Austin Credit Union and Portage Credit Union members are set to cast their votes this week for the proposed amalgamation. PCU CEO Dave Omichinski provides the times and venues.

(L-R) Dave Omichinski and Brent Budz"The voting is Wednesday night at the Austin Community Hall for Austin Credit Union menbers and Thursday night at the MNP building on the island for PCU members. Both credit unions' registration start at 7:00 pm and the actual meetings beign at 7:30. 

Both credit unions' have decided you need to be present at the meeting to vote. Omichinski adds that a two thirds majority of those in attendance at the meeting must vote yes in order for the resolution to pass. He says both staffs have been talking to members and encouraging them to come out and cast their vote.

Austin Credit Union CEO Brent Budz notes, "Our board made a decision that our voting meeting would take place in Austin. So, I really encourage as many members as possible from our outlying communities to travel to Austin to make their vote count. This is a unique opportunity in a financial cooperative to have your say. And so by joining us (Wednesday) evening, we're really looking for proactively charting our future as a credit union. We're looking for member support in favour of this amalgamation."

(L-R) Dave Omichinski and Brent Budz"I think earlier in the process the credit unions recognized that this will create a new entity, and as such a new entity is required in terms of branding and naming. So, if successful, on January 1 it will no longer be known as the Austin Credit Union or the Portage Credit Union. It will be a new identity. And over the coming months we will be asking our membership to be involved in a process to name this new entity. And we're excited about that."

Budz adds this means even the present PCU Centre will have to have its name changed.

"When I mentioned branding today, that's inclusive of all our marketing materials. Everything is on the table when it comes to rebranding."

Budz says you have the opportunity to visit each of the credit unions' websites, and get informed. He says they want their membership to understand why they think it's a good idea, and they really want you to just make your vote count.

PCU: https://www.portagecu.mb.ca/

Austin Credit Union: https://www.austincreditunion.com/

The results from the Austin Credit Union Members meeting will be released Wednesday night after the event. Should two thirds of the voters approve the resolution, then the meeting will be on in Portage Thursday as scheduled. If the membership does not approve the resolution there will be no need for PCU members to vote as both memberships must pass the resolution in order for amalgamation to take place.