New CU Name Reflects Growth Into New Markets

For almost a quarter of a century, the San Jose, Calif.-based Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union ($966 million in assets, 47,151 members) has grown beyond its original membership service to current and retired county employees of Santa Clara and San Benito. That fact was realized by executives and therefore officials believed it was time to change the name of the credit union.

Beginning in October, Santa Clara County FCU will become Mirastar Federal Credit Union to better encompass “what has always been at the heart of the credit union – building communities and helping each member reach their fullest potential.”

In a statement on Monday, the credit union’s President/CEO Rebecca Reynolds Lytle explained, “Since 1950, we’ve been lifting our members and communities up, providing greater, more equitable access to the financial tools, education, and opportunities our members and community need to get ahead. While we’re very proud of our history, we found that ‘County Federal’ no longer represents the full breadth of our membership. The new Mirastar brand creates a clear, unified vision where we can tell the powerful story of an organization committed to everyone’s rise.”

According to credit union officials, the Mirastar name reflects a combination of “mira” which means “to look” in Spanish, and combined as Mirastar can be interpreted as “look to the stars.”

“The Mirastar name reflects our core belief that prosperity is in reach for everyone,” said Simran Gyani, chief brand officer for Mirastar FCU. “We’re excited to widen our embrace and provide a sense of belonging to our greater community, so more can experience what it’s like to bank with a people-first organization whose mission is to create strong, vibrant communities and support inclusive prosperity for all.”

The new Mirastar brand was recently unveiled to members on its website.