A change for the new year to Red Canoe Credit Union

Weyerhaeuser Employees' Credit Union will start 2007 with a new name, Red Canoe Credit Union.

WECU expanded membership eligibility in 2002 to include anyone who lives, works or worships in the state of Washington, as well as select employee groups in a tri- city area of Oregon. A new name seemed necessary to better reflect the credit union's future growth strategy.

"We wanted a name that is representative of our existing membership but also appeals to future members and our community," said Bob Kane, President/CEO of Weyerhaeuser Employees' Credit Union.

The credit union enlisted Weber Marketing Group, an experienced naming and branding firm, to lead them through a strategic, multiphase name change process involving several months of research.

The team looked at over 300 new names, evaluating each one for brandability, marketing potential and phonetic appeal before selecting Red Canoe.

"Today marks a new chapter in our 70-year heritage and we are proud of what our new name, Red Canoe Credit Union, stands for," said Kane. "Red Canoe is a progressive and active financial institution that has guided generations of families through their financial journey. Our new name confirms our focus for the future, to make a difference in the quality of our communities and our member's lives for generations."

Red Canoe is excited to unveil their new brand and welcome anyone in Washington State to join. The credit union also plans to open more branches in the near future to better serve the Longview and Federal Way communities.

Weyerhaeuser Employees' Credit Union was chartered in 1937 and has over 49,000 members in all 50 states with $395 million in assets. The credit union offers a full array of financial and investment services to anyone who lives, works or worships in Washington State.

For more information about their products or services, visit their web site at www.redcanoecu.com.