Why Innovation Matters

Last week, we announced that we had been awarded the 2021 Innovation Award from Michigan Credit Union League. What is innovation? Innovation is when a product or idea is created or improved. It directly impacts businesses and their competitors, but how does innovation relate to members?

For Michigan Legacy, innovation shows we care, are forward-thinking, and are invested in our employees, members, and community. This is why we are proud to have been given the 2021 Innovation Award.

WE CARE:

We are always looking for ways to better the lives of those around us. Whether that be through the products and services we offer, the benefits to our employees, or our investments in the community. We believe each person is responsible for making the world a better, safer place. We contribute by:

  • Being digitally advanced and using less paper than most financial institutions.
  • Contributing heavily to the communities. We work with companies like Crime Stoppers – to ensure safety – and sponsor the Fight for Air Climb – an event organized by the American Lung Association to bring awareness to the lungs.
  • Sharing with the community. When we remodeled our Wyandotte branch we purchased additional space for parking. When events are going on nearby, this space is available to anyone for free!

WE THINK FORWARD:

At Michigan Legacy, we are always thinking ahead. One way our progressive thinking paid off was pre-COVID when we made plans to convert to a more digitally advanced platform. When COVID arrived and things were forced to be virtual, we were already prepared to advance to that step. Because of this, we were able to ensure that this advanced platform was secure and worked well for our company. It wasn’t rushed – it was calculated and planned because of our innovative efforts. 

WE INVEST IN OUR EMPLOYEES:

Being part of an innovative company means that employees can think outside the box. At Michigan Legacy that is highly encouraged! We believe in our employee’s potential and ability to reach new heights and want to be there to support them. Creativity is something that is inside everyone- think of it like a muscle. When employees have the ability to exercise that muscle, it gets stronger and leads to greatness.

We understand that all employees have lives outside of work and encourage a healthy work/life balance. Our employee’s mental and physical health comes first. We strive to provide our employees with the best benefits and resources to achieve a balance that works for them.

Innovation is something that adds value to an organization and its members. To read more about the innovation reward that Michigan Legacy received, click Read more about the innovation reward that Michigan Legacy received.

Michigan Legacy Credit Union is recipient of the Innovation Award from the Michigan Credit Union League

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.