Important Information About Solano Merger

To get September statements, please send us a message in the "Message Center" from DataNet online banking, the DataMobile App or call us at 800-221-3311.

A merger between Solano First and Valley Strong provides the opportunity to achieve more positive Member, team member, and community impact. Together, we have the ability to remain competitive and be more responsive to Members' financial needs. 

Combined assets will be more than $2.5 billion, serving more than 160,000 Members with 21 branches. With an expanded physical presence, we’ll be able to better serve our Members, prospective Members, and our communities. 

There are no immediate operational changes. Eventually, Solano First will convert to Valley Strong Credit Union’s name and operating system to enhance capabilities and deliver a more robust product and service line to Members. Rest assured as that time approaches, both credit unions will work to ensure a seamless integration. 

Yes. Credit Union deposits will continue to be federally insured by the NCUA, meaning you have up to $250,000 in protection for an individual account. The NCUA provides separate insurance coverage for deposits held in different ownership categories such as individual accounts, joint tenancy accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and trust accounts. 

The rates on fixed-rate loans and certificates will remain the same until the end of their existing terms. Other products will adjust as normal due to market conditions. With that said, one of the many benefits this merger will provide is better, more competitive rates. 

Yes. Both Credit Unions are committed to providing high levels of service for Members and this will continue to be a focus for the combined organization. 

Only Solano First Members will vote, as their credit union will be absorbed into Valley Strong. Members of Valley Strong will not vote as the benefactors of the change. 

Approvals will be complete by legal day one, which was July 1, 2021. At that point, we became one organization. However, this is not the date in which all of the operational processes will change. The full process of merging core systems, products and services will extend into the 4th quarter of 2021.  

Both organizations recognize their talented and dedicated team members and that a successful merger is dependent on retaining that talent. Our desire is to retain the existing staff; and there will be a concerted commitment and effort to do just that. There are also no current plans for branch closures. In fact, this merger will provide the opportunity to expand our branch locations.  

Nick Ambrosini will be President/CEO of Valley Strong as of July 1, 2021. The Valley Strong Board will retain all 11 Board of Directors positions of the combined Board. 

As part of the transition, some accounts will be changed. Please refer to the letter included with this mailing for more information and stay up to date with more merger information at valleystrong.com/solano for answers to more frequently asked questions.

Yes, Solano First Members will begin using the Valley Strong routing number of 322273722, effective October 12, 2021. If you have transactions referencing the old routing number, please update your information to Valley Strong’s routing number by November 12.

Your full account number (MICR account number) can be found with in online banking, the mobile banking app or at the bottom of your new Valley Strong checks. You’ll need your MICR account number when setting up direct deposit, automatic deductions and ACH transactions.

Yes. Both existing Solano First debit cards and credit cards will continue to work until you receive your new Valley Strong cards. The new cards should arrive by October 20. Cards will be available for activation upon receipt. The cards will arrive in a plain, unmarked envelope.

For your convenience, you will receive a complimentary set of starter checks, along with instructions for ordering more. Expect to receive your checks by October 12. Checking accounts will have a new account number which can be located at the bottom of your Valley Strong checks, or within online and mobile banking. Checks branded with a Solano First Credit Union logo can be used until November 12. Upon receipt of your new Valley Strong checks please destroy your existing Solano First checks or take them to any Valley Strong branch for shredding.

Please refer to the Truth in Savings disclosure booklet that was mailed to you on/around September 4.

Scheduled deposits and withdrawals will be processed as usual for a limited amount of time. To ensure minimal disruptions to your account, please make sure to update your ACH transactions with Valley Strong’s routing number, and if applicable your new account number.

MAA will no longer be available. Members will need to establish new transfer relationships in the Transfers tab/widget found either in DataMobile or DataNet online banking.

Your existing payees will be migrated to the Valley Strong Bill Pay platform. There will be no action needed on your part.

Recurring and scheduled payments will be migrated to the Valley Strong online banking platform. You should not anticipate any disruption in your payments.

Bill Pay items will now clear your account on the Deliver By Date you have set within online banking.

Up-to-date information on the conversion is available on Valley Strong’s website at valleystrong.com/solano.

Some network processors are still updating their systems to recognize the transition. If the transaction was declined while using your PIN, try the "Credit" option at the point of sale. We anticipate this to be resolved by Tuesday Oct. 19.