Great Lakes Credit Union Invests in Nook to Accelerate Secure Member Engagement Infrastructure for Credit Unions

Investment supports continued innovation in secure data architecture, CRM, AI readiness, and member engagement technology built specifically for the credit union movement.

WAYZATA, MN — August 6, 2026 — Nook today announced that Great Lakes Credit Union has made an investment in the Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), reinforcing a shared commitment to helping credit unions modernize how they connect data, technology, and member engagement—from attracting prospective members to deepening long-term relationships.

The investment supports Nook’s continued development of secure data infrastructure and ecosystem partnerships that enable credit unions to deliver more personalized, data-driven experiences while maintaining greater control of their data.

Credit unions have long differentiated themselves through trusted relationships and member-first service. Today, however, member expectations are increasingly shaped by personalized digital experiences, while the data needed to support those experiences often remains fragmented across core systems, lending platforms, digital banking tools, marketing systems, and operational applications.

Without a connected data foundation, personalization, automation, analytics, and emerging AI capabilities become difficult to scale.

"Our investment in Nook reflects our belief that credit unions should help shape the technology they rely on," said Michael Abraham, Chief Strategy Officer at Great Lakes Credit Union. "Nook is building secure infrastructure that connects data, CRM, marketing, sales, and member engagement in ways purpose-built for our industry. Supporting that vision is an investment in the long-term competitiveness of the credit union movement."

As a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) and Platinum HubSpot Solutions Partner, Nook helps credit unions build the connected data foundation that powers modern member engagement. Its platform and services unify data across systems, strengthens collaboration between customer-facing teams, and helps credit unions operationalize trusted data for growth.

"The future of credit union growth depends on trusted data," said Austin Wentzlaff, Co-Founder and CEO of Nook. "Our mission is to help credit unions securely connect their data so they can attract prospective members, deliver more personalized experiences, strengthen existing relationships, and embrace AI with confidence—all without compromising ownership or governance of their data."

As AI continues to reshape financial services, Nook believes success will depend less on adopting new tools and more on establishing clean, connected, and trusted data. By helping credit unions build that foundation today, Nook positions institutions to leverage AI responsibly while delivering more timely, relevant, and personalized member experiences tomorrow.

Great Lakes Credit Union’s investment reflects a broader opportunity for the credit union movement. Through the CUSO model, credit unions can do more than purchase technology—they can help shape, influence, and invest in solutions built specifically for cooperative financial institutions and their members.

"When credit unions have secure infrastructure that connects their data, CRM, automation, analytics, and engagement strategies, they're better equipped to attract new members, anticipate member needs, strengthen relationships, and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace," Wentzlaff said. "We're helping credit unions build the foundation for sustainable growth, and we're grateful to Great Lakes Credit Union for investing in that vision."

About Nook

Nook is a credit union service organization (CUSO) and Platinum HubSpot Solutions Partner that modernizes how credit unions connect and operationalize data, marketing and sales/CRM systems. Through our secure, proprietary data integration solution, we bridge credit union core data to one of the most robust member engagement partners available.

About Great Lakes Credit Union

Great Lakes Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative committed to helping members and communities thrive through strong service, financial empowerment, and community impact. They represent 100,000 members and $1.4 billion in assets across Chicagoland, Central Illinois and Western Indiana.