NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

September 30, 2025

To Our Valued Member,

We are very excited about the proposed merger of Arrha Credit Union into BrightBridge Credit Union. The day of our merger vote is right around the corner, scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

After carefully evaluating options and possibilities, your Board of Directors is convinced that the proposed merger would result in a perfect fit of organizations with matching cultures and values.

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation (MSIC), the two organizations that insure 100% of your deposits, agree and have approved the proposed merger.

Now it's your turn to have your voice heard!

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS ON THE PROPOSAL TO MERGE

Please join us at a special meeting to vote on the proposed merger with Arrha Credit Union. During the special meeting, members will have the opportunity to ask our senior leadership team any questions before casting their ballots.

• Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Time: 12:00 p.m.
• Location: BrightBridge Credit Union Corporate Office, 500 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843

At the special meeting, members will vote FOR or AGAINST the following proposals:

To approve a proposal to merge Arrha Credit Union with and into BrightBridge Credit Union (the “Merger”) under the charter, by-laws and name of BrightBridge Credit Union, and to approve a proposal to amend BrightBridge Credit Union’s By-Laws contemporaneously with the Merger to expand BrightBridge Credit Union’s field of membership to include all those who currently are eligible for membership under Arrha Credit Union’s current field of membership.

BrightBridge Credit Union's Board of Directors recommends that its members vote FOR the Merger and FOR the amendment of the By-Laws.

To vote, a member must be present at the Special Meeting and vote in person. We strongly urge you to attend and vote at the Special Meeting. As a reminder, here are a few of the benefits of the proposed merger:

• The combined organization will have twenty three (23) retail branches.
• Our Member Support call center will be open and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• We will be able to expand our products and services to meet the evolving financial needs of all members.
• All deposit accounts are fully insured by the NCUA and MSIC.
• The team you trust at your local branch and the back-office team that services your accounts will still be there to provide the high-level service you have come to expect. Every single Arrha Credit Union team member will be offered employment and will become a great part of a strengthened BrightBridge team.
• The management team of BrightBridge Credit Union will remain intact, with John J. Howard continuing as President & CEO.
• The new Board of Directors will consist of current BrightBridge Board members, plus up to two (2) current Arrha Board members.
• BrightBridge will remain a member-owned, locally operated credit union focused on the needs of our membership and the communities we serve.

Click here to read the Notice of Special Meeting of the Members on Proposal to Merge and Amend ByLaws. >>

If you have a question or would like more information about the proposed merger, please visit brightbridge.com/merger, email us at mergerquestions@brightbridge.com or contact our Member Support team at (800) 356-0067.

We hope that you are as excited about the proposed merger as we are. We look forward to seeing you on November 19th!

Sincerely,

 

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Merger FAQs: BrightBridge Credit Union & Arrha Credit Union

 

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Notice:

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Division of Banks

BRIGHTBRIDGE CREDIT UNION (BRIGHTBRIDGE), Lawrence, Massachusetts has petitioned the Commissioner of Banks for permission to (1) merge with ARRHA CREDIT UNION (ARRHA), Springfield, Massachusetts; and (2) as part of this merger transaction, amend the bylaws of BRIGHTBRIDGE to include ARRHA’s current membership eligibility. Under the terms of the merger, ARRHA will merge with and into BRIGHTBRIDGE under the charter, bylaws, and name of BRIGHTBRIDGE. The main office of BRIGHTBRIDGE would remain the main office of the continuing credit union and all banking offices of ARRHA would be retained as branch offices. Any objections or comments relative to this proposal must be communicated in writing to the Commissioner of Banks no later than August 29, 2025 and may be submitted via electronic mail to dob.comments@mass.gov or mailed to One Federal Street, Suite 710, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. A public hearing may be held if the response is considered significant or circumstances warrant such a hearing, as determined by the Commissioner. The petitioner's application and all communications relative to this application are available from the Division by request at dob.rao@mass.gov.

MARY L. GALLAGHER
Commissioner of Banks

Notice of Merger (PDF)

 

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BrightBridge Credit Union and Arrha Credit Union Announce Intent to Merge

July 16, 2025

Lawrence, Mass., & Springfield, Mass. – Wednesday, July 16 – BrightBridge Credit Union (BrightBridge) and Arrha Credit Union are pleased to announce their intent to merge, combining two strong, member-focused institutions to enhance the value delivered to their members and communities. BrightBridge will be the continuing credit union.

This strategic partnership is rooted in a shared mission to provide exceptional service, competitive financial products and a strong community presence. By joining together, BrightBridge will expand its field of membership to serve the Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties in Massachusetts, and Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut.

If approved by members of both credit unions and regulators, the combined institutions will have 23 retail branches and provide shared branching across the U.S. Together, these institutions will have combined assets of nearly $2.4 billion and approximately 125,000 members.

“We’re so excited about this opportunity to unite with another credit union that shares our values and commitment to putting members first,” said BrightBridge President & CEO John J. Howard. “Arrha Credit Union has a long-standing reputation for supporting its members with integrity, care and genuine down-to-earth service. Our partnership allows us to build upon that legacy while investing in future growth and innovation.” “

We believe this partnership is exceptionally beneficial to our members, our team members and to our community,” said Michael Ostrowski, President & CEO of Arrha Credit Union. “Together, we’ll be stronger and better equipped to serve our members’ evolving financial needs. We look forward to working with the BrightBridge team to ensure a smooth transition for all.”

Throughout the merger process, both organizations have committed to transparency and open communication, with members receiving regular updates and information regarding the proposed merger.

For more information and updates, please bookmark this page.