Escanaba, Michigan-based Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union recently announced it has selected CU*BASE, the core data processing suite from the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based cooperative CU*Answers, Inc., for its new platform.

“Great Lakes First FCU is a progressive organization deeply rooted in the cooperative spirit,” said CEO Wayne Johnson. “We were seeking a new core partner whose vision mirrored ours. In CU*Answers, we found a partner with both a strong core suite and a network of partners with solutions that will help us solve daily operational concerns, while allowing us to grow our strategic initiatives. Through their unique CUSO network, they are able to provide services such as collections, daily accounting support, share draft, ACH processing, and native mortgage servicing. Partnering with CU*Answers for these services will allow us to use our valuable staff time serving the membership.”

Johnson added, “From a member perspective, we are excited to add additional products and services to our mobile offerings; products like a virtual signing room will enhance the members’ remote experience. We look forward to joining a cooperative that is focused not only our needs, but those of our customer-owners.”

Scott Collins, EVP of National Sales and Marketplace Relationships at CU*Answers commented, “We are very excited that the Great Lakes First FCU team selected us as their new partner. Wayne made it very clear during their due diligence that they were looking for a partner that was willing to invest in helping them serve their community more effectively, and we look forward to many years as partners doing just that.”

Great Lakes First FCU also purchased stock, joining the ranks of credit union owners of the cooperative CUSO. The core conversion project is scheduled for April of 2022.