Aventa and Blue Have Merged!

Reaffirming our commitment to enhancing the financial well-being of our members and investing in our communities, Blue Federal Credit Union and Aventa Credit Union have merged. The merger was approved by Aventa members on February 26, 2024, and officially took effect on March 1.

Aventa will maintain its current name and all products/processes until integration occurs later in 2024.  You will receive a notification prior to system integrations with all changes, instructions, etc.

There will be no changes to Aventa member accounts, including all transaction activities through your checking and savings accounts (direct deposit, automatic payments/transfers, check writing, etc.), until October of this year.

While not much is changing now, we are committed to providing our members with advanced notice before any major changes, so you’ll know what to expect.

About Aventa

Founded in 1957, Aventa Credit Union has been a cornerstone of community-driven banking in Southern Colorado. Serving as a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union, Aventa is committed to offering modern digital banking experiences tailored to the needs of the communities it serves. It stands as a protector of member security and a provider of enhanced digital offerings, focusing on financial literacy to empower its members. Aventa’s dedication is not just to its members but also to the broader community of Southern Colorado, with various initiatives aimed at serving the unique needs of this vibrant and diverse region.

On the web: Aventa Credit Union

About Blue

Blue Federal Credit Union, a renowned financial institution, holds a strong presence worldwide, managing over $1.8 billion in assets and serving over 120,000 members. Blue FCU’s mission, "to discover pathways to your possibilities," reflects its commitment to creating opportunities and delivering quality products to its members across diverse regions. It emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and community service, contributing to local organizations in the various regions it serves. Blue FCU’s dedication extends beyond banking services, aiming to make a substantial positive impact across Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming.

On the web: Blue Federal Credit Union

"This partnership represents a significant milestone for Aventa's members, associates, and communities. We embrace Blue's commitment to be your lifelong financial champion."
Greg Mills
Aventa CEO
"Blue Federal Credit Union warmly welcomes Aventa's members and employees as we join forces. Our shared commitment to the well-being of our members, employees, and communities, combined with our expanded presence and robust financial standing, makes this union a seamless alignment for both institutions"
Stephanie Teubner
Blue CEO

Merger Value Propositions

Members

  • Enhanced member experience
  • Expanded access
  • Enhanced technologies
  • Innovative product offerings and differentiation

Employees

  • Larger talent pool
  • Acquire new products, processes, and talent
  • Offer new/different benefits
  • Career pathing and leadership development

Community

  • Long history of giving back
  • Brand recognition
  • Employee volunteerism
  • Create stronger foundation work in all communities

Strategic Focus

  • Increase market share
  • Strengthen our financial position
  • Create greater scale
  • Stronger competitive positioning

Products and Services

As Blue and Aventa merge, we are exploring enhanced products, services, and member benefits to help shape a future full of innovation and member satisfaction.

 

What’s Next?

As we move forward, we do not anticipate any immediate changes to products and services following the merger. Aventa members will have access to enhanced services in late 2024, including:

What’s Coming?

  • Enhanced Member Experience: Experience a journey that’s more seamless and personalized than ever before.
  • Expanded Access: Discover a broader range of products, services, and resources.
  • Enhanced Technologies: Benefit from the combined technological advancements of both Blue and Aventa.
  • Innovative Product Offerings: Explore products designed to cater to your evolving needs.
  • Product Differentiation: Expect new industry standards set by our unique offerings to help you achieve your dreams.

 

To explore the wide array of exciting products and services currently available at Blue, you can visit bluefcu.com.

Keep revisiting this page frequently for amazing and exciting updates ahead!

To stay up to date on product changes, we also recommend following Blue on your preferred social platform:

Our Timeline

October 2023
Initial Public Announcement
December 2023
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Approval

The NCUA formally approved the merger.

January 9, 2024
Member Vote Packets Were Mailed

Aventa Member Vote Packets were mailed to members on January 9, 2024. 

February 6-9, 2024
Meet-and-Greets

Aventa and Blue leadership attended member Meet-and-Greets at Aventa's branches from February 6, 2024, to February 9, 2024.

Meet-and-Greets Dates

Feb 6, 3-5 PM | Crestone Meet-and-Greet

Feb 7, 10 AM-Noon | Center Meet-and-Greet

Feb 7, 3-5 PM | Salida Meet-and-Greet

Feb 8, 11 AM - 1 PM | Dublin Meet-and-Greet

Feb 8, 3-5 PM | Cascade Meet-and-Greet

Feb 9, 10 AM - Noon | Pueblo Meet-and-Greet

February 26, 2024, at 10 AM
Ballot Submission Deadline

All Aventa member voting ballots were due no later than 10 AM on February 26, 2024.

February 26, 2024, at 3 PM
Special Member Meeting

A special member meeting was held at Aventa Credit Union at 3 PM on February 26, 2024.

March 1, 2024
Official Merger Date

With Aventa member approval on February 26, 2024, the merger officially took effect on March 1, 2024.

Quarter 4 of 2024
Aventa’s Full Conversion to Blue

Aventa will maintain its current name and all products/processes until integration occurs later in 2024.  You will receive a notification prior to system integrations with all changes, instructions, etc.

Our New Footprint

Now merged as Blue Federal Credit Union, we handle combined assets of more than $2.25 billion and have over 140,000 members worldwide.

By bringing the Aventa and Blue together, all members have access to expanded products and services, the latest digital banking technology, and best-in-class member service at 27 branch locations, our Contact Center, and our ATM/VTM network.

Frequently Asked Questions

The merger was approved by Aventa members on February 26, 2024, and officially took effect on March 1.

Our leadership decided to merge our credit unions for several reasons, including enhancing our services, expanding our geographic reach, providing better benefits to our members, and gaining a competitive advantage, among others. Collectively, these factors aim to strengthen our position and offerings in the market.

We decided to merge after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. The ultimate goal is to serve the best interests of our credit unions’ members, staff, and communities.

  • Enhanced Member Experience:  A journey that’s more seamless and personalized than ever before.
  • Expanded Access: Discover a broader range of products, services, and resources.
  • Enhanced Technologies: Benefit from the combined technological advancements of both Blue and Aventa.
  • Innovative Product Offerings: Explore products designed to cater to your evolving needs.
  • Product Differentiation: Expect new industry standards set by our unique offerings to help you achieve your dreams.

Employees were notified on October 18, 2023. Our membership and the general public were notified on October 19, 2023.

All responses to the media should be directed to Michele Bolkovatz. Michele can be reached via email michele.bolkovatz@bluefcu.com or by phone 307-432-5402.

Both Aventa and Blue prioritize service to members and to the communities in which they serve. Both credit unions are committed partners in our members’ success; we meet them where they are, and work with them on their journey to reach their financial and personal goals.

The increased resources and efficiency due to the merger can lead to better member service and perks. Our benefits are being reviewed and the best benefits for our members will be selected. Once these benefits are selected training will be provided.

Merging can provide members with improved benefits such as lower interest rates on loans, higher interest rates on deposit accounts, and lower fees. Additionally, the increased resources and efficiency due to the merger can lead to better member service and perks. Members will have access to more branches across Southern Wyoming and Colorado.

All the products and services offered by Aventa Credit Union and Blue Federal Credit Union will be reviewed. We are a champion for our members; the products and services that will best enhance our members’ financial lives will be selected.

Contact Us

Questions or comments?