Grand Rapids, Michigan-based CUSO Xtend, Inc. announced that its recent partnership with Zipwhip has resulted in a significant pipeline of two-way text implementation projects for its credit union customer-owners. After a series of recent web conferences, the CUSO reports that it has received nearly two dozen requests for contracts and due diligence packets.

Xtend President Scott Collins commented: “We believe that expanding into two-way texting will be a de facto part of the member service strategy for credit unions in the years to come, and for many that is 2017. As the father of millennials, it took me a lot longer to embrace texting as an important communication channel than it did my three boys. As college students they are active members of credit unions, so I see this as another vital arrow in the quiver for credit unions to serve members on the member’s terms.”

“Our partnership with Zipwhip has allowed us to not only offer a leading edge communication management system, but also one that is very cost-effective.”

Collins also noted that the CUSO’s Xtension Contact Center will be rolling out a proof-of-concept where the team handles the text dialogue with members from a centralized resource center. “This allows our customer-owners to tap into extended hours, weekends or even a fully outsourced support for their members.”