Michigan credit union, after acquiring local bank, rebrands Tampa Bay branches

Five former Pilot Bank locations have reopened under the Lake Michigan Credit Union banner.

By Brian Hartz
| 1:15 p.m. March 22, 2023
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

Lake Michigan Credit Union entered the Tampa Bay market in 2021 when it acquired Pilot Bank, continuing a trend of credit unions buying banks.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Lake Michigan Credit Union has rebranded five former Pilot Bank branches in the Tampa Bay area.

According to a news release, the branches are located at 17635 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa, 408 S. MacDill Ave. in South Tampa, 5140 E. Fowler Ave. in Temple Terrace, 12471 W. Linebaugh Ave. in Westchase and 2180 Fourth St. N. in St. Petersburg.

LMCU, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, acquired Tampa-based Pilot Bancshares, the parent company of Pilot Bank and the National Aircraft Finance Co., in 2021.

“As LMCU branches, these locations will play a crucial role in expanding our financial offerings to more people across Tampa and Lakeland, helping them achieve their financial goals,” states Roy Hellwege, LMCU’s Central Florida president, in the release. “I am proud to be part of an organization committed to providing exceptional service and support to our new and existing members.”

LMCU, the release states, was founded in 1933 and is the largest credit union in Michigan and 13th largest in the country. Its total assets exceed $11.9 billion, while it employs some 1,600 people and has more than 560,000 members. All residents of Florida and Michigan are eligible to join LMCU.

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Brian Hartz

Brian Hartz holds a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and has been a St. Petersburg resident since 2013. He has also worked for newspapers and magazines in Indiana, Canada and New Zealand.