After seven decades of serving the capital city, a Tallahassee credit union is set to merge with a Central Florida-based financial institution that dwarfs it in size. This merger holds significant implications for both institutions and the communities they serve.

Uniting for a Brighter Financial Future

Envision Credit Union's Journey and Growth

In January 1954, the Leon County Teachers Credit Union was born with just 10 local teachers investing $5 each. Over the years, it has evolved and completed five mergers, expanding its reach and services. Ms. Lora Lewis served as Treasurer and ran the credit union from her classroom at Leon High, with records and change funds kept in an old cigar box. Even on Saturdays, she opened for business from her kitchen. This humble beginning laid the foundation for what is now a prominent credit union.Today, Envision has 63,000 members and 12 locations. It has been a trusted financial partner for decades, providing various services and support to its customers.

The Merger with Addition Financial: Expanding Horizons

The merger of Envision Credit Union with Addition Financial Credit Union is a significant milestone. Addition Financial, launched in 1937, has a rich history and a vast presence. It has more than 185,000 members and 26 full-service branches, along with 11 student-run high school branches. With nearly $3 billion in total assets compared to Envision's $880 million, it offers a wealth of resources.Kevin Miller, President and CEO of Addition Financial, noted that when both institutions compared their beginnings, approach to customer service, and culture, they found everything in alignment. This synergy is expected to drive growth and better serve customers.

Benefits and Opportunities of the Merger

For Envision, the merger allows it to tap into more resources and better serve its customers. It enables the credit union to expand its footprint into the North Florida and South Georgia markets, reaching a wider audience. With Addition Financial's advanced technology and additional services, Envision can enhance its offerings and provide a more comprehensive banking experience.Addition Financial, on the other hand, gains access to Envision's local knowledge and customer base. The combined entity can leverage the strengths of both institutions to offer innovative solutions and meet the evolving needs of customers.Miller also mentioned plans to open more sites, considering options such as more brick-and-mortar locations, ATMs, and interactive teller machines (ITMs), as well as digital services. This expansion will further strengthen their presence and serve the community better.

Community Support and Legacy

Envision has a long history of being an invaluable community partner. It supports hundreds of initiatives and events that benefit students, educators, and the community at large. The annual Best & Brightest event, which it premier sponsors, has provided almost $1 million in cash scholarships over 20 years.With the establishment of the Envision Foundation, the credit union aims to continue and increase its community donations. This will create a lasting legacy for Envision members and contribute to the betterment of the community.Worrell emphasized the importance of community support and stated that the merger will not disrupt their efforts. Instead, it will provide more resources to make an even greater impact.In conclusion, the merger of Envision Credit Union with Addition Financial Credit Union is a strategic move that holds great promise. It combines the strengths of two institutions, expands their reach, and enhances their ability to serve customers and the community. With a shared vision and a commitment to excellence, this merger is set to shape the future of banking in the region.