ils
.
January/February 2010
N Vis or it th u Se J ea s a e an st t th Pa u ge ar Ho e 5 y 2 me Gr e fo 9 r -3 Sh at de 1 ow ta
Lines of Communication
Volume 26 • Number 1
2 | January/February ‘10
Your New Year could start with
a new home Whether you have already started searching for a new home or are just starting to think about your options, we can help.
An extension of the home buyer tax credit could make this the perfect time for you to buy the home of your dreams. Now, first-time homebuyers and current homeowners can apply for the tax credit if they have a contract before April 30, 2010 and close on the home before June 30, 2010. Capital Communications partners with a team of mortgage professionals to help make it even easier for our members to finance a home and understand the available incentives. We’ll walk you through the entire mortgage process, helping you determine what you can comfortably spend on a home and helping you identify any potential stumbling blocks you might have along the way. Apply online or call our Lending Team at (518) 458-2195 or (800) 468-5500. Watch for more information about upcoming homebuyers workshops.
January/February ‘10 | 3
contents LINES
PRESIDENT/CEO’S MESSAGE By Paula A. Stopera
2 Home buying incentives Tax credit extended 4 Car Buyers Helpline Confused by rebates? 5 Home Loans Visit us at the Great Northeast Home Show! 6 Annual Meeting March 24, 2010, The Century House 7 A year of education Workshops planned for 2010 8 Touch-24 enhancements New audio response technology! 9 Money This year, resolve to save more 10 Youth Savings It’s never too early to start saving 11 Young Adults College timeline 12 CAP COM Financial Services We do taxes! 13 Our Foundation Making the holidays brighter 14 & 15 TOP employees Annual employee awards On the cover Congratulations to our 2009 TOP Employees. From left are Bob Bascom, Kim Donah, Paige Clawson and Joanne D’Ambrosio. See page 15 for more about these honored employees.
Lines of Communication is published bimonthly exclusively for Capital Communications Federal Credit Union members. MELISSA FECK Vice President Corporate Services ED BEHAN Marketing Manager MELINA IACOVONE Marketing Coordinator WILLOW L. DANNIBLE Editor LAURA L. REYNOLDS Designer The Supervisory Committee is the members’ representative. Please address any situations you feel were not handled to your satisfaction by the Credit Union to: Supervisory Committee, P.O. Box 11279, Albany, NY 12211-0279.
Dear Members, With the holiday season behind us, you may be looking at 2010 with some trepidation. While the economy has rebounded from a year ago, we will continue to face challenging times ahead. If you are overwhelmed by bills and your cash flow seems to fall short each month, please remember that we are here to help. A Five-Minute Financial Checkup – even over the phone – may provide the options you need to consolidate debt or reduce your monthly bill payments. Or, talk with us about refinancing your mortgage or car to a better rate or term to help you save money each month. We like to say “our Our staff is carefully trained to help you make the service says it all” most informed decisions and to help position you and and our members your family for a successful future. know they can trust I am happy to announce that we will welcome that promise as mortgage professionals to our team early in 2010. The expansion of our lending capabilities is just one members have for the past 57 years. example of our commitment to provide our members with unmatched service. We work hard to design products and programs that do more than meet your needs; they make a positive difference in your life. Here are some examples: • College Bound will help guide your family through the college planning and application process. Our Young Adult Checking Account (ages 15-22) offers free ATM access worldwide.* • The professionals at Car Buyers Helpline can save you time and money on your next car purchase – from helping you choose the right car for your needs to negotiating the best price possible. Our staff’s years of experience will ensure you are aware of all possible rebates and incentives. Plus, we’ll do all of the legwork for you! • Our advisory team at CAP COM Financial Services can help you with some of your most complicated financial planning, including retirement, estate planning, life insurance, long-term care, tax planning and investing. They even work Saturdays by appointment for your convenience! See Page 12 for more information. Whatever your needs are in 2010, we are ready to help. You know you will receive the best service possible from people who live and work in your community and truly care about you and your family. Give us a call and we’ll get started. Sincerely,
Paula A. Stopera President/CEO *Capital Communications will reimburse members with a Young Adult Checking Account (ages 15-22) for any ATM surcharge or foreign transaction fee. Members ages 15-17 must have a parent/guardian as a joint owner.
4 | January/February ‘10
Confused by manufacturer rebates? One of the biggest challenges of buying a new car can be understanding what manufacturer rebates you can take advantage of and how that could change the price of the car. You may see an advertisement in the paper for a vehicle with multiple rebates but, when you go to the dealership, you may end up paying more for the car than you expected. Most auto makers offer multiple rebates and you may or may not qualify for them all. In addition, some manufacturers offer cash incentives to the dealers and you most likely won’t even be aware of them. An incentive for the dealer to sell the car, dealer
cash can be used to reduce the price of the car, sweetening the deal for the consumer. But, it can also be kept by the dealer. The Car Buyers Helpline team is your personal car buying consultant. We’ll do the research for you and help you identify qualifying rebates. We’ll give you the bottom line numbers so it’s easier for you to understand. From helping you choose the right car to negotiating the deal for you, we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Give us a call today; we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Car Buyers Helpline! “I was completely impressed with how prompt you were to always return my calls and how patient you were EVERY time I would change my mind. You were always very informative and very honest, I appreciated that! … I would ABSOLUTELY use the Car Buyers Helpline again and without hesitation!” – Alexis M.
The complete home loan package
Your loan is more than just money; it’s your dream home, your renovation, your college tuition or the key to your financial freedom. So, when you come to us for a loan, we do more than help you with your application. We’ll help you find the right loan option and walk you through the process. • Refinance to lower your rate or shorten your term and save money over the life of your loan • Unique four-year draw period on Home Equity Loans • Free automatic weekly or biweekly payment options • Minimal closing costs* – you may not even need to come in to a branch to close • Apply online, in person or over the phone Your new home purchase or renovation project could qualify for a tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Visit our online Resource Center to learn more about eligibility requirements. Click on the “Personal” tab and then “Resource Center.” * New York State Mortgage Tax and county filing fee will apply. Additional closing costs will apply to home purchases.
January/February ‘10 | 5
Design a better financial picture
Join Capital Communications and HGTV designer Vern Yip at the Great Northeast Home Show The host of HGTV’s popular program Deserving Design and one of the judges on HGTV Design Star, Vern Yip will present two seminars on “Design Trends” at the 30th anniversary of the Great Northeast Home Show presented by the Times Union. We are proud to be part of a weekend featuring 500 exhibits and more than 50 educational seminars for existing and new homeowners. Visit timesunion.com for more information on how you can enter to win a design consultation with Vern! Or, enter in any of our branches for a chance to attend a “members only” meet and greet with Vern. Visit our booth at the home show and watch for more information on our Web site or in the Times Union newspaper about three seminars to be presented by Capital Communications during the Home Show.
January 29-31 Empire State Plaza Convention Center Albany, NY. Fri. 4-9 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Homebuyers Seminar Let us help demystify the home buying process in today’s market – from mortgage prequalification to closing. These tips will help you get into your dream home! Home Equity Seminar Whether you’re looking to remodel, pay for college, consolidate debt or tighten your budget, the equity in your home can put you in a better financial position. Learn how! Mortgage Refinance Seminar Why refi? Refinancing is still a great option for homeowners. If you’re still not sure if it’s worth it or where to begin, we can help you compare rates, terms and repayment options so you can maximize how your home can work for you.
6 | January/February ‘10
2010 Annual Meeting Wednesday, March 24 | The Century House Restaurant, Latham, NY The Credit Union will hold its 2010 Annual Meeting at The Century House on Wednesday, March 24. The Business Meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary reception. Please RSVP to (518) 458-2195 ext. 3113 by March 17. Elections for three open seats on the Credit Union Board of Directors will be held that evening. The Nominating Committee has put forward three candidates for the open three-year terms. (See candidate bios below). Other nominations can be made by petition and must be submitted by February 12, 2010. Petitions require signatures of one (1) percent of the Credit Union’s membership or a
Jim Thomas has been a member of the Credit Union since 1974 and has served on the Board of Directors since March of 1988. He recently retired from Verizon after 32 years of service. He has served on the Supervisory Committee and as chairman of the CAP COM Financial Services Board. Also a board member of “Rebuilding Together,” and a former VFW Post Commander, he volunteers with the American Heart Association and has run marathons in every U.S. state.
maximum of 500 signatures. If you would like to be nominated by petition, please submit a signed certificate stating that you are agreeable to the nomination and will serve if elected. You must also provide a resume or biography including your education and experience. To obtain a blank certificate, call (518) 458-2195 ext. 3247 or visit capcomfcu.org. Nominations will not be accepted from the floor during the Annual Meeting and there will be no balloting if there is only one nominee for each vacant position. The nominations received from the Nominating Committee and from petition will be posted in the Credit Union’s offices and on our Web site at least 35 days before the Annual Meeting.
Dan Johnson has been a member of the Credit Union since 1967 and has served on the CCFCU Board of Directors since March 1993. He has served on the Supervisory Committee along with numerous other committees and is a longtime board member of the NYS Telephone Credit Union Association. Johnson retired from Verizon in 2000 after 37 years of service. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America and is an avid golfer.
Editor’s note: Paula Stopera’s bio in the printed version of the Lines of Communication had an incorrect reference that has been corrected here. Paula is the President of the New York State Telephone Credit Union Association.
Paula A. Stopera joined the Credit Union in 1980 as a Membership Officer and was promoted through the organization to become President/CEO in 2004. She also serves as Chairperson of the Capital Communications Cares Foundation. She is a member of the New York State CEO Council and the New England Telephone Credit Union Advisory Council, is President of the New York State Telephone Credit Union Association and is a trustee for the New York State Credit Union League’s Legislative and Political Action Committee. She received the 2008 Outstanding Professional Award from The Credit Union Association of New York and is one of the Albany-Colonie Chamber’s Women of Excellence.
Workshops
January/February ‘10 | 7
Capital Communications has planned several informational workshops for 2010 on topics that matter to you. Doors open a half hour before each workshop; reservations are required. For more information or to RSVP contact Candace Stazio at cstazio@capcomfcu.org or call (518) 458-2195 ext. 3168. Unless otherwise indicated, workshops are free.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming workshops! Basic Budgeting for Adults – January 14 Online Bill Payment – February 3 College Prep Workshop – February 23 College Senior Night – March 16 AARP Driver’s Safety Program Driver’s safety for drivers 50 and older (AARP fee applies). May 4 & May 5 June 1 & 2 August 24 & 25 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East, Albany Basic Budgeting for Adults Establish a budget and learn how to stay within those parameters. January 14 February 9 October 7 6-8 p.m. Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East, Albany Budgeting Youth – Money & Me Summer Camp Week-long, hands-on workshop for teens (ages 14-18) about money management. July 26-30 9 a.m. until noon Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East, Albany Car Buyers Workshop A professional car buyer will present tips on buying a new or used car. April 6, 6-8 p.m. The Century House, Latham April 27, 10 a.m. until noon Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East, Albany College Prep A guide for high school sophomores and juniors who are just starting to prepare for college. February 23 5:30-6:30 p.m. College Fair 6:30-8:45 p.m. Workshop Century House, Route 9, Latham College Experience High school seniors learn what to expect in the first year of college. March 16 6:30-8:15 p.m. Century House, Route 9, Latham College Admissions Tips for high school seniors and their parents about the admissions process. October 5 6:30-8:30 p.m. Century House, Route 9, Latham
College Bound Essay Writing High school seniors will learn how to craft a successful college admissions essay. July 14 July 21 September 14 September 21 September 28 October 13 October 20 October 27 November 3 November 10 6-8 p.m. Latham Branch ($60 discounted fee applies) Dollars & Sense Budgeting: High School Edition A budgeting class for teens ages 14-18. April 7 October 26 6-8 p.m. Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East, Albany Dollars & Sense Budgeting for Young Adults A budgeting class for young adults ages 18-22. June 8 September 23 6-8 p.m. Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East, Albany Fraud and Internet Scams Protect yourself from fraud and online scams. Watch for more information Homebuyers Workshop Review the mortgage process and your options. Watch for more information Online Bill Payment Learn how to set up and use this convenient program. February 3 May 12 September 28 6-8 p.m. Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East, Albany See Page 12 for upcoming workshops presented by CAP COM Financial Services.
8 | January/February ‘10
Capital Communications will unveil enhanced Touch-24 automated phone access on January 6, 2010 allowing you to access your account with speech recognition capabilities. Our phone numbers will not change, but when you call Touch-24 beginning January 6, you’ll be given the option to proceed using touch-tone or speech. Here are just a few tips to help you navigate the system.
Just say the word!
Touch-tone access To access Touch-24 via touch-tone: choose 1 and then enter your account number and PIN. As you use the touch-tone system you’ll be prompted to find what you are looking for with menus. Please note: there is no longer an “expert mode” that relies on you knowing a specific transaction code to continue. The enhanced system works similarly to the former “menu mode.” Tips: • Access your account – Press 1 in the Main Menu and then 1 to “inquire about your account.” You’ll be able to choose the account you’d like to inquire about. • Press 8 to repeat menu options. • Press 9 to return to the previous menu. • Press 0 to transfer to a member service representative. Speech Recognition To access Touch-24 via speech recognition, just wait for the system to proceed. Choose a quiet place to conduct your transactions and speak clearly. Please note: The system will need to confirm your correct member ID before allowing you to enter your PIN. Once you have entered the voice system, you will be able to follow menu prompts or go directly to the option you need based on voice commands. Here are some common voice commands: “Agent” – transfer to a member service representative during regular business hours “My Accounts” – inquire about your account “Go Back” – return to previous menu “Help” “PIN Change” “Repeat” – repeat the menu “History” – check account history “Balance” – check account balance Visit our Web site or any branch for a complete user’s guide. To use Touch-24, simply call (518) 458-8986 or
(800) 634-2340. Access your account 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
January/February ‘10 | 9
Member notice
“This year I will save more”
Effective February 1, 2010, we will make the following changes to our Check Hold Policy: • Checks with an aggregate balance of $2,000 or more, deposited on accounts that are open 31 days or longer will be subject to a check hold.
If your New Year’s resolution was about reining in your spending, we have some tools that can help. Create a budget and stick to it with FinanceWorks in Connect-24, our home banking platform. Powered by Quicken, this unique tool can help you manage your spending and give you a big picture look at where your paycheck goes. Just click on the FinanceWorks tab in your Account Access screen to get started. The program will automatically pull in your Credit Union accounts and you can add information for your accounts at more than 5,000 financial institutions. The program creates charts to show you exactly where your money is being spent, anticipated expenses and how closely you’ve stuck to your budget. Bring your debt in focus with a Five-Minute Financial Checkup. A Credit Union representative can take a look at your account to make sure you have the right products for your situation. A simple refinance could help save you money each month. If you want to see what your debt looks like before you call us, use our online financial checkup tool. Click on the “Personal” tab, then click on “Resource Center.” What are you iSaving for? If you have a long-term savings goal in mind, use our online calculator to determine how much you need to save each month to meet it. If you find a scenario you can commit to, click iCommit and we’ll set an iSaveSM up for you! The money will be deposited automatically into your iSaveSM using direct deposit, so you save it before you have a chance to spend it. We have a variety of savings products that can help you regain control of your finances. Let us know how we can help you meet your goals!
KeyBank ATMs are still surcharge free If you use your VISA® Debit Card at KeyBank ATMs, you will notice a surcharge of up to $3 in most cases. When prompted, you will need to accept the charge from KeyBank at the ATM in order to proceed with your transaction. Capital Communications is committed to offering surcharge-free access for our members at KeyBank ATMs. We will reimburse KeyBank’s fee each night so that you can continue to use these ATMs without being charged a surcharge. Alternatively, you can use your VISA Debit card at more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs in New York State including ATMs owned by Capital Communications and those in the SUM and COOP networks. One may be more convenient than you realize! Visit capcomfcu.org and click on “Locations/ATMs” and choose “Branch/ATM locator” to find the one that is closest to where you live or work. If you have questions or would like more information, give us a call at (518) 458-2195.
Checks with an aggregate balance of $2,000 or more will be subject to a two-day hold with $100 available on the next business day, and up to $4,900 available after two business days. Any remaining balance over $5,000 will be held for an additional five business days. • Accounts where the previous 90-day relationship balance is less than $100 will be subject to a seven-business-day check hold with $100 available on the next business day and the balance available after seven business days. If you have any questions, please contact the Credit Union at (518) 458-2195.
Debit Card Holders If you do not enter a PIN, transactions may be processed as either a VISA Debit Card transaction or a transaction on the NYCE or CO-OP networks. Merchants must provide you with a clear method of choosing to make a VISA Debit Card transaction if they support this option. Certain protections and rights applicable only to VISA Debit Card transactions as described in your cardholder agreement may not apply to transactions processed on the NYCE or CO-OP networks.
10 | January/February ‘10
Reading Program Read up to five books before April 2, 2010 and receive $3 per book up to $15! Submit the name of the book and a picture or essay signed by your parent or guardian by April 2. Ages 4-8: draw a scene for each book Ages 9-12: 50-word summary per book Ages 13-17: 100-word summary per book Visit capcomfcu.org for more information or contact Willow Dannible at (518) 458-2195 ext. 3635 or e-mail wdannible@capcomfcu.org.
Art Goedeke Scholarship
It’s never too early to start saving Whether your child is 12 days or 12 years old, it’s never too early to start saving for college. The sooner you start saving money to help pay for this major expense, the more money you’ll be able to rely on when the time comes. Once you receive a Social Security Number for your newborn, you can open a Youth Savings Account at Capital Communications. Set up a CertifiKID with direct deposit and save a manageable amount from each paycheck. A little bit really adds up. Without considering dividends, if you save $25 every two weeks, you’ll have put aside more than $10,000 after 16 years. Use a 529 Plan to help your savings grow as the market continues to rebound. Save for a child, grandchild or even yourself. Call us to find out how you can get started.
Deadline: February 17 Members through age 25 with plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in Computer Science/Information Technology can apply for the Art Goedeke Scholarship. Answer the following question with an essay of 500 words or fewer and send it with: • Completed entry form (available online) • Copy of your college application or a tuition bill “Social networking has become a popular method of communication for young adults. How do you think it will change the way we interact with each other?” Mail your application to: CCFCU, 18 Computer Drive East, Albany, NY 12205, attn: Art Goedeke Scholarship. For more information, contact Carie Sala at (518) 458-2195 ext. 3671.
Davis Scholarship Watch for more information about our $2,500 Weidner “Ed” Davis Scholarships. Deadline: May 1, 2010.
For your education Our spring workshops can help you prepare for college. For more information or to RSVP, contact Candace Stazio at (518) 458-2195 ext. 3168 or cstazio@capcomfcu.org. College Prep Workshop February 23 5:30-6:30 College Fair 6:30-8:45 Workshop Century House Restaurant, Route 9, Latham For high school sophomores and juniors and their parents Provides guidance on choosing the right school, preparing the application and interview process and finding funding. College Experience March 16, 6:30-8:15 p.m. Century House Restaurant Route 9, Latham For High school seniors and their parents Learn what to expect in your first year of college and college funding options.
Dollars and Sense Budgeting (ages 14-18) April 7, 6-8 p.m. Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East Teaches teens how to distinguish between wants and needs as well as create a budget and stick to it. Dollars and Sense Budgeting (ages 18-25) June 8, 6-8 p.m. Training Center, 18 Computer Drive East Budgeting tips for young adults as they make the transition to financial independence.
January/February ‘10 | 11
Junior Year: The process begins February 23
College Prep Workshop
April – Aug
College Visits
July – Nov
College Essay Writing Workshops Money & Me Summer Camp
July 26 - 30
Senior Year: The homestretch
Enjoy the journey.
October 5
College Admissions Workshop
January
Submit FAFSA as early as possible
March 16
College Experience Workshop
April
Financial planning packages offered
The transition from high school to college begins early junior year. We have a dedicated staff that is ready to help your family with College Bound, a comprehensive program of products and services available to our members. College Bound includes admissions counseling services, FAFSA preparation, scholarships, student loans and also workshops on essay writing, college
Apply for the Weidner “Ed” Davis Scholarship
preparation, college admissions, the college experience and budgeting. Let us know how we can help! Contact College Specialist Kim Donah at (518) 4582195 ext. 3106.
May
Choose a college High School Graduation!
May – Aug
Secure funding
August
College begins
Let us know how we can help! Contact College Specialist Kim Donah at (518) 458-2195 ext. 3106.
Teen product checklist Young Adult Checking Account* VISA® Debit Card Young Adult VISA (if credit qualified) Connect-24 home banking iDeposit-24** *Members ages 15-17 must have a parent/guardian as a joint owner. **Must meet eligibility requirements. Some restrictions and limits may apply.
12 | January/February ‘10
CAP COM Financial Services
(518) 782-0209 | (800) 688-1045 | Fax (518) 782-5433 www.capcomfinancial.com
LPL Chief Market Strategist gives economic update Jeffrey Kleintop, Senior Vice President and Chief Market Strategist for LPL Financial, provided an economic update in November. Nearly 300 Emerald Circle and Investors’ Advantage members attended our Fall Emerald Circle Luncheon at Wolferts Roost Country Club. “We don’t believe the powerful market performance of the last eight months is over just yet but, looking forward, we expect a challenging second half of 2010,” Kleintop said. Kleintop is responsible for market forecasting and helping to define the tactical allocation of the advisory platform at LPL Financial. For more information about our Emerald Circle Group, call us at (518) 782-0209. At left, CAP COM Advisors stand with Jeffrey Kleintop at a luncheon for Emerald Circle clients. From left are James A. Faranda, Chief Investment Officer John M. Shartrand, Jeffrey Kleintop Chief Market Strategist for LPL Financial, Steven A. Massey and Herb Warden. At right, Kleintop speaks during his presentation.
Let us help you with your taxes You might not know that CAP COM Financial Services, LLC offers low cost tax preparation services. In fact, we prepare hundreds of personal income tax returns for Credit Union members each year. Our Tax Division is staffed to offer year-round tax services to all Credit Union members, because tax questions, tax amendments and notices from the IRS can come at any time of year. Let the tax professionals at CAP COM Financial Services help you get all the deductions you are entitled to and give you advice that can help you lower
next year’s tax bill. Once your return is completed, we’ll file it for you, using IRS E-file®, making the process even easier. Our Tax Division is conveniently located at 21 Aviation Road, Albany NY 12205, directly behind the Main Office of Capital Communications. We can also accommodate Credit Union members who do not live in the Albany area through the mail and with a scheduled phone appointment. For more details or to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified tax professionals call (518) 782-0209 or (800) 688-1045.
Upcoming Workshops February 4 “Roth IRA 2010: America’s newest tax break” 10-11:30 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. Training Center, 21 Aviation Drive, Albany
March 4 “21st Century Retirement: Strategies for managing retirement income.” 10-11:30 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. Training Center, 21 Aviation Drive, Albany
To receive an invitation or to RSVP, call (518) 782-0209.
CAP COM Financial Services - Securities and annuities products offered through LPL Financial and its affiliates, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. CAP COM Investment Services is a division of Capital Communications Federal Credit Union. CAP COM Financial Services and Capital Communications Federal Credit Union are not registered broker dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial. Financial planning, tax preparation and insurance services offered through CAP COM Financial Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Not NCUA Insured May Lose Value No Credit Union Guarantee
January/February ‘10 | 13
It’s all about giving Capital Communications Cares
Foundation
While 2009 was difficult for many of our neighbors and friends, the Capital Communications Cares Foundation remained committed to providing memories along with financial and in-kind assistance. Our holiday giving efforts helped families in need experience the magic of the season. The Foundation has provided a healthy, traditional Thanksgiving dinner to more than 1,000 families since it was established in 2003. In 2009, 150 baskets were delivered to area organizations for distribution to families in the Capital Region, including St. Catherine’s Center for Children, Marillac Family Shelter, Visiting Nurses Association, St. Paul Center for Women and Children, Albany HeadStart and to the City of Cohoes. In December, visits to Marillac Family Shelter and also the Commission on Economic Opportunity’s Stepping Stones I School in Lansingburgh ended the Foundation’s year of giving. Children at Marillac Family Shelter received a visit from Santa and gift courtesy of the Foundation. Santa also paid a visit to Stepping Stones I School and the Foundation donated 200 winter coats for children at the school. We are proud to have reached a milestone in 2009, with more than $1 million in monetary and inkind donations to Capital Region organizations and families in need. To find out how you can help us make a difference, visit capcomfcu.org and click on the “Foundation” tab.
14 | January/February ‘10
Employees in the Spotlight The Credit Union believes in recognizing employees for their outstanding efforts on behalf of our members and staff. Managers are recognized with the Leadership Award and staff members are recognized with a TOP Award.
Ho wh b e ST en ave y R a o bud ETC ble to u H ecoget in you nom thi r y? s
TOP Service Lynn Krug Main Office Greeter 14 years of service
TOP Support Jean Dudley Strategic Research Analyst Six years of service
I am more careful with my expenditures. I now plan meals for each day when I go grocery shopping, saving extra trips that would put additional items in my cart.
I pay more attention to my spending everyday and use FinanceWorks to track how I’m doing. TOP Sales Cori Milby Branch Representative Nine years of service
TOP Support Dave Deering IS Operations Administrator 22 years of service Coupons, coupons, coupons! In this economy using coupons is a no-brainer. Conservatively, I feel my family saves $5,000-$10,000 a year using coupons, which is almost like having a part time job. TOP Service Joanne D’Ambrosio Training Specialist 14 years of service It hasn’t been easy, but figuring out what is a “NEED” versus what is a “WANT” is a good start!
I bring my breakfast to work and no longer have a tab at the local bagel shop.
Wh abo at yo ut u?
Visit capcomfcu.org and tell us how you’ve stretched your budget by January 30, 2010. We’ll post the best on our Web site and let members choose their favorite. If your idea wins, we’ll deposit $50 into your account. See our Web site for more details.
Mobile banking coming soon! You asked for it and we listened. Watch for more information online and in the next newsletter about our new mobile banking platform, allowing you to do your banking on your hand-held wireless device. It’s one more way we can make it easier for you to do your banking when and where it’s most convenient for you.
2009 TOP Employees Each year, Capital Communications recognizes exemplary employees who epitomize the essence of our Credit Union’s culture and commitment to our members. We are proud to recognize these TOP performers for 2009.
Employee of the Year Paige Clawson
TOP Sales Kim Donah
January/February ‘10 | 15
ndar Cale ents v of E
JANUARY 1 Credit Union Closed New Year’s Day 2 Credit Union Reopens 18 Credit Union Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day 19 Credit Union Reopens
Credit Union staff vote by secret ballot to honor one employee for exemplifying the Credit Union’s high service standards. Paige’s commitment to the members illustrates how she goes above and beyond her standard responsibilities. She is a true role model for providing top notch service.
TOP Service Joanne D’Ambrosio
Kim made an incredible impact on many families during 2009 with her extensive work on the College Bound Program. Her sincere interest in every member makes Kim someone our members want to work with over and over again!
FEBRUARY 15 Credit Union Closed Presidents Day 16 Credit Union Reopens
TOP Support Bob Bascom
Best Place to Work
Joanne provides service with standards that never waiver. Her experience in operations combined with her execution of training programs have assisted the Credit Union in achieving high scores for employee product knowledge, which is regarded highly by members and employees alike.
Bob has provided extensive project assistance to several departments during 2009 while continuing to lead the Foundation’s community efforts. His enthusiasm, dedication to excellence and reliability is greatly recognized.
Statutory Lien Notice Except as otherwise provided by federal law, Capital Communications Federal Credit Union has the right to impress and enforce a statutory lien against a member’s share and dividends in the event the member fails to satisfy a financial obligation to the Credit Union. The Credit Union has the authority to enforce this statutory lien right without further notice to the member. A member’s financial obligations include, but are not limited to, outstanding loan balances, NSF (insufficient funds) checks and related fees.
Capital Communications is proud to have been named one of The Business Review’s “Best Places to Work” in the Capital Region for the sixth consecutive year. “We strive to create a corporate culture that encourages productivity and a good work-life balance and this award lets us know that we’ve been successful,” said Capital Communications President/CEO Paula Stopera. “By taking care of our employees’ needs first, we can allow them to focus on our members. Our service says it all.” The award acknowledges the Credit Union’s achievements in creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of benefits, working conditions and company culture. The Credit Union has been recognized for all six years that The Business Review has sponsored the award and has been designated a Circle of Excellence Company.
16 | January/February ‘10
The complete home loan package See Page 4 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Albany, NY Permit #186 18 Computer Drive East Albany, NY 12205-1168
Happy New Year 2010! PHONE NUMBERS CCFCU Phone (518) 458-2195 CCFCU Toll Free (800) 468-5500 CCFCU Fax (518) 458-2261 Touch-24 (518) 458-8986 Touch-24 Toll Free (800) 634-2340
HOURS OF OPERATION Lobby: Mon — Wed: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thurs & Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Drive Thru: Mon — Wed: Thurs & Fri: Sat: p.m.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 12:30
Waterford Branch: Thurs: 2:30 - 4 p.m. Fri: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Early drive thru hours 18 Computer Drive East, Albany 4 Century Hill Drive, Latham Mon — Fri: 7:30 a.m.
BRANCH AND ATM LOCATIONS
OTHER ATM LOCATIONS
Albany (Main Office and mailing address) 18 Computer Drive East • Albany, NY 12205-1168
Clifton Park Food Court, Clifton Park Center
Clifton Park 1744 Route 9 Cohoes 219 Ontario Street Colonie 341 New Karner Road Glenmont 384 Bender Lane Latham 4 Century Hill Drive
Waterford 260 Hudson River Road Other Surcharge free options SUM Networks KeyBank* ATMs in New York COOP ATM To find the ATM nearest you, visit capcomfcu.org and choose “Locations/ATMs” on our home page. Then, click on “Branch/ATM Locator.” *CCFCU will reimburse members within 24 hours for all surcharge fees at KeyBank ATMs.
Niskayuna 582 Balltown Road North Greenbush Route 4
capcomfcu.org