In June, Cornerstone League and Heartland Credit Union Association announced that they are exploring a merger. A Letter of Intent was signed on June 21, and over the summer, the organizations are undergoing an extensive due diligence process.
Cornerstone members: Bookmark this page and visit often as the Cornerstone team will post updates regularly.
News & Updates
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Better together: An update from Caroline Willard on HCUA merger
As we run through our due diligence, we at Cornerstone League are filled with optimism and a sense of excitement for a future with the Heartland Credit Union Association as an integral part of our organization. -
Better Together: A special note from Cornerstone CEO Caroline Willard
After Cornerstone’s recent announcement about a possible merger with Heartland Credit Union Association, feedback from our members has been overwhelmingly supportive. I want to offer our Leaguer readers a quick update on where things stand now. -
Cornerstone League in the news
Last week Cornerstone League and Heartland Credit Union Association issued a joint announcement about exploring a consolidation, which has garnered some media attention.
Important Dates
March 2022
Official discussions began
June 21, 2022
Letter of Intent was signed
July - Aug. 2022
Due diligence
July - Sept. 2022
Town hall meetings
Fall 2022
The Boards of both organizations will vote to approve the merger agreement, after which time member credit unions will vote.
Jan. 1, 2023
Legal merger and key integrations complete.
Town Halls
Cornerstone will be hosting various town hall meetings to provide members with details and opportunities for feedback, and answer member questions. CEOs will receive direct communications regarding town hall meetings scheduled in the region.
In addition to the town hall meetings, Cornerstone leaders will be on-hand to facilitate discussion about the proposed merger during the following events:
DATE | EVENT |
---|---|
Aug. 9 | Texas CEO Roundtable |
Aug. 24 | Small CU Hot Topics Call |
Aug. 31 – Sept. 2 | ELEVATE CU Leadership Summit |
Sept. 21 | Manager’s Roundtable |
Oct. 20 | Small CU Hot Topic Webinar (tentative) |
Nov. 2 | Oklahoma CEO Roundtable |
About HCUA
Serves approximately 175 credit unions in Kansas and Missouri with 23 employees.
Offices in Overland Park and Topeka, Kansas, and in St. Louis and Jefferson City, Missouri.
HCUA’s league service corporation and Foundation will both be part of the consolidation.
Benefits for Cornerstone Members

As a larger regional league, Cornerstone and HCUA can preserve the unique role of financial cooperatives in the marketplace

Two well-capitalized leagues = stronger regional influence

Even more effective advocacy

Continued advocacy presence in each state capital

Larger talent pool = opportunities for innovation and bench depth to support succession planning

Greater efficiency = less reliance on dues dollars, keeping credit unions’ costs as low as possible

Additional products and services

Expanded networking options for members
Better Together
Cornerstone:
- 358 small credit unions (less than $90 million)
- Includes 56 non-affiliates
- 134 mid-size credit unions ($90 million to $749 million)
- Includes 23 non-affiliates
- 52 large credit unions ($750 million and more)
- Includes 12 non-affiliates
+
HCUA:
- 131 small credit unions (less than $90 million)
- Includes 1 associate and 17 non-affiliates
- 41 mid-size credit unions ($90 million to $750 million)
- Includes 5 associates and 1 non-affiliate
- 12 large credit unions ($750 million and more)
- Includes 4 associates and 1 non-affiliate
=
Combined:
- 489 small credit unions
- 175 mid-size credit unions
- 64 large credit unions
Combining two highly effective teams of employees will boost both capacity and talent:
- Cornerstone: 92
- HCUA: 23
- Combined: 115
FAQ
Any Other Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the merger, please contact us.
For media inquiries, please contact media@cornerstoneleague.coop.