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LMCU hires stephany Stowell as mortgage loan officer for Southwest michigan region. Lake michigan credit union (LMCU) is pleased to share their hiring of stephany Stowell as a mortgage loan officer serving the credit union's Southwest michigan region. Stowell brings over 30 years of real estate and mortgage industry experience to LMCU, as well as deep market knowledge, a hands-on approach, and a commitment to helping homebuyers in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, South Haven, and St. Joseph achieve their homeownership dreams with confidence. In this role, Stowell will connect prospective buyers with LMCU's competitive rates and personalized mortgage products to make the process as streamlined and affordable as possible. LMCU Mortgage Sales Manager, Alexis Howard, spoke highly of how Stowell's passion for building authentic relationships will make her a lender Southwest Michiganders can trust. "Stephany understands that purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions our members will ever make, so she makes it her goal to guide them with clarity and honesty," Howard said. "For her, it isn't just about numbers: it's about building trust and empowering members to take that first step with confidence." Stowell furthered this point, emphasizing the importance of learning about the human behind the mortgage. "I genuinely enjoy working with homebuyers, because helping someone embark on the path to homeownership is just so meaningful," Stowell said. "Every buyer has a unique story, and I love being a part of that journey - educating them, easing their worries, and celebrating their wins."

From Lake Michigan to Lake saint clair: how LMCU is making a splash in Southeast Michigan. March 23, 2026 05:00 AM EDT When the business world is full of big, faceless banks, AI agents and depersonalized transactions, "people working with people" becomes a message that really resonates - and it's why a financial institution like Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) has been steadily winning new business members and lifelong fans alike, even well into its nineties. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, with 51 Michigan branches and 22 in Florida, LMCU is preparing to open its first Detroit branch this spring. This means LMCU's 1,807-strong team has big plans to show the city's businesses and families just why they'll love banking with a credit union. A credit union that means business. The perks of a credit union membership are easy to communicate: Because credit unions like LMCU are not-for-profit institutions owned by their members rather than their shareholders, they can offer higher interest rates on their savings products and lower interest rates on their loans, all while reinvesting more money into the communities they serve. Better yet, any business owner who resides in Michigan can become an LMCU member without meeting any special requirements. All it takes is a $5 deposit. In return, business owners will find in LMCU a trusted partner that offers a full suite of business banking products - with local lenders that believe in getting to know the faces behind the business, rather than just the numbers in their account. A strong advocate for businesses big and small, LMCU is eager to help Detroit business owners obtain the capital they need to grow and prosper. The credit union's full-service, relationship-driven business banking solutions span from checking accounts, business credit cards, and insurance to commercial, SBA, and additional small business loan options. Beyond this, the credit union's Treasury Management team works to help businesses optimize cash flow, defend against fraud, and operate more efficiently. LMCU's arrival in Detroit will build off the lending presence the credit union has already established in the region. With over 75 years of industry experience between them, LMCU's team of local commercial & SBA lending experts have, to-date, financed $150 million in loans for Southeast Michigan businesses. In the past three years, LMCU has also introduced new loan products designed to help businesses of all sizes keep growing. This includes Lightning Loans, with fast online applications and approvals, as well as specialized small business loans for financing new equipment, machinery, and vehicles. This commitment to helping businesses expand through flexible and affordable lending solutions led LMCU to be named Michigan's 2024 Credit Union Lender of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration. "We see businesses differently at LMCU," says Ruben Alfaras, LMCU's Director of SBA Lending. "Treating our business partnerships as community investments leads to huge ripple effects. Not only are we able to help a lot of business owners take their dreams to the next level, but our hard work also helps create jobs and strengthen the communities we serve, which is all part of LMCU's mission." The LMCU difference. LMCU's people-centered service is good business, but it also guides everything they do. As Michigan's largest credit union, LMCU pairs the lending power and financial stability of a big bank with the personal, neighborly service of a credit union. "We love hearing our members say they feel treated like neighbors, not numbers," says LMCU's Chief Operating Officer, Sara Kemperman. "That's always been our goal - meeting people where they are, understanding what matters to them and helping them move forward towards their dreams and financial success." This neighborly approach extends far beyond LMCU's branches, too, as the credit union considers the communities they serve to be the heart of their mission. Originally called Grand Rapids Teachers Credit Union, LMCU was founded by Lloyd F. Hutt and a group of other school teachers in 1933 to help members weather the Great Depression. Hutt made community involvement one of the credit union's founding principles, and LMCU carries on Hutt's vision to this day. In 2025 alone, LMCU donated over $4 million to causes relevant to their four philanthropic pillars of education, housing, health & well-being, and economic inclusion. From raising money for pediatric research and kids' hunger relief, to annual scholarship programs, housing grants for under-resourced neighborhoods and financing for a new Latino Economic and Talent Development Center, LMCU believes in nurturing communities at their roots. This also includes investing in future business leaders. Whether it's the National Black and Latino Summit, Tampa's Mentoring Monday, or any of the credit union's nearly 200 annual community financial workshops, LMCU routinely sponsors events that prepare entrepreneurs and up-and-coming professionals to make waves in their industries. To LMCU's leader, though, the credit union's true impact can't be measured in dollars. "The recent stat we're most proud of is the 14,608 volunteer hours LMCU employees spent at over 385 nonprofits in 2025," says LMCU's President & CEO, Julie Leonard. "By offering every team member paid volunteer time and connecting our staff with volunteer opportunities in their neighborhoods, we've cultivated a culture that doesn't just care, but also has a blast building communities together." Keeping more money in members' pockets. When LMCU's team members aren't supporting businesses and helping their communities live better, they're working every day to help local families bank better, too. LMCU is rated by credit union research company Callahan & Associates as the best in its class for keeping more money in members' pockets. Whether they're earning more when they save or spending less when they borrow, LMCU members are empowered to achieve their financial dreams for a lifetime with the help of their high-yield Max Checking account, low-interest credit cards and home equity loans, and offerings like their 12+ specialty mortgage programs. LMCU is particularly interested in making housing more accessible and affordable. In today's ever-evolving housing market, LMCU seeks to show homebuyers just how possible owning a home can be by offering low rates and transparent, simplified service and down payment assistance for those who qualify. The whole nine yards for LMCU's ninth local branch. With eight branches in Southeast Michigan already, LMCU is looking forward to opening its first Detroit branch to expand the credit union's regional presence. This investment got off to a great start in the past year, as LMCU partnered with local leaders at the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference, joined the Detroit Housing Commission's Preferred Mortgage Lenders list, and sponsored the latest Educators Rising conference at Wayne State University. While finalized details on the credit union's new branch are still to come, LMCU's President & CEO is resolute about the impact her organization will make. "We're excited to partner with our neighbors and business owners in Detroit," Leonard concludes. "We want to be those fellow Michiganders who Detroiters can trust with their financial goals - the approachable experts you can come to and say, 'Here's my dream. Can we work together to make it happen?' Because our response every time will be, 'Let's take that first step, together.'" Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.

Lake Michigan Credit Union sponsors $8,000 in community grants at CFI's Volunteer Expo 2026 on January 28. SANIBEL, Fla. - The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) will host its annual Volunteer Expo on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at The Community House, bringing together more than 50 local nonprofit organizations, community groups, and residents for an afternoon focused on service, connection, and community engagement. The Volunteer Expo is powered by Pfeifer Realty Group, whose continued support makes this community-wide event possible. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from nonprofits across Sanibel and Captiva, learn about volunteer opportunities, and explore ways to get involved in causes that strengthen and preserve the islands. The Sanibel Community Association joins this year as a venue sponsor. As part of the event, CFI will award $8,000 in community grants to participating nonprofit organizations, made possible through the generous support of Lake Michigan Credit Union, a returning Volunteer Expo sponsor. The grants will be presented during a grants and awards ceremony from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. and include a People's Choice Award and Best Decorated Table Award. Lake Michigan Credit Union's partnership with CFI reflects a longstanding commitment to strengthening island nonprofits. In 2022, following Hurricane Ian, Lake Michigan Credit Union awarded CFI a grant to provide POINT - a volunteer management software platform - to island nonprofits at no cost, helping organizations more effectively coordinate volunteers during recovery efforts and beyond. "This event is about connection - connecting people to purpose and nonprofits to the volunteers and resources they need," said Savannah Kelly, Director of Community Engagement at CFI. "The Volunteer Expo reflects the strong partnerships and shared commitment that keep Sanibel and Captiva thriving." That commitment to community investment is shared by Lake Michigan Credit Union. "Local nonprofits are essential to the strength and character of a community," said Karen Goetz, Senior Regional Community Relations Specialist at Lake Michigan Credit Union. "We're proud to support the Volunteer Expo again this year and to help recognize the meaningful work nonprofits do every day for Sanibel and Captiva." To be eligible for grant awards and to receive votes for the People's Choice Award, nonprofit organizations must be registered to participate in the Volunteer Expo. Registration is required in order to vote and can be completed online at mycfi.org. Volunteer Expo at a Glance Date: January 28, 2026 Time: 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. Location: The Community House Hosted by: Charitable Foundation of the Islands Powered by: Pfeifer Realty Group Grant Sponsor: Lake Michigan Credit Union * 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. - Nonprofit tabling featuring more than 50 local organizations * 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Grants and awards presentation * Meet motivated volunteers and future island leaders * Learn about volunteer opportunities across Sanibel and Captiva * Discover ways to preserve the sanctuary islands and strengthen local communities * Connect with organizations making a meaningful impact * Complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments and food beginning at 3:30 p.m. * The first 250 attendees will receive a swag bag filled with giveaways from island organizations The Volunteer Expo is free and open to the public and is an ideal opportunity for new residents, seasonal neighbors, and anyone looking to become more engaged in the island nonprofit community. For event details, nonprofit registration, and attendee registration, visit mycfi.org.