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Cheryl Bartholomew
GOLD Credit union to become part of United Federal Credit Union
Stacy Wescoe//November 7, 2023//
Allentown‘s GOLD Credit Union has announced that it will become part of United Federal Credit Union, which is based in St. Joseph, Michigan.
When complete, the combined credit unions will operate across seven states with assets of more than $4.1 billion.
“This collaboration is all about bringing together two credit unions that are focused on the future of member service,” said United President and CEO Terry O’Rourke, “We are committed to local decision making, local investment and local involvement. Together, we can do more for the financial well-being of the Lehigh Valley.”
The merger is expected to be finalized in the spring of 2024, pending regulatory approvals and a approval from GOLD’s members.
GOLD Credit Union President and CEO Cheryl Bartholomew said she felt the partnership would be a big win for the credit union’s members.
“As a small credit union, GOLD is limited in our ability to fulfill all our members’ needs to achieve financial independence,” said Bartholomew. “The relationship with United will present our members with the financial benefits we have been missing and enable us to fulfill that need. Our shared values, resources, talent, and community spirit will be the solid foundation with which we head into the future as that unflinching ally and advocate for our members.”
When the merger is complete, Bartholomew said all 10,000 GOLD members will become members of United, providing them access to products they have been asking for including digital banking enhancements, expanded share account products, debit and credit cards that earn rewards, and the opportunity to earn relationship-based rate incentives. New offerings like business and commercial accounts and expanded mortgage products will also be available.
Plans are for all GOLD branches to remain open, and every GOLD employee will be offered a position at United.
That includes Cheryl Bartholomew, who will have a leadership and decision-making role as Community President within United
