If the merger is ratified by the member credit unions, NWCUA would be governed by a board of directors that would sit 15 directors, including nine currently elected directors of the NWCUA, and three newly appointed directors chosen by the ICUL board of directors.

The Idaho league board recommends to its  membership that the following leaders serve in this continuing governance role: Kent Oram, president/CEO of the $3.3 billion Idaho Central Credit Union in Chubbuck, Trisha Baker, president/CEO of the $98 million Lewis Clark Credit Union in Lewiston, and Dan Thurman, president/CEO of the $277 million East Idaho Credit Union in Idaho Falls.

What's more, the equity management details in the merger agreement specifically includes the creation of a $600,000 "pay it forward Idaho member credit union engagement fund," which returns equity to Idaho credit unions over a two-year period. The fund will apply to  Idaho member credit unions that have paid their dues no later than June 30, 2018, and continue to pay  dues throughout the two-year period.

In addition, a contribution of $500,000 will be made to the Northwest Credit Union Foundation to further advance strategic priorities in asset building, economic empowerment, and cooperative development initiatives throughout the Northwest region. Finally, a contribution of the remaining equity of approximately $1.2 million will be made to the post-merged, three-state regional NWCUA organization.

These capital management actions are meant to encourage continued association engagement, demonstrate Idaho's strong commitment to the continuing organization, and align with an "all-in" philosophy with a member-centric focus on advancing the Northwest credit union movement, according to the prepared statement.

At a series of local town hall meetings during the late first quarter and second quarter of next year, the boards of both leagues and association leadership will discuss the details of the merger.

NWCUA Board Chair Brooke Van Vleet, president/CEO of the $220 million St. Helen's Community FCU in St. Helens, Ore., said the association's leadership and the boards of both organizations remain fully committed to transparent communications.

"Leading up to and during the member credit union vote in 2018, they will continue to be accessible with all the necessary information and answers to questions you may have, so you can make an informed decision," she said.

Pending approval of NWCUA and ICUL member credit unions in summer/fall of next year, the merger would be effective Dec. 31, 2018.

 "The boards and management believe this approach serves the future needs of member credit unions in all three of our Northwest states," ICUL Board Chair Kent Oram said. "As we move this merger recommendation from the boardrooms to ICUL and NWCUA member credit unions, we recommend and encourage the ICUL and NWCUA members' full support, and request approval of this merger plan."