Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU)

History

When school teacher Lloyd F. Hutt opened the doors of his depression-era home and created a new business, he opened a new chapter in West Michigan banking. Pooling the money of 13 fellow visionary teachers, Hutt created Grand Rapids Teachers Credit Union (GRTCU), which began operations right out of Hutt’s own home. Ninety years later, Hutt would scarcely recognize the expansion of his home-grown organization. Decades of steady growth, strategic mergers, and the addition of several major service lines have transformed Hutt’s business in ways he could have never foreseen. Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is now the largest financial institution headquartered in West Michigan, with locations throughout Michigan and also in Southwestern and Central Florida.

The organization grew through the management of a number of local credit unions beginning in the 1970's, stretching into the late 1990's. In 2001, the group of affiliated credit unions merged to become Lake Michigan Credit Union. Additional acquisitions and growth allowed expansion into Southwestern Michigan, Southeastern Michigan, and a presence in Florida. Today, LMCU serves members throughout the entire lower peninsula of Michigan, as well as Southwest and Central Florida. As of 2023, LMCU has 70 branches, over 1,600 staff members, and nearly 600,000 members.

At LMCU, we're dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve beyond just our products and services. Community outreach has been embedded in the LMCU culture since 1933. Whether through volunteerism, philanthropy, sponsorships, or other forms of community engagement, it has been important to be a catalyst for change and growth in the communities we serve. LMCU team members are all given a paid day to volunteer in the community. Throughout the year, LMCU supports community events, nonprofit organizations, schools, and other activities throughout the entire footprint it serves.