Gesa Credit Union, based in Richland, entered the Spokane market with its recent merger with Northland Credit Union. Following a special election conduction in May by the members of Northland Credit Union in Spokane, Northland legally merged with Gesa Aug. 1.

[blockquote quote="“In this time of increased regulatory burdens in an unpredictable financial world, it becomes more and more difficult for a small credit union to thrive" align="right" max_width="300px" source="Bill Roberts, NCU’s president and CEO"]

Gesa management completed the operational and systems merger of the two credit unions Nov. 2, giving former Northland members full access to all Gesa services and giving current Gesa members the opportunity to have branch access at the former NCU location in Spokane.

“In this time of increased regulatory burdens in an unpredictable financial world, it becomes more and more difficult for a small credit union to thrive,” said Bill Roberts, NCU’s president and CEO. “The decision to merge with Gesa Credit Union, a financially-sound organization, will benefit our members in ways that Northland is not able to accomplish on its own.”

Northland Credit Union was founded in 1955 and had about 1,800 members and assets of about $15 million. Brian Griffith, assistant vice president of marketing for Gesa, said Northland leadership had approached Gesa about the merger early last year and Gesa felt Northland was a good fit for its membership and a good opportunity for Gesa to get into the Spokane.

“This merger agreement is appositive move for the Inland Northwest, Gesa’s members, and the members of Northland,” said Don Miller, Gesa’s president and CEO. “We’ll be stronger and better able to compete in the financial services marketplace by diversifying our membership. Northland members will enjoy the benefit of expanded services and an extensive branch network throughout Eastern Washington. Together, we’ll be better able to demonstrate the credit union difference throughout the region.”

Gesa Credit Union is one of the state’s largest credit unions, with more than 130,000 members and $1.5 billion in assets. Griffith said Gesa retained the four Northland employees and added to more employees at the new Spokane branch. The new Spokane Gesa Credit Union is at 9625 N. Newport Hwy. The branch drive-through is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and the lobby is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In 2016, the Spokane branch will offer the same hours and the rest of Gesa’s branches, including Saturday hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.