Our Credit Union Story
At M1, our story starts with people: the members we serve, the community we love, and the staff who make it happen.
Built on Trust. Grown with Purpose.
M1 started with a simple idea: people deserve a financial partner that puts them first. From our earliest days, we’ve been rooted in service—founded by and for the community we proudly serve.
Over the years, we’ve grown, but our values haven’t changed. We’ve stayed focused on what matters most: supporting our members, strengthening our communities, and creating a workplace where our team can thrive.
Our story isn’t just about finances — it’s about building something better together. That’s the M1 Difference.
A Vision Born Around a Kitchen Table
In 1954, a small group of state hospital employees in Ionia, Michigan, gathered above Hiler’s restaurant to explore a bold idea: creating a credit union that would serve their coworkers and community. With guidance from the State of Michigan and the Michigan Credit Union League, they launched what would become M1—then known as IPECU Ionia Public Employees Credit Union).
For the first nine years, the Credit Union ran out of the first manager's home. Meetings took place in living rooms, and business happened around kitchen tables. Volunteers welcomed new members at the Ionia Free Fair. Every choice was guided by one purpose: serving people—not profits.
Today, M1 remains a nonprofit financial cooperative owned by its members. We’ve never merged. We’ve never strayed from our mission. Our elected officials are unpaid volunteers—people who believe in democratic governance and community stewardship.
We’re proud of our roots and even prouder of the values that continue to guide us: independence, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people we serve.
More Than a Credit Union
At M1, we believe financial services should feel personal. That’s why we greet you with a smile, listen with care, and celebrate your wins—big or small. Whether you’re opening your first savings account or planning for retirement, we’re here to help you thrive.
We’re not just a financial institution. We’re a community, and we’re just getting started.
History Timeline
1954 The Beginning: Ionia Public Employees Credit Union opens. The first office was located in the basement of the first manager's home.
1963 On The Move: Moved into a new building which would be our home for 33 years.
1964 GECU: Governmental Employees Credit Union is formed.
1999 Carson City: The Carson City Office opens.
2005 M1: Changed to a community field of membership; became Michigan One Community Credit Union.
2008 South Ionia: The South Ionia Office opens in the spring.
2013 Greenville: The Greenville West Office opens in October.
2017 State-Wide: Received state-wide field of membership. All persons who live, work, worship, or attend school in the State of Michigan can join!
2019 Alma: The Alma Office opens in October.
