Fort Financial offers three convenient voting options:

Mail

• Ballots were sent to Primary Members via voting packet on December 2, 2025. Delivered the same way you receive monthly statements (electronic or paper).
• Detach the ballot from the packet and mail it to the independent third-party administrator, Surveys and Ballots, by January 26, 2026. Instructions are included in the packet.

Electronic (available January 12–26, 2026)

• Members may vote online using the secure link sent via email on January 12, 2026.
• If your email bounced, you will receive a mailed letter with a QR code.
• Check your spam/junk folders if you do not see the email.

In-Person

• Primary Members may vote on-site at the special meeting:
  January 26, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM
  Fort Financial Corporate Office
  8815 Lima Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46818

MEMBER VOTE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Proposed Merger: Fort Financial Federal Credit Union and INOVA Federal Credit Union

1. Who is eligible to vote?

All Fort Financial Members aged 18 or older who are listed as the primary account holder as of December 1, 2025, are eligible to vote.

2. Why can only Primary Members vote?

Only a primary member owns a full share in the Credit Union, which grants voting rights. Joint account holders do not have a separate ownership share unless they are also a primary member on another account. This is established by the Federal Credit Union Act and Fort Financial’s Bylaws.

3. Why do Fort Financial members need to vote?

Unlike banks or corporations, a credit union cannot be bought or sold. A credit union merger is a voluntary partnership that requires approval from the board of directors, regulators, and membership. Regulators have approved this merger and we are now seeking approval from our members.

4. Can I vote more than once if I have multiple Fort Financial memberships?

No. Each Primary Member may cast one vote, regardless of the number of primary accounts held. Exception: Business entities (see below).

5. Can I vote on behalf of my business account?

Yes. A business entity that is a Primary Member may appoint one authorized representative to vote. The representative must be listed as an authorized signer for the business.

6. How can I vote?

Fort Financial offers three convenient voting options:

Mail

• Ballots were sent to Primary Members via voting packet on December 2, 2025.
  Delivered the same way you receive monthly statements (electronic or paper).
• Detach the ballot from the packet and mail it to the independent third-party administrator, Surveys and Ballots, by January 26, 2026.
  Instructions are included in the packet.

Electronic (available January 12–26, 2026)

• Members may vote online using the secure link sent via email on January 12, 2026.
• If your email bounced, you will receive a mailed letter with a QR code.
• Check your spam/junk folders if you do not see the email.

In-Person

• Primary Members may vote on-site at the special meeting:
  January 26, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 PM
  Fort Financial Corporate Office
  8815 Lima Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46818

7. Am I required to vote?

No, voting is not mandatory. However, participation is important in shaping the future of our Credit Union.

8. Can I vote online?

Yes. Members may vote electronically using their secure email link or mailed QR code. Only those with undeliverable emails receive a QR code.

9. Can I give my completed ballot to a Fort Financial team member?

No. For privacy and compliance reasons, ballots must be mailed directly to the third-party administrator. Only members attending the in-person special meeting may submit a vote on-site.

10. Why can’t I hand my paper ballot in at a branch?

To ensure security, confidentiality, and accuracy, all paper ballots must be sent directly to the independent third-party administrator. This protects vote integrity and member anonymity.

11. Why use a third-party administrator?

An independent administrator ensures transparency and impartiality, handling ballot collection, verification, and counting to keep the process confidential and accurate.

12. Why was Surveys and Ballots chosen?

Fort Financial selected this firm based on its strong reputation for confidentiality, reliability, and experience in secure voting and verification. Their independence ensures complete fairness and transparency.

13. How is the vote result determined?

The merger vote outcome is determined by a majority of votes cast by participating Primary Members.

14. When will the voting results be shared?

After all ballots, mail, electronic, and in-person are verified and counted by Survey and Ballot Systems, results will be promptly announced to Fort Financial Members. Tentatively the week of February 2, 2026.

15. When will the merger take place?

If the membership vote is affirmative, the effective date of the merger will be March 1, 2026. Both credit unions will continue using their current systems until mid-September, when the data processing system migration is completed.

This merger is a strategic decision to strengthen our ability to serve you. INOVA Federal Credit Union shares our values, our commitment to members, and our focus on community. By coming together, we gain greater financial strength, more services, and the resources to invest in better technology, competitive rates, and enhanced support for all our members.

If approved, this partnership will bring:

• Competitive rates on loans and savings accounts
• Lower or fewer fees
• Expanded services such as:
  • In-house mortgage lending
  • A broader range of business banking solutions
• Improved/enhanced digital tools
• Stronger data security and fraud prevention
• A more resilient, future-ready credit union

In the short term, nothing will change. Your accounts, debit cards, online banking, and day-to-day services will remain the same.

When the merger is approved, we’ll communicate about any updates or enhancements. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible.

No branch locations will be closed as part of this merger as both credit unions reside in different regions. In fact, our members will have access to more locations and shared resources.

This merger adds depth and stability to our leadership and operations. Our employees will continue to serve you, and many will benefit from expanded career opportunities. This also enhances succession planning and ensures long-term stability for our members and team.

Right now, we’re in the planning and review stage. When approved by regulators and by a member vote in late 2025, we anticipate the merger being finalized in early 2026.

Fort Financial Credit Union and INOVA Federal Credit Union Announce Intent to Merge, creating a Stronger Partnership for Members

(August 28, 2025) | In a strategic move to strengthen their shared commitment to exceptional member service, financial empowerment, and community values, Fort Financial Credit Union and INOVA Federal Credit Union are excited to announce their intent to merge. This partnership is a collaboration built on shared purpose and mutual respect designed to bring together the strengths of both credit unions to better serve their members and communities.

The anticipated merger will combine decades of financial expertise, community involvement, and a deep understanding of members’ needs. By joining forces, the two organizations will expand their collective ability to offer enhanced products and services, greater convenience, and continued personalized care.

“This is about two strong credit unions coming together to become even stronger,” said Jeff Leichty, Chairman of the Board, Fort Financial Credit Union. “Our members will benefit from more robust resources, new technologies, and a broader branch and ATM network, all while experiencing the same personal service and values they’ve come to trust.”

Steve Collins, President and CEO, Fort Financial Credit Union added, “We are not changing who we are, we are building on what we’ve already achieved to deliver even more for our members. This merger is a true partnership, grounded in mutual respect, shared vision, and a deep-rooted commitment to our communities.”

As member-owned cooperatives, both credit unions will remain focused on delivering member-first services. The merger will bring together the strengths of both institutions, combining their Board of Directors and leadership teams while retaining all existing branch locations across their current markets.

Dallas Bergl of INOVA Federal Credit Union will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the newly combined organization, and Steve Collins of Fort Financial Credit Union will assume the role of President.

The unified credit union will operate under the name INOVA Financial Credit Union, reflecting the shared vision and values of both organizations as they move forward together.

The merger is expected to be finalized in early 2026, pending regulatory approval and a vote of membership. In the coming months, members will receive information and updates about the process.

This partnership is a reflection of both credit unions’ belief that working together creates greater opportunity, for members, employees, and communities alike.

About Fort Financial Credit Union
Founded in 1946, Fort Financial Credit Union (originally Salisbury Axle FCU, later Dana Corporation FCU) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It serves 24,176 members offering personal and business banking and lending services with branch locations in Indiana and Mississippi.

About INOVA Federal Credit Union
INOVA Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, financial cooperative headquartered in downtown Elkhart, Indiana. Established in 1942, INOVA was originally chartered to serve the employees of Miles Laboratories. Today, INOVA serves 47,326 members, the employees of over 1,000 companies and has six branches in Indiana.

Member Communication 1, August 28, 2025

Member Communication 2, October 1, 2025

Member Communication 3, November 1, 2025

Special Meeting Ballot Packets were sent December 2, 2025