Stride Credit Union. That's likely the name for the new financial institution which will be created with the amalgamation of the Austin and Portage Credit Union in the new year.

Members were given the choice of two names, Stride or InView, and Austin Credit Union CEO Brent Budz says it was definitely a close decision. He says about 700 members cast their vote, which is almost equal to the number of people who had voted in the amalgamation meetings. He says of those 700, about 52 per cent selected Stride, while the remaining 48 per cent preferred In-View.

Budz says he's thrilled with the number of people who took part in the voting process, but altogether isn't surprised. He says people are often excited to voice their opinion on possible changes, while also citing both PCU and Austin Credit Union staff as contributing factors.

"I think it speaks volumes to our staff, the engagement the asked of members when they were communicating with them. I think it just shows people care about how their credit union is represented and the name they'll carry going forward. When we started this process we felt we could brand In-View or Stride very easily, and we're very happy to be able to move forward with Stride."

Budz says they've also heard no shortage of feedback surrounding the name, as well as what the new credit union's branding will look like. Budz says they hope to have some of those answers in place soon, with some of the pieces being presented prior to a meeting to give final approval to the new name.

"Whenever there's something new people question how it's going to be branded and how it will look. That's part of our process, so now we're turning it over to start to build some of the colour palette, the logo and the branding behind it. We hope to unveil some of that stuff prior to our special meetings of members for both credit unions."

The new name will go to a ratification vote on October 25th, when two separate member meetings are held. Members of the Portage Credit Union will meet at the Glesby Centre, while Austin Credit Union Members will gather at the Austin Community Hall.