Community First, YNCU to operate under one brand, credit union says

As it celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2022, YNCU came about through many mergers with credit unions, some of which can trace their roots to the 1940s.

Saultites will recognize one of those credit unions as Community First - recently referred to as a division of YNCU - which served customers in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins before its amalgamation with YNCU in 2016.

Over the next year, people in the Sault and Timmins will begin to see the YNCU brand name on signage, advertising and through local sponsorships.

YNCU operates branches in northern and southwestern Ontario.

YNCU states it will continue to support local causes and initiatives in Sault Ste. Marie, including the upcoming Coldest Night of the Year Walk for St. Vincent Place, as well as making charitable donations to local soup kitchens, food banks, and shelters. YNCU is also sponsoring a community mural in Sault Ste. Marie during the Summer Moon Festival in June. The mural will be designed to be a lasting contribution on behalf of YNCU to the city’s downtown, where the financial institution’s Bay Street branch is located. 

With 17 branches and a network of ATMs, YNCU is one of the largest credit unions in Ontario with over $2 billion in assets under administration and more than 53,000 members.

“Ever since we merged with YNCU, I’ve appreciated the collaborative opportunities that have come along with it. Through this merger we’ve been able to better serve our members, grow our presence and strengthen our organization. Now it’s time we make it official and continue to grow together as YNCU,” said John Ziccarelli, a Sault native and YNCU director of credit and business services in a release.