WARREN, Ohio – 717 Credit Union announced Friday that it has begun a merger with Teamsters Local 92 Federal Credit Union, one of its first steps in a larger western expansion plan.
717 will serve the 500 members of Teamsters Local 92 FCU, which will close its branch in Canton. Those members will begin using 717’s North Canton branch starting this month, a news release states.
“Our history is deeply rooted in the labor movement, and we know the pride and power that come from standing together,” said John Demmler, CEO of 717 Credit Union. “It’s a true example of banking with purpose, building stronger communities – and together, we can accomplish more than we ever could alone.”
In August 2025, 717 began supporting Teamsters Local 92 FCU by providing additional expertise and resources as a larger credit union. As the collaboration progressed, 717 was invited to serve as a merger partner because of its expertise and capabilities given the increasing technology and compliance requirements facing financial institutions today, the release states.
“I really believe what 717 stands for, and the employees and leadership. With the products 717 offers, it’s beneficial for everyone,” said Ron Crosbie, Teamsters Local 92 FCU board president. “I’ve been a longtime member of Teamsters 92 FCU. While Teamsters has always been there for me, I believe going forward we can be more effective as a part of 717.”
According to 717 Credit Union’s website, Teamsters Local 92 FCU members’ ATM cards were deactivated Dec. 30, and the branch permanently closed Dec. 31. As of Friday, the former members of Teamsters Local 92 FCU were to be able to access their funds and go to any 717 branch for service.
717 was already in Canton and remains committed to northeastern Ohio, the credit union said in its announcement. In addition to its existing Canton-area presence, 717 plans to open new branches in the Wallhaven neighborhood and in Akron in the coming months.
Founded by union employees itself, 717 has a long history of supporting unions. The credit union was formed in 1957 by 15 hourly employees at the Packard Electric division of General Motors. They created the credit union with just $75, locked in a cigar box of the IUE Local 717 union hall.
Today, anyone living or working in northeastern Ohio can become a member and open an account with 717.
717 has 12 branches, more than 120,000 members and more than 330 employees – nearly 180 of whom are members of the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 1794.
As the merger moves forward, 717’s goal is to meet the financial needs of all members – whether they’re long-standing or new, the release states.