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lcu+ornlfcu

 

 

 

 

It’s Time to Vote!

Regulators have approved our request to present the proposed merger to you, our members, for a vote. We hope that you share our excitement about joining with a fellow local credit union deeply committed to this community and to providing the highest quality services.

 

A Message from Leadership

 

“Credit unions are unique in that they support each other instead of competing against each other, and over the years, ORNL FCU has been a good friend and neighbor to us. We look forward to our credit unions joining forces to bring the strengths of both organizations to our shared membership.”

–  Mark Creech, President & CEO, LCU

 

 

 

“LCU has been a pillar of the communities in which they serve, providing valuable financial products and services and a member-focused experience for over 70 years. We look forward to our combined organization continuing to provide unmatched value and service to our shared members and communities for many years to come.”

–  Jenny Vipperman, President & CEO, ORNL FCU

 

 

Vote Online

The easiest way to vote is online by clicking the button below. Have your member/account number handy. Online voting will remain open through 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 23.

VOTE NOW

 

Vote By Mail

You can also vote by mail. Ballots were mailed to all eligible members on <date> with a self-addressed, postage-paid return envelope for convenience.

Paper ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on Monday, April 22.

 

Special Member Meeting

If you are unable to vote online or return your ballot in time, you are welcome to attend a special member meeting where leaders from both credit unions will be available for questions and electronic voting will be available on site.

The special member meeting will be held:
Tuesday, April 23 at 5:00–6:00 PM
Morristown Landing
4355 Durham Landing
Morristown, TN 37814

 

Official Member Comments

Members may submit comments about the merger to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Comments, along with the member’s name, will be posted by the NCUA on their website, subject to the limitation and requirements of its regulations. Members may submit comments online at: https://www.ncua.gov/support-services/credit-union-resources-expansion/credit-union-merger-resources/comments-proposed-credit-union-mergers.

Comments can also be mailed to:
NCUA—Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion
RE: Member-to-Member Communication for Star Choice Credit Union
1775 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

 

Whether you vote online, by mail, or join us at the member meeting, we do hope you will vote to support the combining of these two great credit unions!

 

 

 

 

Lowland Credit Union Intends to Merge with ORNL Federal Credit Union

 

 

LCU intends to merge because members deserve both the personal, local service they enjoy today and the highest quality products and services in the market. By merging with ORNL FCU, members get both. All LCU branches will remain open, and all LCU employees are guaranteed a position in the combined organization. In addition, LCU members will gain access to ORNL FCU services including 24/7 call center support and industry-leading online and mobile banking services.

 

The Boards of both Credit Unions unanimously agreed that a merger would greatly benefit members and employees of both organizations in a number of ways:

ORNL Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union serving members since 1948 with one branch in Morristown and 27 more branches throughout East Tennessee. They are member- and community-focused with a charter that overlaps LCU’s four counties. ORNL FCU offers members 24/7 call center support and industry leading online and mobile banking services.

Please read through the FAQs below for more details on the merger process, timeline, and common questions. You can visit this page for the latest information.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will LCU members benefit from a merger?
LCU members will have access to more branches, a 24/7 call center, industry-leading online and mobile banking services, and still receive the personal service they enjoy from the same employees they rely on every day.
Will any LCU or ORNL FCU branches close because of the merger?
No branches are closing because of the merger and there are no immediate changes to the hours of operation.
What happens to employees of LCU?
Every LCU employee is guaranteed a position in the combined credit union with equal or greater pay and benefits.
What is the process and timeline?
There are three major steps: 1) Regulatory approval is expected by the end of January. 2) Following regulatory approval, members must vote to approve the merger. More information will be coming soon. 3) After members approve, LCU and ORNL FCU will communicate a detailed plan that ensures every LCU member experiences a smooth transition and access to all of the service benefits. That process is expected to be complete in late 2024.
Will LCU’s name change?
Yes, LCU will become ORNL FCU. The name change will occur as part of the conversion process in late 2024.
Is my money still safe and insured?
Yes, all LCU and ORNL FCU accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000.
What if I already have an account with ORNL FCU?
If your LCU and ORNL FCU combined account balances exceed the level of NCUA share insurance, we will work with you directly on a plan to make certain you maintain adequate coverage.
Do I need to go ahead and open an account now at ORNL FCU?
You do not need to take any action right now. When the merger is complete, LCU members will become ORNL FCU members.
What about my direct deposit, automated payments, checks, loan payments, and debit and credit cards?
Nothing is changing right away, and there is no action that you need to take. We will work hard to make sure that the transition happens behind the scenes as much as possible without impacting you. If there is any action that needs to be taken in the future, we will notify members directly in advance.
What’s next?
The next step is regulatory approval, expected by the end of January. You can bookmark this site for the latest information.