North Main Credit Union is merging with Georgia United Credit Union. North Main’s members approved the merger on June 29. The regulatory merger took effect on July 1. On October 2, the two credit unions will officially become one and will operate under the Georgia United name.
“With my upcoming retirement, the timing of this merger was necessary to continue to effectively serve our members without disruption,” said North Main CEO Melany Ward in a news release. “Our members will soon enjoy the innovative and expanded product and services that Georgia United offers.”
Ward said it was important to her to ensure that North Main’s members are well taken care of. She added that, with this merger, “Together we continue to make an impact in our community.”
A ‘great fit’
Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia United is ranked as one of the state’s largest credit unions with $2 billion in assets and more than 150,000 members.
North Main Credit Union (NMCU) is based in Cornelia. It serves Habersham and Banks counties along with the entire Fieldale Corporation and Ethicon, Inc. NMCU has over 3,000 members and assets of over $30 million.
The merger expands Georgia United’s service area into Banks and Habersham counties. NMCU members gain access to 12 additional branches.
The credit unions announced their merger plans in April. Since then, Georgia United CEO Debbie Smith said they have received “a lot of enthusiasm” from North Main members.
“We are excited to welcome these new communities and the employees of Fieldale Farms Corporation and the Johnson and Johnson company, Ethicon, Inc.,” she said. “We are committed to continuing to provide them exceptional service while enhancing their access to financial resources.”
Smith added, “With our closely aligned values and culture, this merger is a great fit for both our credit unions and the surrounding communities.”
Latest merger
Georgia United was named the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates (LSCU) 2022 Credit Union of the Year in Georgia for credit unions with over $500 million in assets.
This is the second time Georgia United has captured this honor, previously earning the 2019 title.
This is the latest credit union merger in Northeast Georgia in recent years.
Clarkesville’s Habersham Federal Credit Union merged with Gainesville-based HALLCO in 2020. The following year, the newly-expanded HALLCO changed its name to MyGeorgia Credit Union and merged with Athens-based First Reliance Federal Credit Union.
Southeast Federal Credit Union in Cornelia merged with Peach State FCU in November 2017. Operating under the Peach State name, the credit union acquired DOCO Credit Union in Toccoa and then merged with credit unions in Pickens and Abbeville, South Carolina.
