Florida Credit Union Waves Hello to a New Name

The $168 million Bay Credit Union in Panama City, Fla., said it will change its name to Hello Credit Union on Sept. 28.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve experienced a lot of enhancements and improvements.  All the while, member service has been at the forefront of our decision-making,” Hello Credit Union President/CEO Mike Akers said in a prepared statement. “We listened to our members, and with their input, and that of our board of directors, we decided to rename under one unified brand to better position us to serve the entire membership more effectively now and into the future.”

When the new name launches this week, Hello Credit Union will also feature an improved website and online banking interface, newly branded debit/credit cards, and updated branch signage. Additional enhancements are planned to roll out over the next year and beyond, the credit union said.

“Waving is baked into our lives. Whether it’s boaters waving across the water or farmers greeting neighbors from across the field, waving is the universal way to say Hello,” Akers explained. “Greeting neighbors and visitors with a friendly wave is a big part of hospitality, too – both the Southern and tourism kinds. As we grow our presence across the state of Florida, we welcome new members to experience ‘the sunnyside of banking’ at Hello Credit Union.”

With a goal to “honor the past with an eye to the future,” the new “Hello” brand was developed in conjunction with The Pod, a credit union marketing firm based in Tallahassee.

Hello Credit Union’s 40 employees operate five branches and serve more than 12,000 members.