'No Easy Undertaking' as Linn-Co FCU Completes Virus-Era Core Conversion

Oregon’s Linn-Co Federal Credit Union has joined the growing ranks of credit unions that have completed core conversions virtually in the coronavirus era.

Linn-Co ($137.9 million in assets; 21,293 members) said it chose the Episys core platform from Symitar, hosted by Member Driven Technologies (MDT), to “boost efficiencies, improve the member experience and allow them to be more flexible.”

The credit union also said it implemented the Jack Henry Banno Digital Platform to provide a more personal banking experience to members. Before the conversion, Linn-Co, based in Lebanon, Ore., hosted its core platform on premises.

The COVID-19 pandemic struck during the middle of Linn-Co’s conversion. In prepared statements, the credit union and MDT said they shifted strategy and processes and leveraged virtual conferencing. The conversion, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus, still met the original timeline.

“Executing a core conversion during a pandemic is no easy undertaking, but the MDT and Jack Henry teams’ dedication and determination helped make it as smooth as possible,” Carol Cromwell, CEO of Linn-Co, said. “They were patient and supportive, providing the information and training that our team needed to feel comfortable with our new core.”

Cromwell said, “And, the timing of our conversion worked out well for us. If we didn’t have these new tools with expanded functionality to help us adapt, we wouldn’t be as prepared to deal with upcoming changes, including members’ shifting preferences and expectations.”

Karen Vorderstrasse, the credit union’s chief information officer, earlier told CU Times, “It was a hectic time. We were trying to make plans for the offices and employees and working on getting our remote workers set up, in addition to the overwhelming tasks of a core conversion.”

Meanwhile, Linn-Co’s members have shown “an overwhelmingly positive response to our new digital look and feel,” Cromwell said. “Members are excited about the upgraded experience and the ability to better connect with us and solve issues more efficiently within the digital channel.”

“We’re proud to partner with credit unions like Linn-Co FCU that prioritize continually improving processes and evolving their technology strategy regardless of what circumstances arise,” Larry Nichols, president/CEO of MDT, said in a statement. “While completing a core conversion and implementing a digital banking platform during the pandemic had its challenges, Linn-Co FCU and our team forged ahead, never failing to acknowledge the importance of the end goal.”