Big news for Central Indiana banking: Harvester Financial Credit Union and Energy Plus Credit Union are teaming up. When the dust settles in mid-2026, members will be doing business with a brand new institution called Origins Credit Union.
Think of it as the financial equivalent of a power-up in Mario Kart — two solid players combining their strengths to create something bigger and better equipped for the road ahead.
The Details That Matter
Both credit unions’ boards gave this merger a unanimous thumbs up, and members from each institution voted in favor of the move. The official merger date is set for July 1, 2026, so you’ve got plenty of time to get comfortable with the idea.
Jason Ford, who leads Harvester Financial as President and CEO, put it pretty simply: “This merger is about honoring where we come from while positioning our members for a stronger future.” Translation? They’re not forgetting their roots, but they are planting new seeds for growth.
The newly formed Origins Credit Union promises the good stuff members actually want — better digital banking tools, more lending options, and the kind of operational muscle that comes from increased scale. All while keeping that personal touch that makes credit unions, well, credit unions.
What’s Changing (and What’s Not)
Here’s the reassuring part: every branch location stays open. Every staff member keeps their job. Nobody’s getting the boot, and you won’t have to drive farther to deposit a check.
Cari Palmer, President and CEO of Energy Plus Credit Union, explained the thinking behind the new name: “The name Origins reflects our shared belief that financial services should be rooted in purpose, people, and community.” It’s a solid choice — backward-looking enough to respect history, forward-looking enough to signal fresh beginnings.
For members across Central Indiana, this merger essentially means access to more resources and better technology without sacrificing the relationship-focused service that drew them to a credit union in the first place. Not a bad trade-off.