Binghamton-Based Credit Union Merges with Syracuse Institution

Horizons Federal Credit Union has become part of the much-larger Syracuse-based Empower Federal Credit Union.

The merger of Horizons, which has been headquartered in Binghamton, with Empower took effect Monday.

About 75 percent of the Horizons members who voted on the merger plan in July supported the move.

An employee of JAX Signs of Endicott working at the Horizons Federal Credit Union office in Binghamton on September 30, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Horizons, as a division of Empower, will continue to operate offices in Binghamton, Endwell and Vestal. An Empower office on Harry L. Drive in Johnson City now is branded as a Horizons unit.

Mario DiFulvio, who has been the president and CEO of Horizons, now is an Empower regional vice president.

In a statement, DiFulvio said thanked members "for their patience during this transition."

We are excited to offer our members the products and services many have been asking for. We remain committed to being the area’s friendliest credit union.
Mario DiFulvio, Empower Federal Credit Union regional VP

Horizons has about 12,000 members and employs about 30 people. DiFulvio has said there no jobs will be lost due to the merger.

Horizons was had been founded as U.S. Employees Federal Credit Union. Its name was changed to Horizons in 1999.

The Empower Federal Credit Union branch at 760 Harry L. Drive on June 29, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)