Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero; EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466

Wyandotte, Mich. — April 12, 2021 — Michigan Legacy Credit Union (MLCU) is pleased to announce it has been named a 2021 Michigan Credit Union League Innovation Award winner.  This award recognizes credit unions for innovative thinking, action and community involvement, and is part of a larger, annual awards program in conjunction with the Michigan Credit Union Foundation identifying credit unions, professionals and volunteers that have demonstrated organizational leadership, operational effectiveness, community service, and financial education. The announcement was made by Michigan Legacy Credit Union President and CEO Carma Peters.

“Credit unions are community driven, so we are continually exploring new and inventive ways to better serve our members while reaching out to our communities at large,” said Peters. “We are honored to be recognized for our innovative outlook and our efforts to make a difference in our community.”

In pandemic-year 2020, MLCU, with branches in Flat Rock, Garden City, Highland, Pontiac, Warren and Wyandotte, took several innovative steps to serve its members and the community.  The not-for-profit financial cooperative launched a mobile app that provides credit union services—such as opening an account, changing an address, and applying for and closing on a new loan, including mortgages—via a virtual video teller.  MLCU also provided $2.5 million in fee waivers (double from a non-pandemic year) to members, set up a food voucher program in April to support frontline healthcare workers and local restaurants, and distributed 3,500 small bottles of hand sanitizer with every drive-through transaction.  Additionally, the credit union gave nearly $26,000 to charity in 2020 to positively impact the community, and more than 500 books to local libraries and elementary school children.

As part of an overall strategic direction adopted in 2019 to maintain a right-sized footprint while featuring a fun environment, easy-to-use fintech technologies, and an engaged staff at the ready, MLCU completed the remodel of its Wyandotte branch in December 2020, the first of several properties slated for renovation, to represent a nostalgic community gathering spot reminiscent of a 60s era diner.

“As we saw in-person transactions and member lobby interactions continue to decline even before the pandemic, the strategic decision was easy to make,” said Peters. “Michigan Legacy provides one on one service utilizing technology in a non-threatening environment.  COVID affirmed the decision with the creation of safe, non-contact transactions that keep our member/owners and staff as safe as possible.” 

All Michigan Credit Union League and Michigan Credit Union Foundation award winners will be formally honored this August at the League’s 2021 Annual Convention & Exposition in Traverse City. View a full list of winners.

About Michigan Legacy Credit Union

Michigan Legacy Credit Union (MLCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving members who live, work, worship, attend school, or own a business in the state of Michigan. Michigan Legacy Credit Union is committed to providing quality financial services at a competitive price, delivered professionally and efficiently while keeping member/owners and their needs first. For additional information on MLCU, visit the Michigan Legacy Credit Union website.