Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero; EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726;

Warren, Mich. — August 23, 2021 — Michigan Legacy Credit Union (MLCU), with five physical branches in Flat Rock, Highland, Pontiac, Warren and Wyandotte, was pleased to host the Underground Collision event on August 18 in Warren, Michigan. Undeground Collision was started by Mitchell Stankovich & Associates, a strategic consulting group that focuses on credit unions. “The Underground” brings together credit union thought leaders to have conversations that challenge the status quo and propose innovative ideas for the future of the industry.

While the Underground Collision event is typically held as part of a larger credit union conference, this year’s stand-alone event came about due to the challenges presented by COVID-19 to gather nationally, according to MLCU President and CEO, Carma Peters.

“I am always looking for opportunities to convene with and learn from industry colleagues on ways to keep our credit unions ahead of the curve, but it’s especially important now in this rapidly changing environment,” Peters said. “At a time that we really need it, our conversations at The Underground event have me thinking about what’s next for Michigan Legacy – and I’m sure the same is true for my industry colleagues.”

The event attracted 85 attendees from credit unions across Michigan and Ohio. Conversations centered around the future of branches and work, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and reframing innovation in a post-pandemic world. In addition to Michigan Legacy Credit Union, the event was sponsored by CU*Answers, Xtend, Holzman Law, Alloya, CUNA Mutual Group, Michigan Credit Union League, and TPG. (Thompson Phelan Group)

Peters was joined by Scott McFarland, President and CEO of Honor Credit Union, in presenting to the group on the future of branches and work, and the need for continuous innovation – including the need for more advanced technology. Peters noted that MLCU looks at data on member engagement and branch utilization to help determine what the right innovation paths may be to best serve their population.

Additional speakers for the day included:

• Amanda Denney, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at MSU Federal Credit Union
• Esteban Camargo, Manager of Communications and Content Marketing at CU*Answers
• Liz Winniger, President/CEO at Xtend, Inc.
• Jennifer Martines, Executive Vice President at FreeStar Financial Credit Union

Based on the success this year, Peters looks forward to hosting a similar Michigan event in 2022.

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: www.michiganlegacycu.org.