MSUFCU Deepens Member and Community Engagement Through Arts and Culture Series, Social at 3115/30/2025  In its ongoing commitment to foster deeper connections with members and the community, MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) launched Social at 311 — a one-of-a-kind member-exclusive event series spotlighting local arts, culture, and small businesses.
Launched in March 2024, the series has completed three successful seasons featuring 16 local businesses and welcoming more than 400 attendees, including MSUFCU members and their guests. Designed to offer unique, immersive experiences, Social at 311 strengthens member relationships while organically growing brand awareness and community connection. “We’ve found that when members have an enjoyable experience, they are more likely to share positively with family, friends, and colleagues, helping to promote the Credit Union’s reputation and increase brand awareness within the community,” said Arianna Ridderbusch, MSUFCU Vice President of Community Impact. “Moreover, when members invite nonmember guests to these events, MSUFCU gains the opportunity to introduce potential new members to the benefits of opening an account in a casual, enjoyable environment,” she added. “This not only helps expand the Credit Union’s reach but also reinforces its role as an integral part of the community.” Each event is held in the community room of MSUFCU’s downtown East Lansing location at 311 Abbot Road and includes a curated activity, a thoughtfully designed menu with paired mocktails, and musical performances from Michigan State University College of Music students. New in 2025, a season pass was introduced, providing members with the opportunity to attend each event at a discounted rate. The spring season, which ran from February through April, included a comedy night, knitting workshop, and build-your-own succulent bar. “These events provide a unique opportunity for members to connect with others who share similar interests, creating a strong sense of belonging both within the Credit Union and the broader community,” Ridderbusch said. “As these connections grow, members feel a deeper sense of engagement with the Credit Union, becoming more aware of its strong presence in various aspects of community life.” To further engage members and showcase the benefits of MSUFCU membership, each event offers optional tours of the Coworkerie coworking space and resource tables featuring a variety of products and services. Looking ahead, Social at 311 will continue to serve as a dynamic platform for engagement, introducing new opportunities for connection, learning, and community-building. More events are slated for the fall season, offering fresh opportunities for members to experience local culture, connect with others, and deepen their relationship with the Credit Union.
0 Comments
 Ashish Garg Eltropy, the leading AI-powered Unified Conversations Platform for credit unions and community banks, today unveiled “Eltropy Office Phone,” a cloud-native business phone system that integrates with AI-powered modern contact center systems such as Eltropy Voice+ to deliver an enterprise-wide Unified Telephony Experience.
“With Eltropy Office Phone, we’re completing the final mile of telephony transformation for credit unions and community banks,” said Ashish Garg, Co-founder & CEO, Eltropy. “For too long, institutions have been forced to juggle fragmented systems for internal and external communications. Now, with Unified Telephony, we’re delivering one seamless, cloud-native telephony purpose-built to power every conversation across the institution, from the back office to the contact center.” Purpose-built for credit unions and community banks, Eltropy Office Phone offers secure, reliable, and scalable internal voice communications with smart features such as cloud-hosted PBX, support for both hardware phones & softphones, direct inward dialing (DID), extension dialing, quick outbound dialing, external dialing, personal voicemail with custom greetings, and much more. Credit unions and community banks can now consolidate outdated, siloed phone systems into One Unified Platform, lowering total cost of ownership (TCO) while strengthening security and simplifying operations. Whether a member calls the branch, interacts with an AI assistant, or connects with back-office staff, Eltropy ensures a consistent, context-rich experience with intelligent routing, fast resolution, and smooth collaboration across teams. “Eltropy Office Phone is not just another business phone solution – it’s the connective tissue that bridges the gap between teams in the back office with the contact center,” Ashish continued. “Built on modern cloud architecture and deeply integrated with Eltropy Voice+, our Unified Telephony ensures calls are not missed, handoffs are seamless, and the entire institution speaks with one voice, backed by 99.95% uptime and industry-grade security.” This launch reinforces Eltropy’s vision to ease access to financial capital for all, anytime, anywhere, with a powerful telephony technology system that unifies AI-driven self-service, front-line support, and internal collaboration into one seamless experience. Eltropy Office Phone is available now for all credit unions and community banks. For more information, visit https://eltropy.com/office-phone/. OMNICOMMANDER Launches OMNIPLAY: Real-Time Digital Display Software Built for Financial Institutions5/29/2025  Eric Isham OMNICOMMANDER, the industry leader in digital marketing solutions for financial institutions, is proud to announce the launch of its newest innovation, OMNIPLAY, a game-changing digital display software that empowers banks and credit unions to take full control of their in-branch messaging.
For years, financial institutions have struggled to manage content on their lobby TVs, relying on flash drives, tangled cords, and outdated software that was not designed for their industry. OMNIPLAY changes that forever. Designed exclusively for financial institutions, OMNIPLAY provides users with a secure and intuitive dashboard to manage and update content across all branch locations in real-time. From branded video and rate promotions to financial education and community announcements, institutions can now drag, drop, and go live with no tech expertise required. “We created OMNIPLAY to solve a real pain point we’ve seen again and again,” said Eric Isham, Founder and CEO of OMNICOMMANDER. “Financial institutions want full control over their digital environments without having to call IT or wrestle with clunky hardware. OMNIPLAY delivers that control in a sleek, modern interface that provides branded messaging that can be updated instantly.” OMNIPLAY features include:
Built to complement OMNICOMMANDER’s full suite of digital marketing services, OMNIPLAY is a natural extension of the company’s mission to empower financial institutions to have control of their digital presence, from website to branch lobby. “Whether you’re launching a new product, educating members, or simply reinforcing your brand, OMNIPLAY makes sure your message is front and center the moment someone walks through the door,” added Isham.  Alacriti, a leading provider of cloud-based payments and money movement solutions, announces that Grow Financial Federal Credit Union has gone live with real-time payment Receive capabilities, enabling members to instantly receive funds 24/7 through The Clearing House’s RTP® network and the Federal Reserve’s FedNow® Service. Grow is also actively implementing Send functionality, targeting an early summer launch to further modernize and streamline money movement for its members.
As part of its strategic focus on innovation and modernization, Grow Financial is leveraging Alacriti’s Orbipay Payments Hub—an ISO 20022-native, cloud-based platform that connects to multiple payment rails, including the RTP network, FedNow Service, ACH, Visa Direct, and wires. The Payments Hub provides Grow Financial with real-time visibility, smart routing, and seamless integration into its digital banking ecosystem. Through this collaboration, Grow Financial members benefit from:
“As the needs of our members and small businesses evolve, they expect money to move in real time,” said Doug Tilden, EVP and Chief Financial Officer at Grow Financial Federal Credit Union. “Our launch of instant payments meets that demand—putting funds in their hands immediately and giving them the confidence to manage cash flow in the moment.” “We are proud to support Grow Financial’s modernization strategy and help enable the next generation of real-time financial services,” said Mark Majeske, SVP of Faster Payments at Alacriti. “By offering instant payments functionality, Grow is positioning itself to deliver best-in-class digital payment experiences for its members.” The launch of instant payments is a key milestone in Grow Financial’s broader strategy to implement a unified payments hub, empowering the credit union to offer greater choice, speed, and convenience to its members while streamlining internal operations. Additional capabilities, including wire transfer automation, P2P, bill pay enhancements, and streamlined ACH services, are also being explored as part of Grow Financial’s modernization roadmap.  First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech) announced its new "Spotlight on Tech" initiative as part of the First Tech Beyond™ program where each month, First Tech will highlight one of its local Portland Metro area Select Employer Group (SEG) companies or a tech-related nonprofit through its sports partnerships with the Portland Timbers, Thorns, WNBA Portland, and Trail Blazers.
The First Tech Beyond program, under the theme 'Innovation Has No Offseason,' celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence by both the tech and sports communities. Through its sports sponsorships, First Tech is celebrating the tech innovators who shape our world with its Spotlight on Tech initiative. Spotlight on Tech companies will reap a host of benefits, including enhanced visibility for growth through stadium and arena venue signage, business development opportunities with the chance to present relevant products to team executives, and other valuable collaborations. First Tech partners with over 900 SEG companies, serving technology leaders who drive innovation across the world. As part of the First Tech family, our SEG partners are an important part of bringing financial wellness to the people of tech. They allow us to meet members where they are—within the companies driving innovation. The Portland-metro area SEG organizations and nonprofit that will be featured in the Spotlight on Tech 2025 summer cohort (June to September) include: Biamp: A leading provider of innovative, networked media solutions that connect people through extraordinary audiovisual experiences. For more than 45 years, Biamp has developed professional AV solutions that enable great communication for spaces ranging from small rooms to large public venues. LegitScript: Helps the world's biggest search engines, online marketplaces, payment companies, and social media platforms stay safe and compliant. We monitor global regulations and identify risks tied to websites, products, merchants, and platforms — so our clients can avoid threats, protect their users, and grow with confidence. Project LEDO: A nonprofit that offers hands-on science and technology programs for children from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities. Responsive: The global leader in Strategic Response Management, transforming how organizations share and exchange critical information. Its AI-powered Responsive Platform empowers more than 2,000 companies including 25 of the Fortune 100 to accelerate growth, mitigate risk, and improve employee experiences by managing responses at scale. "The Spotlight on Tech initiative is a celebratory extension of First Tech Beyond, showcasing the innovative achievements shared by both the people of tech and sports teams," said Ed Powers, Vice President of Specialized Services at First Tech. "We are honored to support the financial goals of many leading tech companies, and, in turn, we created this initiative to further shine a light on local tech advancements to the sports community." Spotlight on Tech is more than just raising awareness for emerging tech companies—it's a celebration of a shared passion for technology. First Tech is the credit union for the people of tech. Its members love tech. Its partners love tech. And through this initiative, First Tech is excited to share that enthusiasm with the broader community. Spotlight on Tech also reflects First Tech's deep commitment to community engagement by featuring STEM-focused nonprofits that are shaping the future. Together, building a stronger, more connected community—one that thrives on learning, innovation, and a collective love for all things tech. For more details about the First Tech Beyond Program, please visit www.firsttechfed.com/ftbeyond.  In a bold step toward modernizing financial services, credit unions are exploring blockchain technology to deliver faster payments, stronger fraud protection, and smarter digital tools, all while staying true to their mission of people-first financial services.
As the financial landscape evolves, credit unions are proving they’re not just keeping up; they’re leading the way. By embracing blockchain, they’re building a future where everyday banking is faster, safer, and more accessible, especially for the communities they’ve always served. Through a new partnership between Metallicus, the developer of Metal Blockchain, and GoWest Solutions, credit unions across the west are gaining access to an Innovation Program that empowers them to test and implement blockchain-powered solutions built for the real world. The Metal Blockchain Innovation Program provides a secure, compliance-first infrastructure to help credit unions explore and implement blockchain technologies across key strategic use cases, including:
“Credit unions have always led with trust, purpose, and technology, and now they can leverage that even further to strengthen their leadership,” said Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. “Through this partnership with Metallicus, credit unions will shape the future of financial services by exploring breakthrough innovations like blockchain, stablecoins, and digital identity in ways that are secure, compliant, and deeply rooted in the needs of their members. This is about building what’s next, together.” Cameron Smith, Chief Growth Officer for GoWest added, “At GoWest Solutions, we believe the future of financial services will be built through collaboration and bold innovation. This partnership with Metallicus opens the door to cutting-edge blockchain solutions that credit unions can shape together, and creating smarter, safer, and more agile ways to serve their members in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.” Credit unions participating in the program will help shape these technologies from the ground up, ensuring they’re practical, secure, and designed with everyday people in mind. For more than a century, credit unions have delivered trust, community, and service. Now, with blockchain innovation, they’re preparing to deliver that same promise — faster, safer, and more powerfully than ever before. “GoWest represents a powerful network of credit unions who are ready to lead the next wave of financial innovation,” said Frank Mazza, Director of Blockchain for Institutions and Fintechs at Metallicus. “We’re thrilled to partner with them and make blockchain real, relevant, and accessible for credit unions.” Through this partnership, the Innovation Program is now available at no cost to all GoWest member credit unions. To learn more or to join the program, GoWest member credit unions can visit: https://metalblockchain.org/gowest Metro Credit Union Partners with Illuma to Deliver Frictionless, Secure Voice Authentication5/28/2025  Milind Borkar Metro Credit Union, Massachusetts’ largest state-chartered credit union serving nearly 200,000 members, has partnered with Illuma, the leader in voice authentication solutions, to enhance security and streamline member authentication. Through this collaboration, Metro Credit Union will integrate IllumaSHIELD™, an advanced voice authentication platform, to improve security, reduce fraud, and enhance the overall member experience.
As financial fraud and identity theft continue to rise, Metro Credit Union remains committed to safeguarding its members’ financial assets and personal information. IllumaSHIELD™ offers a seamless, secure, and frictionless authentication process by verifying members’ identities based on unique voice characteristics, eliminating the need for cumbersome security questions and passwords. “With our members’ security being a top priority, we are excited to partner with Illuma to implement cutting-edge voice authentication technology,” said Traci Michel, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Strategy Officer, Metro Credit Union. “This partnership will significantly enhance our ability to protect member accounts while providing a faster, more convenient authentication experience.” IllumaSHIELD™ leverages state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and machine learning to create an effortless yet highly secure authentication process. The solution enables Metro Credit Union members to access their accounts with just their voice, reducing call center wait times and enhancing overall operational efficiency. “We are proud to collaborate with Metro Credit Union to bring next-generation voice authentication to its members,” said Milind Borkar, CEO and Founder of Illuma. “Our mission is to deliver seamless security solutions that enhance trust and convenience, and this partnership is a testament to our commitment to innovation in financial services.” The integration of IllumaSHIELD™ reinforces Metro Credit Union’s commitment to adopting innovative security solutions that enhance member trust and streamline banking experiences. Members can expect a more secure and convenient way to access their accounts while minimizing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access.  Jim Stickley Mahalo Banking, a CUSO that specializes in online and mobile banking solutions for credit unions, today announced the addition of six new credit union partners through a strategic relationship with Area Financial Services (AFS), a CUSO focused on data processing and technology services. These new partnerships underscore Mahalo’s rising impact among credit unions seeking a modern digital experience that prioritizes innovation, member-centric usability, and seamless core compatibility with Corelation KeyStone.
The credit unions – Directions Credit Union, Firelands Federal Credit Union, Fremont Federal Credit Union, Glass City Federal Credit Union, Impact Credit Union, and Midwest Community Federal Credit Union – selected Mahalo following an extensive and collaborative evaluation process led by AFS in partnership with credit union leadership and staff selection teams. The selection reflects the strong confidence in Mahalo’s digital platform, team, technical flexibility, and ability to support diverse member needs through a secure and inclusive user experience. “Our due diligence process was incredibly thorough as we reviewed almost every major digital banking solution on the market, and Mahalo stood out for its flexibility, functionality, and the strong team behind the technology,” Michael Tindall, CEO of AFS said. “In addition to an outstanding platform, several key factors contributed to their partnership selection. The deep core connectivity with Corelation KeyStone was essential for our credit unions’ operational goals, and just as important was the close relationship we’ve built with Mahalo. They are more than a vendor – they are credit union people through and through, with a genuine investment in the movement and a clear understanding of our mission.” Mahalo’s advanced digital banking solution enables credit unions to deliver innovative, member-centric experiences through features such as Credential Assurance Technology (CAT), which proactively defends against credential stuffing attacks, and its Thoughtful Banking® capabilities that support neurodiverse and accessibility-focused user needs. The platform’s strong core integration supports optimized workflows, improved back-office efficiency, and quicker time to market for new digital features. “Earning the trust of AFS and its credit unions was critically important to us, and we are proud to be chosen as their digital banking provider,” said Jim Stickley, CEO of Mahalo. “This partnership is a powerful validation of what sets Mahalo apart: our unwavering focus on the credit union movement, our intuitive understanding of member needs, and our ability to deliver a flexible, future-ready platform that stands out in a crowded marketplace. Our solution offers a true strategic advantage, empowering our credit union partners to innovate, differentiate, and create more meaningful, lasting member relationships.”  Ashwin Goyal Meriwest Credit Union, in partnership with Enable Technologies Inc., has launched digital small business lending products under the brand name of Meriwest Business ExpressSM. Meriwest Business ExpressSM is powered by Enable's cutting-edge, unified deposit and loan onboarding platform, purpose-built for modern community financial institutions.
This milestone marks a major step forward in Meriwest's expansion into small business services. Through Enable's configurable platform, Meriwest now offers local businesses a fast, seamless way to access business credit designed to support working capital needs, seasonal needs, and day-to-day operating expenses. "Small businesses are essential to our communities, and they deserve access to financial solutions that are built around their critical needs," said Lisa Pesta, CEO of Meriwest Credit Union. "With Enable, we're able to deliver a best-in-class borrowing experience while staying true to our commitment to personalized service." The first offering under Meriwest Business Express banner is a line of credit built for small businesses. This line of credit allows qualified businesses to borrow up to $50,000, with straightforward terms and a streamlined application process. (More information is available at Meriwest Business ExpressSM). Enable's platform powers deposit and loan originations enabling forward-thinking institutions like Meriwest to roll out expanded member offerings rapidly while maintaining operational efficiency. "We're proud to support Meriwest as they take this important step in expanding their small business banking footprint," said Ashwin Goyal, Co-Founder and CEO of Enable. "Their team brings a clear vision for what modern business lending should look like and they're executing on it with precision and care." "Credit unions like Meriwest are proving that you don't need to be a megabank to deliver great digital experiences," added Karthik Vaidyanathan, Co-Founder and President of Enable. "This launch is a win for small businesses and a clear signal that the future of business banking is local, digital, and member first." Enable sees rapid adoption among credit unions and community banks, fueled by demand for a modern platform that streamlines digital account opening (DAO) and loan origination (LOS) for businesses and consumers.  Chuck Fagan Velera, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, announced today the appointment of a new executive committee for its Board of Directors.
The following continuing board members are now serving in executive roles:
“It is with great pride that we welcome the incoming executive committee of Velera’s Board of Directors,” said Chuck Fagan, president and CEO of Velera. “Each of these leaders brings a unique blend of expertise and perspective that will be instrumental in shaping our path forward during this pivotal time across the credit union and financial services industries. We are confident their contributions will further strengthen our cooperative and support our continued success.” Previously serving as an associate director on the board, Mark Robnett, president and CEO of Justice Federal Credit Union, has been appointed to a director role. Robnett replaces former Velera board member and previous president and CEO of Spokane Teachers Credit Union Ezra Eckhardt. Additional Velera Board of Directors members include:
“On behalf of the incoming executive committee, I can confidently say that we are eager to collaborate with Velera’s board members, made up of leaders representing credit unions of all sizes, fields of membership and regions across the country,” said Cathie Tierney. “Together, we will build on Velera’s strong foundation to help credit unions reach their goals and thrive in today’s dynamic payments environment.” |
Archives
February 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
|
Privacy Policy • Copyright © 2024 CUbroadcast
|