CASSOPOLIS — A regional credit union is getting a more Cass County-inclusive makeover, thanks to a recent name change and rebranding.

Last Thursday, the former Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union celebrated its new name, Circle Federal Credit Union, with ribbon cuttings at its Niles, Cassopolis and Edwardsburg locations. The credit union also has a new tagline: “Centered around you.”

The nonprofit credit union initially opened in the 1940s under the name Conair Credit Union, serving employees of the industrial company within its complex. In the 1980s, Greater Niles Federal Credit Union became a community charter, opening itself up to members from Cass County, Niles and Niles Township. It opened its Cassopolis location in 2006 and its Edwardsburg location in 2012.

According to Circle Federal Credit Union President and CEO Dave Van Strien, the decision to change names once again was spurred by a desire to be more inclusive of its customers outside of Niles and to reflect the credit union’s mission to provide “circle of life” care.

“Many people associate us with the Niles area because it is in the name,” said Cassopolis branch manager Carrie Parritt. “We wanted to embrace the Cass County area as well. That was the initial reason for the change. … We want to show people that we are there for the full circle of care.”

“I think this new name is going to serve us better because it is not unique to Niles,” added Tracy Snyder, the Edwardsburg branch manager. “It’s more of a generic name.”

So far, Parritt and Snyder said customers have been reacting positively to the change. At least two people excited about the change are Billie Hires and Darren Williamson, representatives of the Cassopolis/Vandalia Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I think that this is great,” Williamson said. “The Niles name kind of limits them in terms of recognition to the surrounding counties.”

“They serve so many of our local people,” Hires added. “They are very involved in the community, and this reflects that.”

Currently, the buildings still have Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union signs, but credit union representatives said customers could expect to see new signs, logos, forms and branding changes rolled out over the next few months. As the credit union continues to roll out changes, its representatives said they are excited about the future of Circle Federal Credit Union.

“I hope we can continue to serve the public and our youth,” Snyder said. “We hope we can help them as they make their way through life. We want to help people from when they are young, with a youth savings account, then we can help them with a retirement plan. That is the circle of care and planning.”