Colorado's Mesa County Teachers FCU Changes Name, Expands FOM and Merges With Smaller CU

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – In a move toward greater membership “diversity,” the $60 million Mesa County Teachers Federal Credit Union converted to multi-county status the week of April 26th and adopted a new name, Western Rockies FCU. “Beyond our educational base, this change allows to reach a broader membership base in four counties – Mesa, Garfield, Pitkin and Eagle,” said Paul Denning, president of the 9,500-member CU, located on Colorado’s Western Slope. As part of the expansion move, Mesa County is also acquiring effective July 1, the $10-million Burning Mountain CU in Rifle creating three branches for Western Rockies in Grand Junction, Clifton and in Rifle. “Burning Mountain management felt that a merger with us would allow their members to gain access to more services that as a small credit union they were unable to provide,” explained Denning. The CU name change and conversion to multi-county community charter follows requests “by many individuals and employers asking for membership eligibility,” said Denning, stressing the CU has no intention of abandoning its education roots. The new name, said Denning, “was voted on and selected by our members and reflects our diversity and area.” The CU, said a news release, “is proud of our heritage and has added -`Serving the Educational Community Since 1936″ as a tag line in its logo.”