New Jersey Federal Credit Union Retires Name Held for 75 Years

On its 75th anniversary, the $128 million Novartis Federal Credit Union in East Hanover, N.J., retired its old name for a new one – Ridgedale FCU.

This strategic change, which took effect on Oct. 26, will allow Ridgedale to expand its services and offer a renewed commitment to its loyal members, the credit union said in a prepared statement.

“This November we are launching Zelle and new online and mobile banking platforms that allow members to conduct their banking transactions from anywhere,” Pamela Callender, vice president of marketing for Ridgedale, said. “In 2023, we have plans to increase our members’ ability to bank virtually, allowing for online account opening and loan applications.”

The new name, Ridgedale, was selected because the credit union’s physical location is on South Ridgedale Avenue. Ridgedale Avenue runs through about half a dozen towns in the area, Callender said.

The credit union opened its doors in 1947 to deliver financial products and services for employees and their families at Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The credit union also serves subsidiaries of the company and other organizations.

“We promise to utilize our many years of industry experience to provide a wide variety of convenient, money-saving banking products and services that improve lives – one person, one family at a time,” Ridgeland President/CEO Linda L. Rheiner said. “This expansion is our way of helping even more people create balance and achieve financial freedom.”

Ridgedale’s 19 employees serve more than 4,000 members.