Fall 2026 Note from CEO

In my Summer CEO Note, I shared that around the office I had been saying, “My credit union dreams are coming true!” As I write this fall note, that feeling has only grown stronger as more of those dreams are becoming reality.

One of those is creating innovative solutions that put members first and help strengthen your overall financial wellbeing. I am incredibly excited and proud that we have launched our new Rewards Checking, Cash Back Checking, and Rewards Saver! These accounts were designed around a simple idea: being rewarded for the financial habits you're already building. Whether you want to earn competitive rewards on your checking balance, receive cash back on everyday purchases, or grow your savings faster, you now have more opportunities to be rewarded for banking with M1. These products are about more than rates and rewards. They are about helping you build a stronger financial future while making everyday banking a little more joyful. Engage with our team or the digital banking Rewards Dashboard to upgrade your account!

Another dream coming true is seeing us invest in the future of our communities through education. This fall, we are once again offering our Joy in Teaching Grants program, awarding $20,000 in grants to Michigan educators. Teachers shape the future every day, often finding creative ways to do more with limited resources. Through 40 grants of $500 each, we're helping bring classroom ideas to life and creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive. Supporting educators is one more way we can cultivate joy and strengthen the communities we proudly serve. Apply through October 15th.

I also continue to be inspired by the joy of homeownership. While mortgage rates remain higher than many of us would like, our Real Estate Lending team is helping members become homeowners every single day. One of the products I am most proud of is our Exclusive Zero Down Purchase Mortgage. For qualified buyers, it removes one of the biggest barriers to homeownership by eliminating the need for a down payment. Our team loves walking alongside members through the process, answering questions, finding solutions, and celebrating the moment they receive the keys to a place they can call home. Financial well-being often begins with having a place to build memories, and we are honored to help make that possible.

The final dream I'll share is one that has been years in the making: expanding our ability to serve you across the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Our Saginaw branch at 4955 Bay Road is thriving, and we are excited to continue building on that momentum as we are preparing to open our Bay City branch at 3697 E. Wilder Road! This expansion is about being closer to you. It is about bringing financial wellbeing, trusted guidance, and personal service to even more people throughout our communities.

Thank you for trusting us to empower you on your journey of well-being. My credit union dreams coming true at M1 reflects our vision of Creating Thriving Communities.

Wishing you a wonderful fall season and a joyful start to the holidays ahead!