Here's the full interview.