ESCANABA — Last month, members of Delta County Credit Union overwhelmingly voted to merge with Embers Credit Union, creating one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in the Upper Peninsula. The new Embers Credit Union will have eight branches with locations in Marquette, Negaunee, Gwinn, Munising, Trenary, Escanaba and Wells.

“We’re incredibly proud of our history of providing excellent financial services to the residents of Delta County,” said DCCU President/CEO Brenda Lippens. “And we appreciate the members’ vote of confidence in our move to join forces with Embers.”

The merger between two of the U.P.’s largest and financially strongest credit unions creates a new breed of institution for the area, one that is committed to serving the entire Upper Peninsula. The combined organization will have over $350 million in assets and will serve over 30,000 members. The larger institution will have considerably more employees to provide service, and richer resources to enhance products, services, and technology.

“There are many exciting new things that will come from this merger,” Lippens continued, “but what won’t change is our deep commitment to our members, our employees, and the communities we serve.”

Thomas Blake, CEO of Embers, added, “When Brenda and I began talking about merging, we quickly realized our credit unions were a great cultural and strategic fit. Our combined organizations will provide us a greater opportunity to offer long-term value to our members, employees and communities.”

While other financial institution mergers typically result in a reduction in the number of locations and employees, the Embers and Delta County merger is the exact opposite. In fact, the credit union is actively recruiting talented professionals in all areas of operations to ensure the credit union can deliver on its promises.

“We have big plans to serve the Upper Peninsula,” said Lippens. “More branches, more services, more ways we can support the community. We’re excited to expand and serve more people.”