PLANO, Texas – Community Credit Union will become a mutual savings bank – ViewPoint Bank – when it opens its doors for the new year on Jan. 3, 2006. The credit union announced the name change and revealed its new logo to members by mail and on its Web site just before Thanksgiving. The overriding message in the credit union's member communication is that credit union and bank attributes are being melded to create a new breed of financial institution. "Under this new charter, we'll be more than a mutual savings bank – we'll be the best of both worlds. By combining the resources of a mutual savings bank with the service and dedication of a credit union, this new institution will be something unexpected in the banking world." The letter contains a small box that reports two charter conversion vote statistics: 1) 71% of members casting ballots voted in favor of the proposal to convert to a mutual savings bank; and 2) approximately 36,000 members weighed in on the issue. Supporting copy reiterated the reasons for changing charters as repeatedly voiced during the conversion voting process – to better serve members and to expand capital – and assured members they would not forget their credit union roots. "A credit union can only generate a certain amount of capital, so we were faced with a choice: stop expansion of our products and services and stay a credit union or change our charter and forge ahead. We chose the second option! Rest assured, we'll still have the heart of a credit union. Only now we can do more, go further and get you where you want to go." Doing more and going further is defined by the future mutual savings bank as adding branches, adding products and services, and making "hundreds of millions of dollars in loans available to individuals and local businesses, because we'll have more resources available to help the community at large." Specific changes members can expect, according to the letter, are: better business banking in the form of credit cards, payroll cards, merchant capture, account reconciliation and positive pay; easier access to services with expanded locations and new Saturday hours; and enhanced mortgage services, through increased staff and strategic community locations. The letter emphasized that account holders will remain members. "Only now you'll be a part of a stronger, more progressive institution that's poised for growth." The credit union has worn three different names since its inception in 1952 – Collins Radio Credit Union, Richardson Credit Union and finally Community Credit Union – and the credit union states that each change was made to reflect the institution's new vision. What vision does the name ViewPoint Bank reflect? Here's how officials describe it: "It's about seeing things differently. We know how people feel about large, out-of-state banks. We started here. And, after helping people with their financial needs for the last 53 years, we've seen it all. And we know it can be better. That's why we're doing things differently, like combining the resources of a bank with the personal attention of a credit union. Using language you'll actually understand. And making banking feel more like a partnership than an account." The credit union's new logo was designed to represent an institution that is inspiring, innovative and visionary, the credit union said. "The arrows indicate our aim to reach our members at their point of need. The star shape depicts our North Texas roots! And the way the star breaks apart implies that we're a different institution – we're not your ordinary bank." The communication ultimately assured members that business would continue uninterrupted through the transition. They would not need new ATM or debit cards or checks. Home banking and electronic bill pay would remain the same. The FDIC would insure member deposits, and management and staff of the institution would not change, "because we're not being bought out – we're just changing our charter." Reinforcing its position earlier in the letter that change is a "very, very, very good thing," the savings bank-to-be lobbed its final assurance that service and dedication to individuals will stay the same. "While it may take you a while to get used to the new name, we think you'll like it here.. Even though we have a new name, it's still all about you." [email protected]