Members of a Western Colorado credit union will vote on a merger expected to expand access to financial products and services in the region.

The Dec. 30 vote constitutes the next step in the process to merge Western Rockies Federal Credit Union based in Grand Junction with Canvas Credit Union based in Englewood. The boards of the two credit unions have approved the merger, as have the State of Colorado and National Credit Union Association.

Kristi Porter, president and chief executive officer of Western Rockies Federal Credit Union, said she’s excited about the benefits of a merger. “It is very exciting to see what was once an idea become a reality. This means so much to me because I know with Canvas we can provide even more value to our team, our members and our entire community.” 

Todd Marksberry, president and CEO of Canvas Credit Union, said he’s also looking forward to the relationship. “We are eager to work in partnership with Western Rockies FCU to continue growing the 85-year legacy they have built.”

The three Western Rockies Federal Credit Union branches in Grand Junction, Fruita and Rifle will remain open to serve its 14,000 members. The 40 employees will join Canvas Credit Union.

Canvas Credit Union operates a total of 30 branches throughout the Denver metropolitan area and northern Colorado in serving nearly 264,000 members.

The merger would expand that operation into Western Colorado with the potential to open additional branches. The merger also would bring more financial products and services to the region.

“Our team has been dreaming about how we can expand our impact well beyond the Front Range,” Marksberry said. “The opportunity to welcome the Western Rockies Federal Credit Union members and team to our Canvas family opens the door to manifest even more positive change for people across Colorado.”

Tansley Stearns, chief people and strategy officer at Canvas, said the credit union will respond to what members say they want. “Canvas’ model begins with listening first.”