SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The Springfield Credit Union has announced plans to merge with International Harvester Employee Credit Union effective November 1, 2004. "I see nothing but good things happening," said The Springfield CU President/CEO Sue Allen. "We've had a long-time good neighbor relationship with International Harvester Employee Credit Union, and as a combined entity there will be much more to offer in the way of services and we will still be locally owned by the members in Springfield. It was important to everyone that it stayed in Clark County." In addition to all of the benefits gained from the joint venture, IHECU will retain the Springfield CU's community charter and will be able to provide financial services to members who live, work, worship or attend school within the city limits of Springfield. During the consolidation, IHECU will make every effort to retain most of the employees of The Springfield CU in order to keep familiar faces and obtain maximum friendly member service. Allen will continue in a consulting capacity during the merger and will retire after the completion of the merger Jim Kitchen will continue as President/CEO of International Harvester Employee CU. Following the completion of the merger, IHECU will have over 19,500 members and approximately $165 million in assets, making it the largest credit union in Springfield.