press releases

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) is expanding its footprint in Michigan. United opened a new branch in Battle Creek on July 31, 2024, and celebrated the official ribbon cutting on August 27. United was founded in St. Joseph, Michigan in 1949, and the Battle Creek branch marks United’s 14th location in the state.

Team United and Battle Creek community leaders cut the ribbon on United Federal Credit Union’s new branch location

“We are thrilled to be opening another branch at our home base in Michigan” said Jodie Kitchell, Regional Vice President of Michigan. “This unique location is unlike any of our other branches in Michigan and we’re excited to share with members as we provide more options for them to choose from when they need personalized in-branch service. Battle Creek is an amazing community that holds rich history that United is proud to be a part of. We are excited for the next chapter as we get involved to support community events and programs in presence of our Battle Creek location.”

Ragna Bygde Lewis, Branch Manager, Battle Creek Branch

Leading the team at the Battle Creek branch is Ragna Bygde Lewis. Lewis has been with United since May 2024. In her role, she will be responsible for maintaining the performance of the branch and providing leadership and supervision to staff.

Lewis brings more than eight years of financial and 20 years of customer service experience in the Battle Creek area to her new role, including experience as a credit union branch manager.

United’s Battle Creek branch is located in The Milton, in the heart of Battle Creek’s downtown business district. The state-of-the-art branch occupies 2,900 square feet of space and houses seven full-time staff, including tellers, mortgage loan officers, and commercial lenders.

Construction on United’s new branch in The Milton began in late fall and opened during the credit union’s 75th anniversary year. The Milton opened in 1931 as the home of Old Merchants National Bank & Trust Company. After being vacant for more than 10 years, the building underwent a $38 million renovation and reopened in 2020. The 19-story building is now home to 85 apartments and 32,000 square feet of commercial space along Michigan Avenue.

In recent years, United has taken on the role of senior lender on several major community development projects in Battle Creek, totaling approximately $25 million in commercial loans. These projects include the renovation of the DoubleTree Hotel (the former McCamly Hotel), Restore (269)’s redevelopment of the Anson Hotel, and the refinancing of The Milton.

About United

United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. United consists of more than 194,000 Member/owners worldwide and manages assets in excess of $4 billion. Its corporate office and main branch are in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal opportunity lender. Equal housing lender. For more information visit UnitedFCU.com