The proposed merger of Colorado Springs-based Ent Credit Union and Wings Credit Union, based in the Twin Cities suburb of Apple Valley, Minn., has cleared its final hurdle. The not-for-profit credit unions announced in a joint news release Friday morning that Wings members have voted to adopt Ent ’s charter. More than 62,000 Wings members, representing 20% of membership, participated in the vote, “an engagement level that far exceeded industry norms,” the release said. Federal regulations require a member vote when a credit union changes its charter or merges into another charter. Only Wings members voted because Ent’s charter remains unchanged, the release said. With regulatory and member approvals now complete, the combined credit union — which will be called Wings Credit Union, a nod to Wings’ aviation heritage and Ent’s Air Force roots — will be effective Jan. 1. Ent President and CEO Chad Graves will lead the newly combined Wings Credit Union as its CEO. It will maintain two headquarters, which will remain in Colorado Springs and in Apple Valley, Minn. “This merger represents strategic growth. It will bring expanded access, deliver enhanced systems and technology, and continue the proud tradition of both Ent and Wings in putting people ahead of profits,” Graves said in the release. Ent and Wings, the largest credit unions in Colorado and Minnesota, first announced the merger in April. The newly formed Wings Credit Union will be among the largest credit unions in the U.S., with combined assets of almost $20 billion. The companies previously said the combined credit union will have nearly 90 locations in Colorado, Minnesota, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin, serving more than 900,000 members — predominantly in Colorado and Minnesota — when it is legally combined next year. Members will enjoy expanded access to service centers, an enhanced digital experience with Wings’ online and mobile banking platform, and improved technology to make everyday banking faster and easier, officials said. The credit unions, though, expect the systems won’t be fully integrated until 2028. Members won’t experience immediate changes, officials said. No service centers will close and no jobs will be lost in the merger. Visit Ent.CUtogether.com or Wings.CUtogether.com for more information and ongoing updates. ...read more read less