Anticipated Merger of Advia Credit Union and AppleTree Credit Union
Kalamazoo, MI – Advia Credit Union and AppleTree Credit Union (West Allis, WI) are proud to announce an anticipated merger that will result in greater financial advantages for the area communities served. This partnership will expand Advia with two (2) branch locations in West Allis (Milwaukee County) and Pewaukee (Waukesha County), WI, bringing their Wisconsin area locations to a total of eight (8). In addition, Advia has seven (7) branches in northern Illinois, and nineteen (19) throughout Michigan, for a total of thirty-four (34) across the multi-state region of Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. The intended merger of AppleTree Credit Union into Advia Credit Union will be finalized in May of 2025 following regulatory approval and an anticipated positive vote by the members of AppleTree CU in April.
“We feel confident that our members will be served well by Advia,” said Gary Weckwerth, Board Chair of AppleTree CU. “This merger partnership will introduce expanded digital tools, branch and ATM locations, and enhanced expertise in critical aspects of financial management such as fraud protection and cyber security.”
Donna Kalmeta, Advia’s Board Chair, commented: “We are so excited to welcome the members of AppleTree Credit Union to our growing membership in Wisconsin. The management team and staff are committed to making this a seamless transition for members, and to further enhance financial services offered, which is our primary focus.”
Advia's President and CEO Jeff Fielder stated: "Our mission at Advia is to offer financial advantages to our members and communities. This is a great example of two thriving credit unions joining forces and strengthens our ability even further to contribute back to our growing membership.”
With this growth, area families and businesses will have access to Wisconsin area branches in West Allis, Pewaukee, Elkhorn, Silver Lake, Williams Bay, Janesville, and Beloit. Northern Illinois locations include Cary, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Gurnee, Niles, Mundelein & Riverwoods. Further access is enjoyed via over 35,000 fee-free ATMs, robust digital access to mobile banking, mortgage loans, and commercial financial services. Following the final merger, Advia will serve over 200,000 members.
“We aim to be proactive in our approach to reaching out to members and identifying ways to help them save time and money,” added Fielder. “We focus on building long-lasting, rewarding relationships, and serving the financial needs of families and businesses with innovative solutions. In 2024, we celebrated saving our members nearly $9 million in loan interest payments by providing lower cost borrowing options when loans were transferred from other financial institutions. We’re also committed to giving back to the communities we serve through active volunteerism, community enrichment, and grants. This past year, we invested more than $1 million back into the communities we serve.”
All branches will be retained with this merger, and there will be no related team layoffs. Already ranked in the top 3 percent in the nation among credit unions in terms of asset size, Advia has over $3.5 billion in assets and over 550 employees.
About Advia Credit Union - Advia Credit Union’s mission is to provide financial advantages to its members. With $3.5 billion in assets, Advia seeks to provide quick and easy access to money and time-saving financial tools to nearly 200,000 members in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. Advia’s team of over 550 professionals delivers excellent service and innovative products at 32 locations and via digital and mobile platforms. Advia is guided by its core values: driving progress, acting with integrity, building and strengthening relationships, and keeping people at the core. Visit www.adviacu.org to learn more about how Advia provides Real Advantages for Real People™.
About AppleTree Credit Union – AppleTree Credit Union originated in 1935 and has over $126 million in assets, a team of 14 professionals, and 2 locations in West Allis and Pewaukee, WI. Its mission is to combine better rates with uncomplicated service for its members. For more information, visit www.appletree.org.