More than 95% of Companion members present at the Annual General Meeting held in Rutherford on Wednesday (25 November), voted in favour of the merger. The merged entity will form one of Australia’s largest credit unions, representing a combined membership of more than 180,500.

The merger between Companion Credit Union and Community CPS Australia, will become effective from 1 January 2010.

The business will trade as Companion Credit Union – a Division of Community CPS Australia Ltd throughout the Hunter Valley and Gunnedah regions. Among the benefits of the merger are an expanded branch network, enhanced products and services, and reduced risk due to greater market diversification. Companion staff will benefit from a national job network and comprehensive training programs.

Members can expect to see information about new products in their mailboxes in early December.

November 26th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Companion Credit Union Marketing Manager Cas Scott has been recognised as an emerging leader of the credit union and building society industry across Australia.

Cas, who is based at Companion’s head office in Cessnock, won the 2009 Bridges Emerging Leader Award at the Abacus 09 Convention this week on the Gold Coast.

Abacus – Australian Mutuals is the industry body for Australian credit unions, mutual building societies and friendly societies, and the Bridges Emerging Leader Award is a highlight of the annual industry convention. This prestigious award recognises up-and-coming credit union and building society managers who want to build a leadership career in the industry. Nominees must be under 35 and are assessed on their commitment to the mutual financial services industry, innovation in management, aptitude for leadership and their track record.

Cas received the award in recognition of her work at Companion Credit Union which includes the innovative ‘We’re Listening’ theme. All Companion members have ownership and a say in how Companion is run, the ‘We’re Listening’ theme builds on the core principles of mutuality ‘Member Ownership’.

The introduction of ‘We’re Listening’ included a new member designed and chosen logo, new corporate website  , a social blog website  , the Companion Community Grant which assisted over 55 local community groups in 2009, and much more.

Cas is planning on using the award to attend the World Credit Union Confernce in Las Vegas in 2010 and visit Credit Unions within the US and Canada.

November 18th, 2009 | 5 Comments »