Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Sunday, October 17, 2010
Credit unions bring over $73 million in savings to Maine members
Despite these challenging economic times, 600,000 Mainers continue to celebrate the savings that come with being a Maine credit union member.
Celebrate Credit Union Week
With Your Local Credit Unions October 18-22 Maine’s Credit Unions. There is one for you. www.mainecul.org
Finance with your local Credit Union and save.
Loans Savings Certificates IRA’s
Central Maine Credit Union
1000 Lisbon Street, Lewiston • 783-1475 www.centralmainecu.com
Community Credit Union
144 Pine Street, Lewiston • 783-2096 40 Stanley Street, Auburn www.communitycreditunion.com
Great Falls Federal Credit Union 34 Bates Street, Lewiston • 782-7192 760 Minot Avenue, Auburn www.greatfallsfcu.com
Five County Credit Union
35 Ash Street, Lewiston • 800-750-0959 www.fivecounty.com
Lewiston Municipal Federal Credit Union
291 Pine Street, Lewiston • 783-3991
Direct Deposits Checking Accounts ATM & Debit Cards Home Banking
Maine Family Federal Credit Union 555 Sabbattus Street Lewiston • 783-2071 831, Minot Avenue, Auburn www.mainefamilyfcu.com
Monmouth Federal Credit Union 1176 Main Street, P.O. Box 150 Monmouth • 933-2667 • 1-933-3261 www.monmouthfcu.com
Otis Federal Credit Union 170 Main Street, Jay • 897-0900 www.otisfcu.org
Oxford Federal Credit Union
225 River Road, Mexico • 369-9976 1591 Main Street, Oxford www.ofcu.org
Rainbow Federal Credit Union
A M E R I C A ’ S
381-391 Main Street, Lewiston • 784-5435 201 Lincoln Street, Lewiston 20 Washington Street, Auburn 172 Pine Street, So. Paris 1 Lewiston Street, Mechanic Falls
www.rainbowfcu.com
Sabattus Regional Credit Union
2 Middle Road, Sabattus • 375-6538 www.sabregionalcreditunion.com
A recent study found that the economic benefit of using a Maine credit union has nearly doubled since 2005, currently standing strong at more than $73 million. In a marketplace where hidden fees and rising rates are increasingly common, credit unions’ ability to offer Maine consumers better rates, lower interest rates on loans, and fewer and lower fees on financial services keep savings to members on the rise. In the study, Charles Lawton, a well-respected economist at Planning Decisions in South Portland, concluded that credit unions have significantly lower, fewer or no fees compared to for-profit financial institutions. Credit unions also pay, on average, higher dividend and interest rates on savings and charge lower interest rates on loans. Maine Credit Union League President John Murphy said that the great efforts made to offer such savings in a challenging economy make credit unions an increasingly valuable option for Maine people. “The credit union philosophy of putting the interests of members first continues to highlight the difference between credit unions and other financial institutions. Credit unions are owned and governed by their members, so all members benefit from better rates and lower and fewer fees. That is a key and distinct difference of credit unions. Now more than ever, Maine consumers recognize and appreciate the value of using a credit union,” he said. To find a credit union near you, visit www.mainecreditunions.org.
Share It from page 7
potential adoptive parents with children whose only wish is to be a part of a family.” Members also had an opportunity to share their creativity, and were asked to submit why they love Shared Branching, or their favorite sharing moment. The winner received $500 to share with a friend or charity, while two
second place winners received a GPS System! Submissions included many great examples that showcased what Shared Branching is all about – making life better for Maine people as they share time, money, or simply the convenience of Shared Branching. For a complete listing of Shared Branching locations in Maine, visit the Shared Branching section of www.mainecreditunions.org. Or, for a listing of the thousands of nationwide locations, visit www. cuservicecenter.com.
International Credit Union Day October 21, 2010
Experience the credit union difference. 2
CREDIT UNION WEEK
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
In Maine and across the country, shared branching means convenience for credit union members For six years, Shared Branching has allowed many Maine credit union members to enjoy the convenience of using other Maine credit unions, as well as credit unions across the country, just as if they were their own credit union. With over 130 locations throughout Maine, and more than 4,000 branch locations across the country, credit unions have the fourth largest branch network in the country.
Shared Branching allows members of participating credit unions to access thousands of credit union service center locations via the cooperative network of service centers in the United States and overseas. Most member services are of fered at Shared Branching locations across the country including: account deposits; cash and check withdrawals; transfers between accounts; cash advances, loan payments, and balance inquiries. Extended service hours with weekend hours are even offered at some locations, while money orders, traveler’s checks or official checks can also be purchased at various Shared Branches. “Shared Branching provides more locations to conduct financial transactions than
any other financial institution in Maine, and still enables members to receive the exceptional credit union service that Maine’s credit unions are recognized for. From Madawaska to York, credit union members can find a Shared Branch location when they travel throughout the state, or even when they head out of state for work, vacation or school.
Call Center, members call a toll-free number, 1-888-837-6500, which can be found on the homepage of www.cuservicecenters.com.
Shared Branching means that a great number of Maine’s 600,000 credit union members can use their credit union across town, across state and across the country,” explained John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League.
Credit Union Service Center locations can also be found using the iPhone App, “Find Branch!” Members can find the nearest location, as well as credit union hours, directions and a phone number.
A new, added convenience to the Shared Branching is a Call Center. Called the CU Service Centers Call Center, this service is available to CU members 24/7! To access the
Members need only to provide their name, credit union name, state, and specific authentication information, to receive the high level of service provided by Shared Branching!
For a complete listing of Shared Branch locations in Maine and nationwide, visit www.mainecreditunions.org and click on “Shared Branching.”
Say “hello” to SURF Dude, and say “goodbye” to ATM fees! SURF Dude is the new mascot of Maine credit unions’ CU24 SURF ATM Network. Credit unions have more surcharge-free ATMs across Maine than just about anyone.
means just that – not only will you see no fees at your ATM, there are no hidden fees anywhere else! In addition, a number of SURF ATM locations give thousands of Maine credit union members the ability to not only access cash but to also make deposits, surcharge-free.
When you see SURF Dude, you know that you’re in the SURF Zone – and that means no ATM fees! Credit union members can save at least an average of $300 a year on surcharge fees when using the SURF network – one of the largest ATM networks in the state! With the SURF network, ‘no fees’
The SURF ATM Network now includes over 90% of the state’s 65 credit unions, meaning a SURF Zone is never far away! “The SURF Alliance is a prime example of how Maine credit unions cooperate to create opportunities that benefit consumers throughout the state,” explained League President John Murphy.
Now, finding one of the over 200 surcharge-free ATMs in Maine is even easier! A new iPhone app allows you to find surcharge-free ATMs in Maine from your current location! Map out vacation destinations and where to find cash. The iPhone app is free, and lists all SURF ATMs, contact info, mapping instructions and displays the new SURF mascot, SURF Dude. Visit the iTunes app store and download it today! For a complete listing of the SURF ATM locations in Maine where you can find SURF Dude, visit www. mainecreditunions.org and click on “Find an ATM.”
At Maine’s credit unions, you are the focus Maine credit unions continue to take ‘member service’ to a new level. This is because when you belong to one of Maine’s credit unions, you are not just a “customer”– you are an owner! As a member/owner, you have a say in what happens with your money, as each member has an equal vote in electing a volunteer, unpaid board of directors. Since there are no stockholders, members receive higher rates on their savings accounts, lower rates on loans, fewer and lower service fees, as well as many other benefits. Because credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, the focus has always been on members. This is reflected in exceptional service,
from refinancing a new member’s car at a lower rate, or a special loan to help keep a member warm during a difficult winter. Whatever you need, from student loans to refinancing a mortgage, your credit union will be with you every step of the way! In Maine, these services are just part of the credit union difference. This International Credit Union Day, October 21, 2010, we not only celebrate the impact credit unions have in members’ lives and their community every day, but we celebrate you, because serving and helping you with your financial needs are what Maine’s credit unions are all about.
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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
CREDIT UNION WEEK
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Maine credit unions’ campaign for ending hunger breaks fundraising record 2009 marked another record-setting year for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. A total of $375,923.93 was raised in 2009, surpassing the previous record set in 2008. Since 1990, Maine’s credit unions have raised over $3.5 million to help end hunger in Maine. These remarkable results marked the 13th consecutive year that the Campaign has surpassed the $100K mark, the seventh straight year of raising $200K or more, and the fourth year the
Campaign exceeded the $300K plateau. During the current year, Maine credit unions have been distributing these funds to food pantries and hunger organizations in their local areas. 100% of all funds raised stay in Maine, and go directly to the cause, benefiting the very communities in which the funds are raised. Jon Paradise, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League, explained, “ This campaign continues to be an incredible example of the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’ and highlights the power of people when they come together for a common cause.” Each June, the Campaign holds a ‘Share the Bread’ event, when along with loaves of bread, Maine credit unions contribute $17,000, one of the largest single-
First Lady Karen Baldacci was part of the special ceremony announcing the recordbreaking results from the 2009 Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. day contributions to multiple hunger organizations in Maine, to organizations in every county in the state. Paradise said that more than donating much needed funds, events like this are also about raising awareness on this critical need, particularly in the
Maine Credit Union Week October 17-23, 2010 Celebrate Maine Credit Union Week with us with daily drawings
summer time, when children are home from school and at a greater risk for food insecurity. “It is important for Maine people to know that hunger does exist in our state, in every county and every community,” Paradise said.
While institutions across the country were tightening lending av ailab ilit y, M ain e ’s cre dit unions continued to lend money and were sources of credit to thousands of Maine consumers, with loans out s t anding to members exceeding $3.5 billion.
www.mainefamilyfcu.com If you are not currently a member of the credit union but would like to, call or stop by one of our offices. Credit union membership brings money-saving benefits, and it lasts a lifetime! We are proud to be growing and working hard for Maine families.
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CREDIT UNION WEEK
Maine’s Credit Unions
For more information on how you can help Maine’s credit unions end hunger, visit www.mainecul.org and click on the Ending Hunger link under “Community Involvement.”
For needs big and small, Maine credit unions have money to lend Despite an economy that has prompted many lenders to pull back, lending is accessible and strong at Maine’s credit unions.
555 Sabattus St., Lewiston 831 Minot Ave., Auburn 783-2071 • 1-800-783-2071
To ensure that even the most rural Maine towns receive the food they need, the Campaign partnered with Good Shepherd Food Bank in 2005 to introduce the state’s only Food Mobile, a truck that has since transported over one million pounds of food to pantries throughout the state. The Food Mobile continues to be an invaluable resource to Maine’s food pantries, not only because of the rise of gas and oil prices, but throughout the winter months when the truck is able to travel to remote food pantries that may have trouble sending someone to pick up food. The Food Mobile celebrates its fifth anniversary this year.
Maine credit unions go beyond lending basics to provide smaller
loans to help with unexpected life events or emergencies, or just to help a member though a rough patch. During the past year, credit unions helped Maine consumers by providing loans of all amounts, including making nearly 15,000 loans for under $2,000. To help with high energy costs, nearly 80% of Maine’s credit unions offered special energy loans this winter and last, with rates as low as zero percent. So, no mat ter what you ne e d, Maine cre dit unions are here to help. Visit www. mainecreditunions.org to find a credit union and begin the lending process today!
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
When times are tough, Maine credit unions help members stay on their feet In today’s economy, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Members of Maine credit unions, however, know that they have a partner they can always rely on. Since the f irst Maine credit union was formed in 1921, Maine credit unions have focused on supporting members, no matter
Co-ops capture the credit union spirit Maine co-ops provide the resources to not only help you save money, but also to support local businesses and farmers at the same time. In a challenging economic climate, the value of cooperative organizations, from credit unions to food suppliers, is becoming increasingly clear. Credit unions are one of the four largest co-ops in the country. And, in the cooperative spirit, there is a credit union for everyone. Similarly, in other co-ops throughout the
Co-ops
how big or small their needs. Whether a member has lost their job, is unable to keep up with rising healthcare costs, or is struggling to save for a child’s college education, Maine’s credit unions are always there for their members. “Maine credit unions are about helping people, during good times and, unfortunately, difficult
times. The ways in which Maine credit unions work with members through tough times is something credit unions do every day and have done since they were formed,” explained John Murphy, president of the Maine Credit Union League. From assisting in debt consolidation, reducing interest
rates, allowing skipped payments, creating loan extension plans, changing payment terms, offering special loan programs to help with the high cost of heating their homes, and providing general assistance in budgeting and financial counseling, Maine credit unions work with members to help them through a variety of financial challenges.
Such ef for t s are just some examples of how, throughout the state, Maine’s credit unions have the resources, flexibility and compassion to help members weather any storm. For a complete list and locations of Maine credit unions, go to www. mainecreditunions.org.
Member Appreciation Week! October 16-23, 2010 Saturday, Oct 16-Member Appreciation Sale “Special Rate Loan Promotion”
Monday, Oct 18- Mac’s Grill Gift Certificate “Raffle” Tuesday, Oct 19-Visa“Raffle” Gift Card Wednesday, Oct 20-Auburn Mall Gift Certificate “Raffle”
Thursday, Oct 21-Apples/Jar Openers “Give Away”
Friday, Oct 22- Davinci’s Gift Certificate “Raffle”
Saturday, Oct 23-$500.00 Fuel Winner “Raffle” (raffle tickets from the week will be combined for this drawing)
Thank You for being our MEMBERS!
page 9 ‰
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
CREDIT UNION WEEK
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When it comes to financial education, Maine credit unions make the grade Maine credit unions are at the head of the class for financial literacy efforts in 2009/10.
a partnership with FoolProof, a turnkey, web-driven financial literacy program. With 12 schools already taking advantage of the program, it is one more way that Maine credit unions are working to prepare Maine’s youth for a successful financial future!
From volunteering and teaching youth financial education in local schools, operating in-school branches, to coordinating 16 Financial Fitness Fairs across Maine and Maine Credit Union Youth Week, the Maine Credit Union League and Maine’s credit unions exposed nearly 8,000 Maine students to financial literacy and money management concepts in the past year. One of the most notable financial literacy efforts made by Maine credit unions were the many credit unions that coordinated Financial Fitness—Money Management Experience Fairs. Similar to an interactive ‘game of life,’ these events give high school students an opportunity to gain
Maine credit unions are also a valuable resource for helping adults with money management and financial planning.
As a result of the Financial Fitness Fairs, classroom presentations and other activities, Maine’s credit unions received the national Desjardins Award for Youth Financial Education.
some real world understanding of money management.
There are now seven major fairs in northern, eastern, central and southern Maine as well as nine smaller ones in various parts of the state. During the past school year, more than 3,000 students attended one of the 16 Financial Fitness Fairs coordinated by Maine
credit unions, surpassing any previous year since the first Fair began in 2004. To help Maine teachers bring financial education into their classrooms, the Maine Credit Union League has recently introduced
From providing tools to help members better manage their money, to hosting seminars on subjects such as decreasing debt or buying a home, Maine credit unions help Maine people of all ages achieve a secure financial future. For more information about the ef forts of Maine’s credit unions towards both youth and adult financial literacy, visit w w w.mainecul.org and click on the Financial Education and Resources link in the “Community Involvement” section.
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CREDIT UNION WEEK
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
Your money is safe in a Maine credit union With financial institutions often in the news for their struggles in this difficult economy, many consumers are wondering, “Is my money safe?” If they are a Maine credit union member, the answer is a resounding “YES!” M ain e cre di t u ni o ns o f f e r something that no other financial institution can – the opportunity to be an owner of your institution, and a board that includes unpaid volunteers who are democratically elected by the credit union’s members. These volunteers work with credit union management to conduct credit union operations in a safe and sound manner that is singularly focused on serving the members. “Maine credit unions are owned by their members. This means that each credit union is dedicated to serving the community and the people
who live there,” explained John Murphy, president of the Maine Credit Union League. T he National Cre dit Union Administration, or NCUA, is the federal government agency that charters and supervises federal credit unions. NCUA also operates and manages the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), similar to the FDIC which insures banks. The shares in Maine credit unions are insured by the NCUSIF, which is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. The NCUSIF provides all members of federally insured credit unions with $250,0 0 0 in coverage for their individual accounts. These accounts include regular shares, share drafts (or checking a c c o u n t s) , m o n e y m a r k e t accounts, and share certificates. Individuals with account balances totaling $250,000 or less at the same insured credit union have full NCUSIF coverage. Not one penny of insured savings has ever been lost by a member of a federally insured credit union.
”Share It” brings cash to Maine CU members, and hope to children in need Maine credit union members who visited their local branches this past spring may have come away with more than their cashed check or deposit slip. That’s because as part of “Share It,” a campaign designed to promote the Shared Branch Network, representatives from the Maine Credit Union League visited participating credit unions serving as a Prize Patrol, awarding random CU members with $20 – $10 for them, and $10 to share with a friend or charity.
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The Prize Patrol also explained the benefits of Shared Branching, which allows members of participating credit unions to use more than 120 Maine credit union branches and over 4,000 branches across the country, just like their own credit union. Share It included a statewide contest for credit unions, in which credit unions that are a par t of the Shared Branch Network were asked to create a “Top 10 List” on the best reasons to use Shared Branching, or what they love to share. When Communit y Credit Union, located in Lewiston, ME, was r e ve a l e d a s t h e w i n n e r o f Maine Credit Unions’ “Share It” competition, it was not only the credit union that came away with a prize.
Community CU’s entertaining f ilm with an old fashioned, black and white movie look, which acted out 10 different ways Shared Branching benefits members, won the competition, and with that $500 to share with a charity of their choice. The credit union chose A Family For Me, a collaborative program with the Maine Depar tment of Health and Human Services that serves as Maine’s statewide recruitment initiative for foster and adoptive families. “Currently in Maine, 155 children are waiting for an adoptive family,” said Grace Cleaves, executive director for A Family For Me. “This donation will help us connect
Share It
page 2 ‰
Ce�ebrate Ce�ebrate Ce�ebrate Credit U�i�� Credit U�i�� Credit U�i�� wee� with us wee� with wee� with us us begi��i�g begi��i�g begi��i�g �ct�ber 18th �ct�ber 18th �ct�ber 18th with dai�y with dai�y drawi�gs� drawi�gs� We’ve heard your requests and now have two new services available: * Bill Pay for your homebanking needs * HSA’s (Health Savings Accounts) Use pre-tax dollars to pay future medical expenses. See us for all your financial needs.
2 Middle Rd., Sabattus, 375-6538 Remote ATM, Rte 197, Litchfield www.SRCU4U.com Member Eligibility Required.
Serving those who live and work in Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Somerset and Waldo Counties
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
CREDIT UNION WEEK
7
From text messaging to Facebook, Maine’s credit unions are on the cutting edge of technology Not only do credit unions provide topnotch personal service, they offer the latest and most convenient technology. In the past few years, Maine’s credit unions have introduced leading technology, including the ability to conduct online
transactions, online lending, electronic check imaging, instant debit card issue, and more. Credit unions continue to introduce new products to enhance the lives of their members, without compromising the most important connection of all: the relationship between the credit union and each individual member. “The ability to implement new technology while still maintaining
a level of member service that ranks first out of all other financial
This high level of service has now gone mobile, as Maine consumers can have money-saving tips sent to their cell phone! When you text “ATM at 22700” you receive information on saving money by using a Maine credit union.
“We are able to give members what they want – access to the latest technology
The Maine credit union movement also has a presence in the world of social media. A blog titled “What’s More in Maine” is on w w w.mainecreditunions.org. Additionally, the Maine Credit Union League can be found on Facebook, along with several Maine credit unions.
and exceptional personal service. Credit unions work hard to provide
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• •
325 Lisbon St. PO Box 878 Lisbon ME 04250 PH: 207-353-4144 www.lisboncu.org
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CREDIT UNION WEEK
both, and credit union members appreciate that.” John Murphy president, MCUL
institutions in Maine is what sets Maine’s credit unions apart in the financial services industry,” explained John Murphy, president
Now More than Ever
of the Maine Credit Union League.
With the combined strength of personal member service and the commitment to delivering exceptional leading technology services, Maine’s credit unions continue to of fer the most comprehensive and enjoyable experience in today’s financial services industry. A link to all Maine credit unions and their services can be found at www. mainecreditunions.org.
Your Your
Money Cho ice
During these Difficult Financial Times, Maine’s Credit Unions
Your Credit Union is there for you. Contact your Local Credit Union today.
In Maine and around the world, credit unions are local, trusted, and here to serve you From October 17 to 22, 2010, more than 600,000 Maine residents who belong to a credit union will join the 184 million credit union members belonging to over 49,000 credit unions in 97 countries worldwide to celebrate International Credit Union Week. For 62 years, credit unions have set aside the third Thursday in Oc tober to celebrate International Credit Union Day. This special occasion gives credit unions an opportunity to remember their proud history, while promoting understanding and support for the credit union difference. Looking at all of the choices available in the financial services industr y, the credit union difference is clear: no matter where you are, credit unions are 100% focused on meeting and exceeding members’ financial services needs. With credit unions, every member is an owner with an equal vote in the election of the credit union’s volunteer board of directors. There are no stockholders at credit unions, and earnings are returned to members in the
Local, trusted
page 9 ‰
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
Local, trusted
• Talk to your neighbors. Some credit unions have a “community” field of membership, serving a region defined by geography rather than by employment or some other association. Ask friends in your community if they know a credit union you may join.
from page 8
form of lower rates on loans and higher rates on savings, or invested back into the credit union to provide more of the services that members need and want.
• Ask family members. See if anyone in your family is a member of a credit union, in your community or out of state. Ask them about their experiences.
Whether a Maine credit union is providing a loan to help a member make their home more energy efficient, giving financial counseling to a member whose company closed its doors, or simply offering a better deal on a used car loan, credit unions are supporting and serving their members and the community as a whole.
• Ask your boss. Your company may sponsor a credit union or may be a sponsor group that has access to a credit union. Many employers will directly deposit your paycheck to the credit union. • Read the yellow pages. A display ad may state a credit union’s field of membership, or provide a number to call to ask about membership eligibility.
Every day is about making a difference for Maine credit union members. Locally or internationally, during International Credit Union Week or at any time of the year – a Maine credit union is where you know your money will be local, safe, and great service is guaranteed.
credit union that’s right for you:
Becoming a credit union member couldn’t be easier! There is a credit union for everyone – use these tips to find the Maine
Visit www.mainecreditunions.org, or call the Maine Credit Union League’s Member Services toll-free at 800-442-6715.
Become a member today, and discover the value of becoming an owner of your financial institution.
Maine credit unions offer many ways to save some green With great rates and lower fees, it is no secret that Maine credit unions save consumers money. However, there is another way that CUs help their members save green – for the environment!
Co-ops from page 5
state, ever yone is welcome. Co-ops also help support your community. Credit unions are recognized for their work with local charities, and also help community businesses through providing great rates on loans and other services. Other co-
Credit unions can help you conserve energy, as many Maine credit unions offer special rates on loans for fuel efficient cars, and on home equity loans to make your house more energy efficient. Credit unions also offer a variety of services that allow employees and members to cut back on the paper used to conduct transactions. Debit cards are not only convenient, they save paper needed for checks. Direct Deposit saves time and resources, not to mention late payment fees, while online bill pay will save both paper and the cost of a stamp!
op groups make a point to stick to local producers, helping to keep these organizations in business. John Murphy, president of the Maine Credit Union League, said that Maine credit unions and other cooperatives play an important role in helping consumers weather tough times. “Now more than ever, consumers are seeking security and the ability
to combine resources for savings – whether it is financial or otherwise. This trend has been evident in other economic downturns such as the 1980s and 1990s when consumers turned to credit unions for safety, security, local ownership and control – factors that provided people with a level of comfort.” More than gaining control of the services you use most, when you take advantage of co-ops in your
Many credit unions also provide the option of E-Statements, sending your CU statement to your email inbox instead of your mailbox. Some credit unions also offer eAlerts, a service which allows the credit union to electronically notify you about account transactions that you want to know about, such as a deposit, withdrawal, or when your account balance drops below a preselected amount. Visit your local credit union to check out the many ways your CU can help you protect the environment. To find a credit union, visit www.mainecreditunions.org.
area for everything from the best financial services to the freshest fruit, you are investing in your community and your savings!
Find out more about co-ops at www.ncba.coop.
People Helping People with their insurance needs...
offering competitive rates on auto, homeowners, renters, snowmobiles, motorcycle and RV insurance, with special group discounts available to Maine credit union members.
1-800-611-0345 www.equinoxagency.com
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
CREDIT UNION WEEK
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At Maine’s credit unions, community matters The credit union commitment to ‘people helping people’ is felt both by credit union members, and throughout the communities in which CU employees work and live. The way Maine credit unions care for their communities is not only what keeps members returning to their local branches – it is also what drives these dedicated members and staff to continue reaching out to people in need.
Maine Credit Union League, explained, “Maine credit unions are about serving their members and communities. Without fail, both staff and members of Maine credit unions embrace the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’ each day, not because they have to, but because it is the right thing to do.”
Credit unions provide support and assistance to their members, staff and community through a variet y of initiatives such as school ac tivities, ser ving on b oards, donating blood, working at soup kitchens, and participating in a variety of other events and activities.
In the past eight years, Maine credit unions have contributed more than 148,000 volunteer hours, including 23,945.5 hours in 2009. Maine credit unions participate in a unique volunteer program, Credit Unions Share for ME, which documents the hours spent helping others by credit union staff, directors and volunteers.
Jon Paradise, Governmental & Public Affairs manager for the
In the spirit of ‘People Remembering & Helping People’,
Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger made an annual donation totaling $7,055 to Maine’s Red Cross Chapters Maine Emergency Food Relief Fund and to a food pantry located in each Chapter’s region in honor of the victims of September 11. Since 2002, the Campaign has contributed $52,055 to these efforts in Maine. These volunteer efforts directly impact the people in Maine who most need assistance. For example, in 2010, more than $25,000 was raised for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program through the efforts of a three-on-three basketball tournament, The 16th Annual Swish- Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, which is coordinated by Maine’s credit unions. Since the tournament
began in 1994, the event has raised more than $173,000 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. One hundred percent of the funds raised from this event go directly to the program, allowing all funds to stay in the state of Maine. Next year’s event will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.
Visit www.mainecul.org to see what Maine’s credit unions are doing in your town, county and across the state. Visit your local credit union to find out more on how you can help your credit union help others in your community!
Who owns your financial institution? If you’re a credit union member, the answer is you! In the increasingly uncertain financial services industry, it is no wonder that
many consumers are concerned about the safety of their savings. And, as products and services continue to increase and become
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more complicated, sometimes it’s difficult to know who is in control of your money! So why not choose a
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Ask Yourself Two Questions...
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1. Do I know my Credit Score? 2. Is my Credit where I want it to be?
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Can you answer YES to these questions? If not, you can benefit from Oxford Federal Credit Union’s Credit Score Enhancement program. OFCU will help you learn about your Credit Score and teach you how to improve it.
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Call us today to schedule an appointment or stop in at one of our two locations.
let’s grow together
The Credit Score Enhancement program is being offered as a Free Service to members of Oxford Federal Credit Union. 225 River Road, Mexico 369-9976
10 CREDIT UNION WEEK
54 Fair Street, Norway 743-2638
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credit union, owned and controlled by the very people who save and borrow there – the members! Credit unions are secure and trustworthy institutions for your finances, in any economy. Here are just some of the many reasons why you should find a CU where you work, live, attend school or worship, and become a member today! • A s the fifth-strongest credit union state in the nation, Maine CUs continue to provide stability for their employees and members in a challenging economy. • Credit unions are not-for-profit, operating with a voluntar y elected board of directors.
• Credit unions function based on members’ economic participation, as well as through democratic member decisionmaking. That means that as a member, you are also an owner of your credit union. • When you become a member, you are joining a cooperative community at the local, state, regional, national, and even international level! • The level of education and training offered to members, elected representatives, mana g er s , an d emp l oye es encourages an unparalleled level of service. • Credit unions are committed to the communities in which they serve. The many causes credit unions support stretch far and wide, from educational programs such as Financial Literacy for Youth, to ongoing initiatives like Ending Hunger in Maine. Discover the credit union dif ference. Visit w w w. mainecreditunions.org to get started!
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
Maine CUs share tips to keep consumers safe In today’s economy, every cent counts. To make sure that a scam doesn’t come between you and your hard earned money, Maine credit unions are continuously working to educate members on how they can keep their money and identity safe. Here are some of the ways that you can protect yourself against this growing threat: •N ever give your Social Security number, account number, or credit card number to anyone who calls you, and always follow up on calls about account information. • If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your credit union asking for account information, hang up, and call back using the number on your account statement. • I f you did respond to such a solicitation, contact your financial institution directly
using the local phone number provided by your financial institution. • Having a pin number that is difficult for a scammer to guess is also a good defense. When creating a pin number, avoid using information that could be easily discovered, such as your mother’s maiden name, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, your birth date, your telephone number or address. Instead, choose a unique combination of letters and numbers. • Fraudulent checks are also a way that money can be lost. Think twice before depositing checks that come to you via an Internet sale, have the condition that you have to send money back to someone from the check’s proceeds, or are issued from an unknown party. • Review your credit reports to make sure all information is accurate, and get it corrected if it is not. Your credit union can help show you where you can access this information. To find out more on how you can protect yourself from identity theft, contact a credit union near you, or visit www.mainecul.org.
What’s More in Maine? A credit union for everyone Wherever you are in Maine, there is a credit union that is right for you! And wherever you may be at the moment, at home, school, the office, or somewhere in between, thanks to www.mainecreditunions.org, finding a credit union has never been easier! This convenient website features a directory listing of all Maine credit unions, complete with directions to a branch near you, phone number, and a link to the credit union website. A separate directory makes it easy to find a convenient credit union ATM location in Maine, including if the location is a part of the surcharge-free SURF Network, and even if the ATM accepts deposits. The site also features a blog, titled “What’s More in Maine.” Here, visitors can find frequently updated posts that describe why Maine is a great place to live, work and play, as well as what credit unions in your area are up to! It is also an easy way to provide feedback on what information, people or places you would like us to feature next! Another source for credit union information, the Maine Credit Union League’s website, www.mainecul.org, has long been an important tool for the League to communicate with credit unions, consumers and the general public. Enhancements, updates and upcoming events are added on a daily basis, making it a great way to stay up to date on credit union news. With the League site named one of America’s Best Websites six years in a row, it succeeds in sharing what credit unions are all about. You can find information about credit unions in Maine online, anytime. Visit either site today to find out what’s going on at Maine’s credit unions.
We are celebrating Credit Union Week All Week! Join us for fun & refreshments. Monmouth Federal Credit Union “We Invest In You” Hours: Mon.-Wed. 9-4, Thurs. 9-5, Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-12 Drive-up opens 8:30am
Serving: Monmouth • Greene • Turner • Wales • Leeds • Litchfield
1176 Main Street • Monmouth, ME 04259 19a Patten Road • Greene, ME 04236 Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010
The extra money you’ve been looking for
CAN BE YOURS! We have the financing for you!
•LOW RATES •LOW PAYMENTS •EXTENDED TERMS •ONE HOUR LOANS
GREAT FALLS F.C.U. WWW.GREATFALLSFCU.COM
34 Bates St., Lewiston • 782-7192
Come and see us!
760 Minot Ave., Auburn • 753-0500
CREDIT UNION WEEK 11
12 CREDIT UNION WEEK
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, October 17, 2010