Educational Credit Union and Quest Credit Union officially announced their new name as a combined organization to the public on Wednesday, March 9. The Credit Union’s Greg Winkler shared that the new name will be Azura Credit Union. The name comes as part of a merger of equals between the two financial institutions, which will be completed on April 30, 2016. One of the reasons the new name was selected is the tribute it pays to the beautiful azure blue Kansas sky. With a combined 140 years of service in Kansas, both credit unions wanted to make sure they were mindful of their heritage as they developed their plans to move forward. The name was created by combining the words “azure”, meaning clear blue sky, and “terra”, meaning land. With the combination of the two words, Azura is the place on earth where the dreams found in a clear blue sky can become a reality.
Greg Winkler will be the President/CEO of the Azura Credit Union which will be the fourth-largest state-chartered credit union in Kansas. Its assets will be over $460 million and it will have 47,500 members. The credit union will have 10 locations in Topeka, Lenexa and Fort Riley. Winkler stated that the new credit union’s community initiatives will focus on four main areas: Education, Quality of Life & Fundamental Needs, Health & Wellness, and Community Revitalization.
The announcement of the credit union’s new name was partnered with the details of a project made possible by a gift from Azura Credit Union to the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation to improve Skyline Park. New trail head signs were unveiled displaying the name Azura Trails at Skyline Park. This partnership between the credit union and Shawnee County Parks + Recreation will result in overall improvements to the park area and trails, as well as efforts to preserve the surrounding area as a natural environment. A new parking lot will be added to the base of the park. A new main kiosk sign will be installed, trail head signs will be added, trail entrances will be clearly marked, additional maps will be added, a picnic area/shelter location will be determined and interpretive signs describing natural areas and points of interest visible from the summit of the park are scheduled to be included among Skyline Park improvements. Repairs to the north end of the park include the steps and footing leading to the Burnett’s Mound summit – the highest point in Topeka.
According to Winkler, it is the intention that this partnership, in addition to public input in the future, will help preserve and restore Skyline Park as a Topeka landmark. The credit union’s own wellness committee has adopted a trail at Skyline Park. This will include staff volunteering to help with trail maintenance and improvements.
“We look forward to helping restore a true Topeka treasure,” said Winkler. “The views are inspiring and something we hope to share with residents and visitors of Shawnee County. Working together is a key cooperative principle for credit unions. We believe this partnership will greatly benefit the community and is a wonderful project through which to share our new sky-based name, Azura.”
ABOUT EDUCATIONAL CREDIT UNION Educational Credit Union is one of the oldest credit unions in Kansas, starting in a classroom at Topeka High School in 1939. ECU is a member-owned, notfor-profit financial institution that is committed to providing sound financial services which benefit all members. ECU membership is open to anyone residing, working, or worshipping in Shawnee, Riley, Geary, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Osage, Atchison, Jefferson, Douglas, Franklin, Leavenworth, and Johnson counties in Kansas. All educational employees and patrons in the state of Kansas are also eligible to be members.
ABOUT QUEST CREDIT UNION Quest Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution that is dedicated to providing quality financial products and services to its members living, working or worshipping in Eastern Kansas. With five full-service branches, two service centers and enhanced technology such as the Quest Mobile App featuring Mobile Deposit, Quest Credit Union is committed to helping members “discover the possibilities” that may improve their quality of life and achieve financial security.
ABOUT SHAWNEE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION FOUNDATION The Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation was formed in 2008 and uses tax-deductible contributions, bequests and advertising revenues to support major capital improvements, public park land acquisition, special projects and programs. The SCPR Foundation is an affiliate of the Topeka Community Foundation. It has an Executive Board of Directors and volunteer staff that wish to see Shawnee County park lands and facilities preserved and remain first class for generations to come.