Arlene
Dickinson, Sebastien Clovis,
join Meridian leaders at Annual General Meeting to connect with
Small Business Owners
TORONTO, April 19,
2024 /CNW/ - Meridian, Ontario's largest credit union and of the
largest in Canada, celebrated its
corporate milestones and its Small Business Big Impact Award
winners at this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 18, 2024 at the Meridian Arts Center in
Toronto.
The event included a Small Business Marketplace, a panel
discussion with the winners of the 2023 Small Business Big Impact
Awards, a Keynote address by Arlene
Dickinson of CBC Dragon's Den, and a chance for Board of
Directors and Executive team to connect directly with Members and
small business owners alike. The event was hosted by Sebastian Clovis of HGTV.
"In a year filled with many challenges, Meridian remained
steadfast in its commitment to its core principle of Members
helping Members," said Jay-Ann
Gilfoy, President and CEO, Meridian. "We wanted to recognize
that Canadians, and particularly small business owners, have
navigated numerous economic challenges recently. Our dedication to
supporting our Members, and the communities where they live and
work has never wavered. We continue to double down on our
Meridian For Good Strategy, which focuses on helping our Members
achieve their best life by integrating our purpose into everything
we do."
Meridian strives to provide essential financial resources and
guidance to everyone, especially those who lack access. The
delivery involves empowering people to prepare for a better
future—one that is lasting, adaptable, and diverse—while building
financial confidence.
"Co-operatives embody the collective effort of individuals
working together to enhance their surroundings and contribute to a
more equitable world," said Karen
Farbridge, Chair of Meridian. "Meridian is a shining example
of how a cooperative financial institution can empower individuals,
promote community well-being, and offer a more people-centric
approach to financial services."
In 2023, Meridian consistently enhanced its services to better
serve Members. From building a top ranked digital banking platform,
to investing more in digital and analytics to add protection and
help guard against cyber-attacks and fraud, Meridian
focused on delivering differentiated banking experiences that
prioritize Members and simplify the banking process, while building
lasting relationships with both current and new
Members. Members are at the centre of the Meridian For Good
strategy, and will be the face of the new brand roll out in the
coming months, which was previewed at the AGM.
"We were thrilled to offer our members an exclusive look at our
new brand platform at the AGM," said Matthew Seagrim, Chief Digital & Marketing
Officer, Meridian. "Our brand platform amplifies our commitment to
Members in every facet of member experience, our marketing and
digital services. We know we are different, and we are proud of it.
As a credit union, we don't have public shareholders — our Members
are our owners. That means more of our profits are used to help
support the communities of the Members we serve and help us to
innovate our products and services."
Meridian 2023 Highlights
- Meridian launched its 2023 ESG Report and 2023 Annual
Report
- Meridian Launched its First Home Buyer Savings Account
available to both Wealth and Retail Members.
- Meridian announced new chequing account service charge packages
to provide Members with more choice in meeting their day-to-day
banking needs.
- Meridian continued to expand programs that support new
Canadians and equity deserving groups. These include our Retail
Purpose Lending Programs; the BDC Accelerator Program; and the New
to Canada program to better
support new Canadians.
- Meridian invested $3.4 million in
2023 in local communities through our social impact programing.
This program includes key initiatives such as The Good Neighbour
Program, the Sean Jackson Scholarship, My Commitment to Communities
Employee Program.
- Meridian employees contributed a total of 4,322 volunteer hours
in 2023.
- Meridian was recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers.
- Meridian was recognized as a leader when it comes to
inclusivity, as recipients of the Pride Niagara Unity Award and the
2023 Commitment Unity Award.
- Meridian was recognized among the Achievers 50 Most Engaged
Workplaces.
About Meridian
Meridian is Ontario's largest
credit union, and one of the largest in Canada. Guided by our purpose, "helping you
achieve your best life," Meridian delivers personal, business and
wealth financial solutions to over 380,000 Members. Our bold
Meridian for Good strategy is aimed at helping people get access to
the money and advice they need; plan for a better future that is
clean, resilient, and diverse; and be financially confident.
Meridian has two operating subsidiaries: Meridian OneCap Credit
Corp ("MOCC") and motusbank. For more information, please visit:
meridiancu.ca.
We acknowledge the land on which we operate is the traditional
territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit,
the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat
peoples and now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and
Métis. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the
Mississaugas of the Credit.
SOURCE Meridian Credit Union