The Merger Vote Is Now Open
Your Participation Matters
Merger Update
On June 6, 2024, we announced our intention to merge with Apple Federal Credit Union. The merger process involves three phases: approval from our regulator, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a member vote, and system integration.
We are pleased to share that our application has been approved by the NCUA! Now, it’s your opportunity to make your voice heard. Beginning October 10, you will receive a ballot in the mail along with more details about the merger. Please ensure your ballot is returned by December 3, 2024. We recommend allowing at least 5 days for mailing time.
We anticipate completing the merger and account transition by early 2025. We’ll keep you updated on key dates, developments, and the next steps along the way. In the meantime, please continue to bank with NextMark as usual.
Benefits of Voting Yes
A Stronger Financial Future
As an Apple FCU member, you will have a more extensive suite of financial products and services designed to meet your evolving needs. You can expect:
- Larger branch network. Apple will keep all of NextMark’s branches open, ensuring continued local access for our members. Even better, members will also have access to Apple’s network of 21 more branches throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford and Winchester.
- More drive-thru locations. Apple has 11 drive-thru locations with expanded hours of operation.
- Same Knowledgeable, Friendly Employees: All NextMark employees will join the Apple team, giving members access to the same knowledgeable, friendly employees you’ve come to know.
- Additional Financial Solutions: You will have access to a broader range of products and services, including enhanced business banking solutions, in-house mortgage products, a full-service wealth management and insurance division.
- Unwavering Community Focus: Apple’s unwavering commitment to the local community has always been a top priority and will remain a central focus.
Member Voting FAQs
NextMark has partnered with CUBallot, a leading third-party facilitator of credit union merger votes nationwide, to provide a voting process that is safe, secure, and confidential for our members.
Any individual NextMark member or business account owner that is at least 18 years old as of December 3, 2024. Additionally, membership must have been established on or before September 1, 2024.
Members will receive paper ballots through the U.S. Mail. Please use the pre-paid postage envelope to return your completed ballot to CUBallot, the independent third party conducting the vote.
We encourage you to verify that your contact information is up to date via NextMark Online Banking, by visiting a branch, or by calling us at 703-218-9900.
No. Since an independent third-party company is conducting the vote, NextMark employees cannot accept ballots, assist with voting, or provide a way to vote at the branch.
In-person voting is allowed on the day of the special meeting, December 3, 2024.
The third-party company, CUBallot, will have access to limited member data solely to verify voting eligibility, ensure a secure voting process, and tally and certify the final results. Neither NextMark Credit Union nor Apple Federal Credit Union will have access to any cast ballots.
If you need a new paper ballot, you can request one through a secure message in online banking or by calling us at 703-218-9900. Our branch staff can also provide you with a new ballot and prepaid envelope.
Please Note: branch employees are not allowed to accept your ballot, therefore you will be responsible for mailing it directly to CUBallot, the independent third party managing the vote.
The ballot you receive in the mail will have a special code that is unique to you. This information ensures the vote is submitted accurately and that members cannot submit more than one vote.
Voting is completely optional. A non-vote is not a ‘yes’ vote or a ‘no’ vote. Only votes received will be counted.
No. Only those who were NextMark members on or before September 1, 2024 are eligible to vote.
Yes, as long as you were a NextMark member as of December 31, 2023, you keep an active share account with the Credit Union through the end of the merger, and remain in good standing.
The Board of Directors wanted to express their appreciation for your loyalty. As a result, eligible members will receive a one-time bonus disbursement in the form of a share balance or dividend distribution.*
This bonus returns a portion of NextMark Credit Union’s capital to eligible members. The exact amounts will be determined based on several factors. Further details will be included in the meeting notice mailed to all eligible voting members. Additionally, we will send a letter to all eligible members in early 2025, detailing the amount you will receive.
*The dividend distribution is a reportable taxable event. We recommend consulting with your tax advisor if you have any questions.
This meeting, convened by the NextMark Board of Directors, is a special session held in addition to the Annual Meeting. Its primary purpose is to officially close the member voting period.
The special member meeting will be held on December 3, 2024, starting at 5:00 PM. This meeting will be in person, at 4201 Member’s Way, Fairfax, VA 22030 in the Jake Lay Community Room.
To ensure we have enough space for everyone, please click here to RSVP and let us know if you will be attending.
No. You’re welcome to attend the special member meeting, but attendance is not required to cast your vote. Simply mail in the paper ballot you received. To ensure your vote is counted, it must be received by December 3, 2024, so we recommend allowing at least 5 days for mailing.
However, if you prefer, you also have the option to bring your paper ballot to the special meeting and vote in person.
Notice of the special meeting and ballots will be mailed to members starting on October 10, 2024. To ensure your ballot is counted, it must be received by December 3, 2024. We recommend allowing at least 5 days for mailing time. Ballots received after the deadline, even if postmarked by December 3, 2024, will not be counted because preliminary results will be tabulated and shared at the conclusion of the special meeting.
We will announce the preliminary results at the end of the special member meeting on December 3, 2024. We will inform members of the final results and issue a press release shortly after the special meeting.
You can email us at [email protected] with any of your voting or merger related questions.
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Got Questions?
As the merger process continues, we will keep members informed of progress, including sharing important notices, dates, and events. If you have questions that haven’t been addressed in these FAQs, please email [email protected].
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Who is Apple FCU?
Established in 1956, Apple FCU is an award-winning, top 100 credit union, serving roughly 245,000 members with $4.4 billion in assets. As a member-owned financial cooperative, Apple FCU serves a diverse community of school systems and anyone who lives or works in Fairfax, Frederick (VA) and Prince William counties. With a strong emphasis on innovation and technology, Apple prioritizes member experience and financial education, striving to empower individuals and families to achieve their financial goals.