It started as a management collaboration, evolved into a trial balloon, and is now poised to become reality. The boards of directors for both the YMCA of Michiana and the YMCA of Southwest Michigan have approved their intent to merge into a single association, doubling the size of each current group.
The merger is slated to be effective January 1, 2020.
Collectively, the YMCAs will serve over 20,000 members and participants and employ more than 500 people with an annual operating budget of $10 million, which will double the size of each current association.
Bill Cerney is Board Chair at the YMCA of Michiana. He says today, “Our teams are excited about moving forward as one Y and are already working together to ensure a smooth transition for our members and program participants.”
The merger will allow the new association to expand its base of volunteers, donors, and partners, enabling the Y to positively impact more children and families in the community.
Mowitt Drew III is Board Chair at the YMCA of Southwest Michigan. He says, “This unity will enable us to be more innovative, to create and launch new programs, improve facilities, and offer more benefits to our members.”
The intent to merge is the result of a management agreement between the organizations that has been ongoing since April of 2018. A task force of six board members representing both Ys recommended the merger after the success of this initial agreement.
The intent to merge was approved by both boards of directors and the YMCA of Michiana Board of Trustees. Final details of the merger will be completed over the coming months. Mark Weber, YMCA of Southwest Michigan CEO and YMCA of Michiana interim CEO, will continue in his role as CEO of the new association
The newly merged organization will serve the greater Michiana area with 4 locations; Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA in St. Joseph MI, Niles-Buchanan YMCA in Niles, MI, Riverview Family YMCA in South Bend, IN, and YMCA Camp Eberhart in Three Rivers, MI.
