ADVANTIS + RIVERMARK

Thoughts from the Advantis Board of Directors

Two questions for the board

As a financial cooperative, our board is made up entirely of Advantis members, just like you. This distinguishes us from for-profit banks, whose boards are comprised of corporate stockholders.

Our proposed merger with Rivermark received unanimous support from the Advantis Board of Directors.

We wanted to learn more, so we asked each board member to share their personal experience as an Advantis member, and why they support this merger.








 

Board of Directors

Monique Claiborne | Associate Director

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

As a proud member of the Sabin neighborhood, Advantis’ central presence has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and enhancing the overall well-being of my neighbors. The Advantis commitment to deep community engagement not only aligns with my values but also provides me with a strong support system as I pursue my financial goals.

Why do you support this merger?

The merger is a positive development for my neighborhood and greater Portland. By combining forces, we can amplify the community impact, support local businesses, and foster a stronger, more interconnected neighborhood for everyone to thrive.

Frederic Dupeyroux | Director

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I became a member of PACE Credit Union in July 1998. PACE, and its successor Advantis, lent our then-new business critical support in the form of loans we would have been unlikely to get from "normal" banks.

Why do you support this merger?

Rivermark and Advantis complement each other extremely well in terms of asset size, membership, branch network, and values. Merging makes a lot of business and economic sense in its own right, promising our members products and value only a larger organization can provide. But I am most excited with our pledge to bring the foundational ethos of the credit union movement (people helping people) to a strong, modern, and technologically advanced financial institution that welcomes all folks to join. We have also pledged to establish an equity-focused philanthropic foundation, and to grow it to be a leading force for good in the communities we serve.

Tarun Gudz | Chair

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I have been an Advantis member for nine years, and an official for eight of those. I originally joined to invest in a local institution and keep more money in my pocket. As I came to know the Advantis vision and mission, I recognized this as a place where we walk our talk. I truly believe we have the opportunity to make meaningful impact. I applied to serve on the board so I could represent the voice of the member in key issues that shape our financial cooperative.

Why do you support this merger?

I'm thrilled with the board's unanimous support for the proposed merger. This strategic decision reflects our dedication to financial wellness and member value. The cultural alignment and opportunity for innovative technological advancement will better serve our members' evolving needs, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for us all. Throughout this process we remain committed to serving our members, employees, and community in good faith, and with the values that define our credit union.

Renee Halpern | Director

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I have been a member of a credit union since I was six. So when I started work at Pacific Power in 1984, I joined Electra Credit Union, which became Advantis. And Advantis has provided my family and me with financial support through the mortgage on our house, car loans, and of course, our savings accounts. Advantis truly values its members, and you never feel like just an account.

Why do you support this merger?

I believe the blended organization will provide financial opportunities to more people within the communities we serve. I'm excited to see what the new merged credit union will be able to do!  

Jake Jensen | Director

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I've been an Advantis member for almost my entire life, and I've had nothing but great experiences here.  When I was around 16, a teller suggested I move some of my funds from a savings account to a money market account. Why? Because it would make me more money.  Not the credit union, but me.  And every experience, from car loans and mortgages to routine interactions, has been just as friendly and focused on how best to serve me.

Why do you support this merger?

I think it will be great for a couple of reasons.  First, our members get more branches in more locations without sacrificing quality of service or member focus. Second, we get more resources to create value for our members, especially those that are the most vulnerable. Third, we all know that bigger isn't better, better is better; and this merger brings us talent and resources to be better for our members and our community.

Nathan Morales | Associate Director

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

As someone from a historically underrepresented community with no real path to home ownership, Advantis was the first financial institution that treated me as a customer. Because of that, and Advantis' commitment to community, I have been a proud member for almost 10 years.

Why do you support this merger?

I absolutely support this merger and am excited for the opportunities it will bring to the membership of both credit unions. Advantis and Rivermark already have half of the same heart: a dedication to their members and the communities they serve. This merger will create one heart from those halves, providing greater resources to further financial growth and independence in the Pacific Northwest.

Amanda Owings | Vice Chair

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

Advantis has been a part of my financial life for three decades. Although it started as a different name, the foundational values and continuous benefits of my credit union are rock-solid. Advantis is my financial go-to source, and I love that I can integrate and manage all my financial products in one place.

Why do you support this merger?

The fusion of two healthy credit unions will be the catalyst to achieve the collective goals for our members’ financial wellness, and to better serve our communities in the Pacific Northwest. Advantis and Rivermark will be able to enhance technology and programs, act more nimbly, scale-up quickly, and expand services. We will be transformative together!

Traci Rossi | Director

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

The first time I walked into my neighborhood Advantis branch, I felt the warmth and authenticity of the employees at the Belmont location. I was hooked. I love the credit union community, and Advantis has always made me feel at home as a member. They’ve walked alongside me, included me, and kept me financially aware as a valued member. All of this goes a long way to build and maintain trust.

Why do you support this merger?

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That notion beautifully describes what I see as a natural merger between Advantis and Rivermark. These are two excellent credit unions with shared values, financial health, and a commitment to inclusivity and financial empowerment for all of their members. Merging will provide an even deeper level of service with more branches, a solid foundation, and financial footprint in our community. I am thrilled to see this merger unfold.

Bryan Sims | Secretary/Treasurer

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

Advantis is my go-to financial institution and I use it for a variety of products, from credit cards and mortgages to commercial lending.

Why do you support this merger?

This merger will increase the branch network, expand product offerings, and most importantly, focus on lending to members in our community and better servicing their needs.

Tammy Teske | Director

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I have been a member of Advantis since its inception. I chose Advantis, and continue to choose it every day, because of their commitment to the financial wellness of its members and their award-winning dedication to serving our community. The excellent staff and their member-first approach has enabled me to purchase two vehicles and my first home. I have complete trust in its employees and the institution with my financial wellness, now and always.

Why do you support this merger?

Our combined financial strength and resources will enable us to significantly boost the financial wellness impact of all we offer our members, employees, and the communities we serve. The merged entity represents the best elements, strengths, cultures, values and talent from each credit union. Lastly, we’ll have a greater footprint as a member-focused credit union in an environment saturated with financial institutions that are not member-focused.







 

Audit Committee

Kellan Davis | Chair

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I joined Advantis in 2012 when I moved to Portland, enticed by the great rates on deposits. I quickly came to see how much more value that the credit union provides. When I later took out my first mortgage with Advantis, I felt even more strongly I had made the right decision. The staff has gone above and beyond to ensure a wonderful experience as I work toward my financial goals.

Why do you support this merger?

One of the most noteworthy improvements for members will be the expansion of branch locations. Plus, the merger will bring together the best service and product offerings into a combined whole. I have no doubt our members will be well served throughout the merger process and long after.

William Knuths

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I have been a member of Advantis for more than five years. In that time, I have consistently received exemplary service which was at once professional and personal. Advantis demonstrates to me the critical importance of the financial cooperative model as a sound alternative to big banks.

Why do you support this merger?

The combination of Advantis and Rivermark—two successful and progressive institutions in their own rights—promises to provide even greater services to members, while giving even more to back to the community. I am excited at the prospect of our new organization becoming a leader in the industry and a respected corporate citizen.

Brandon Lepley

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I have been a member for about nine years. Advantis helped my wife and I buy our first home, save for our kids’ futures, and invest in our own lives. We continue to be grateful for the people of Advantis who’ve always been there to answer questions, offer advice, and give support.

Why do you support this merger?

I feel the merger gives us the strength and size to continue to make an impact in the community at an even greater scale. As an Audit Committee member and credit union member, I'm excited to see the potential results of the combined organization, and what that will mean to the communities we impact and the people who help make it happen.

Liz Speer

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

Being an Advantis member has broadened my understanding of what a credit union does for its community. I have thoroughly enjoyed, and fully supported, Advantis' efforts to foster a sense of community and offer personalized service. Every interaction with their member-facing staff, either in a branch or on the phone, has been supportive and welcoming. I am proud to be part of Advantis.

Why do you support this merger?

It combines resources and expertise, providing enhanced services and benefits to members. This partnership fosters greater financial stability and innovation, ultimately empowering the community with more robust options and opportunities for financial wellness and growth.

Ross Wescott

What’s your experience as an Advantis member?

I’ve been a member since 1986, back when Advantis was still Electra Credit Union.

Why do you support this merger?

Change can create new opportunities. This merger will lead us on a positive journey for our credit unions, bringing enhanced services, improved efficiency, and increased stability for our credit union family. By combining our strengths, we are not just merging institutions, but we’re creating a new collaboration that will benefit each and every member.







 









 









 

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