ENDERBY, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/06/13 -- Members of Enderby & District Credit Union (EDCU) who voted at last night's special general meeting unanimously approved a special resolution that would see their North Okanagan financial co-operative join B.C.-based First West Credit Union.

Through First West's unique partnership model, Enderby & District will retain its local brand, local leadership and community focus. Effective April 1, 2013, EDCU will be known as Enderby & District Financial, a division of First West Credit Union.

"There was a real sense of excitement and anticipation among those who attended the special general meeting last night," says Quentin Bruns, board chair of EDCU. "We're pleased that the membership has supported our vision for the future."

"The real work begins now," shares EDCU General Manager Ted Morrison. "It's the day after and we're already planning how we can begin offering some great new products and services to the North Okanagan and Shuswap. We're working hard to introduce the Simply Free Account and business owners are already asking about the new Unlimited Chequing for Business account we will be able to offer very soon."

For First West, the merger marks a special milestone as well. "Having a third partner join the First West family just goes to prove again that British Columbians and Canadians love our locally-focussed credit union," says Launi Skinner, First West's CEO. "Over the past three years, we've seen how our model helps credit unions stay local, but tap into all the great benefits that come with being part of a larger organization like innovative products, increased purchasing power or higher lending opportunities."

"We're proud to be part of an organization dedicated to reinventing the way credit unions partner in Canada," says Morrison. "There are exciting days ahead for Enderby & District."

About Enderby & District Credit Union

Enderby & District Credit Union is a full-service financial co-operative, serving more than 4,300 members in the North Okanagan. With assets in excess of $55 million, Enderby & District has been an integral part of the Enderby community since its inception in 1947.

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia's third-largest credit union with $6.6 billion in assets under administration, more than 169,000 members and close to 1,300 employees. It operates 39 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial and Valley First brands. For more information on First West Credit Union, visit www.firstwestcu.ca.

Follow First West Credit Union on Twitter: @firstwestcu