Pennsylvania Credit Union Association

September 9, 2005

Stepping Up In Extraordinary Times

Hurricane Katrina wasn’t much to talk about as it crossed southern Florida about two weeks ago. But as it churned across the warm Gulf waters, the storm grew into a Category 5 monster and headed toward the Gulf Coast. Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana — particularly vulnerable New Orleans — were in the path of the storm.

Awaiting the storm’s arrival, one meteorologist from The Weather Channel, standing along the Mississippi Coast said, “Look around and see how beautiful this coastline is, because once Katrina passes through, it will never look like this again.”

Little did anyone know what kind of destruction the force of Mother Nature would create as Katrina slammed into the Mississippi Coast, completely devastating towns; destroying hundreds of homes and businesses; and uprooting the lives of millions of people from Alabama to Louisiana. Then came the ensuing flooding in New Orleans, where thousands of people were trapped in their homes, hospitals, and shelters.

Many of these people have lost everything but the clothes on their backs. They have no jobs to go to and must begin rebuilding their lives.

Hurricane Relief Fund Established

In response to the desperate need for funds to initiate recovery, Pennsylvania Credit Union Association Chairman Norb Kaczmarek called for the establishment of a disaster relief fund for victims of Hurricane Katrina in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. In addition, Chair-man Kaczmarek authorized a $1,000 donation from the Association, as well as a $1,000 donation from the Association’s service corporation, Pacul Services, Inc. Also, Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation Chairman Ron Lasich authorized a $1,000 donation from the Foundation, for a total of $3,000.

Further, Association President/CEO Jim McCormack encouraged all Association staff to donate an amount equivalent to one hour’s pay to the fund. In less than three days, employees had donated more than $1,600. The Association and Pacul Services, Inc. will match employee donations.

Credit unions are invited to contribute funds to a restricted Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund, which will be administered by the Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation. Be assured that 100 percent of your contribution will be used by the victims of the disaster in the Gulf States – credit union members who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Other funds will be used by the state leagues and foundations to assist local organizations that are most effectively utilizing resources for the benefit of stricken credit union communities.

Please send your donations to: Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation, c/o Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund, P. O. Box 60007, Harrisburg, PA 17106-0007.

For more information, please contact Joe Wambach at ext. 5244; e-mail joseph.wambach@pcua.coop. Updates on contributions, special credit union relief efforts, and the status of affected credit unions will be published regularly in the Association’s daily e-newsletter, Life Is A Highway. Send your news to highway@pcua.coop.

We Remember September 11 — Four Years Later A New “Ground Zero”

Four years ago, America was stunned with terrorist attacks on New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia/Washington, D.C. There was an outpouring of support and donations from across the nation.

Ironically, four years later, Americans are focused on a new “Ground Zero” of a different magnitude. Three states and millions of people are suffering from devastation, destruction, and enormous loss of life from Hurricane Katrina, where totals could supersede those from 9/11/01.

The outpouring of donations, contributions, volunteerism, and support was overwhelming in 2001, and will be needed in 2005’s unprecedented crisis.

Pennsylvania Credit Union News

A-K Valley FCU, Lower Burrell, concluded its August Youth Week with a drawing for a bicycle and helmet for one lucky saver at both its Lower Burrell and Pittsburgh offices. The winners were Nick Vida and Roderick Jones. During the promotion, 19 new accounts were opened for youth ranging in age from three months to 18 and over $4,000 was deposited.

CTCE FCU, Reading, recently opened its fifth branch inside the new Giant Food Store located at The Shoppes at Shillington Shopping Center in Shillington. The new branch offers teller, loan, and transaction services to CTCE members seven days a week. A CTCE automatic teller machine inside the store will be accessible 24 hours a day.

Erie Community Credit Union once again took part in Celebrate Erie, one of Pennsylvania’s largest urban arts festivals. The celebration was held August 19-21 in downtown Erie and featured live music, diverse art, tasty cuisine, and family fun. Erie Community Credit Union was one of 60 Chalk Walk sponsors, which featured chalk art drawn along eight blocks in the center of State Street. More than 100,000 people strolled the streets during this three day event.

York Educational FCU held a summer loan promotion tied to the dollar amount of loans granted since the credit union was organized in April 1969. In early June, the Board noted that the “loans granted since organization” total was $98,976,900. They decided to hold a special promotion to reach the $100 million in loans milestone. Through marketing materials, a lobby display with growth thermometer, and monthly drawings, the credit union reached its magic number on August 3 when member Macon Tribue II took the credit union’s loan promotion “over the top.” The promotion lasted two months and three days, and resulted in 143 loans totaling more than $1,023,100. Credit union President/CEO Dave Baker congratulated Mr. Tribue when he arrived to pick up his loan check.

Promoting Credit Union Membership 4 Life

As part of an advertising blitz to promote shared branching in the Pittsburgh area, five credit unions participated in the Healthy 4 Life Expo at the Pittsburgh Convention Center on August 28.

Representatives from A-K Valley FCU, Lower Burrell; Clearview FCU, Moon Township; Omega FCU, Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Central FCU, Wexford; and WEST-AIRCOMM FCU, Beaver, along with Association Executive Vice President Bob Hinchey, Director of Business Development Lisa Florian, and Account Executive Monika Scott, distributed information about credit unions and promoted their specific credit unions with marketing materials and giveaways.

People who visited the booth were encouraged to sign up for a chance to win airfare to Los Angeles, hotel accommodations, and tickets to the “Dr. Phil” show.

The six-month advertising campaign, jointly funded by the five credit unions, includes 80 monthly television commercials on WTAE Channel 4, Web advertising on WTAE’s Web site, and 12 real time traffic watch billboards monthly.

CU Service Centers (www.creditunion.net), the national shared branching network, has more than 1,100 credit unions offering nearly 1,900 locations. Through the Pennsylvania Credit Union Service Centers, Inc., (PaCUSC), there are 20 participants and 28 locations.

Commemorative Coins Keep PAC Growing

Three new coins and coin sets are available for credit unions to offer to their members: the U.S. Mint’s Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar; a Proof Set of the Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar; and a Proof Set of all five 2005 State Quarters and both new 2005 nickels.

The five State Quarters collection for 2005 includes: California, Minnesota, Oregon, Kansas, and West Virginia.

In addition, you can create your own one-of-a-kind promotional coin or keychain to commemorate a significant milestone for your credit union, special annual meeting or chapter event, staff recognition, retirement, etc.

Money raised from the sales benefits the Association’s federal political action committee, PACULAC.

For more information, please contact Governmental Affairs Specialist Christina Mihalik at ext. 5282, or e-mail christina.mihalik@pcua.coop.

Correction: Judge/Bradley Graduate

The August 26 issue of Keystone Extra incorrectly listed Daniel Snyder of Central Keystone FCU, Sunbury, as graduating with the Basic Management Class of the Penn State Judge/Bradley Credit Union School. Snyder was a member of the 2005 Advanced Management Class.

In fact, Snyder has successfully completed both the Basic and Advanced Management courses under the new two-year format. We congratulate him on his efforts and apologize for the error.

Calendar of Events

September

13 — Webinar: ID Card Verification and Loss Prevention
15 — NLF Webinar: Fighting Fraud In Bankruptcy
20 — Webinar: Form Completion CTR & SAR
20 — Webinar: Form Completion OFAC, FinCEN
21 — Webinar: Performing The Annual ACH Audit
21 — Webinar: ACH Risk Management
21-22 — Card Users Conference, Pittsburgh
22 — Webinar: ACH Payments, Verifying, Authentication
22-23 — Credit Union Attorneys Conference, Harrisburg
28 — Internet Session: How to Read and Sell From a Credit Report

Contact Jinny Cosgriff at the Association for more information on the webinars, ext. 5217. Check out www.pcua.coop for details on education programs.

Classifieds

Job Openings

Assistant Vice President of Sales & Service — Patriot FCU has a great opportunity for someone with proven success in developing sales goals and achieving those goals through sales staff. Qualified candidates will have previous experience in the oversight of financial institution branch operations, and in providing leadership to a large staff. Five plus years’ experience preferred. Competitive wages and premier benefits package. For confidential consideration, please forward your resumé to: Human Resources, Patriot Federal Credit Union, P. O. Box 778, Chambersburg, PA 17201; e-mail: rgipe@patriotfcu.org; fax: 717-263-8684.

Financial Services — Tri County Area Federal Credit Union has an opening for an enthusiastic individual with good communication and customer service skills to join our Financial Services team. Responsibilities include assisting members with loan and deposit products and services. Competitive salary and benefit package. Send resumé to: 1550 Medical Drive, Pottstown PA 19464; fax: 610-326-7197; or e-mail: info@tcafcu.org.

Loan Officer/Supervisor — PA Central FCU seeks highly motivated, detail-oriented team player to join its lending department. Successful applicant should demonstrate leadership abilities, aptitude for sales and desire for personal and professional growth. Qualifications include 3-5 years consumer lending experience; organizational and planning skills; and commitment to quality member service. Comprehensive salary and benefits package offered. Send resumé/salary history to: PA Central FCU, Attn: CEO, 959 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111; or visit www.pacentralfcu.com.

Manager/CEO — North Penn FCU, a $13 million credit union located in Colmar, Montgomery County, is seeking a full-time CEO. Position is responsible for directing all credit union operations, including planning and implementing programs and policies; managing day-to-day operations; and providing direction to the staff. Desired qualifications include experience in leadership, accounting, and management. Preference to experienced credit union professionals with a degree in finance and/or accounting, along with ALM/investment experience is preferred. Send or e-mail resumé and salary requirements to: North Penn Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 527, Colmar, PA 18915; e-mail: npfcu@comcast.net.

Belco Community Credit Union, headquartered in Harrisburg, is seeking to fill the following positions:

• Member Service Associates/Representatives — Eight full-time openings for frontline positions performing teller transactions and educating members on products and services. Retail sales and customer service experience preferred. Positions are located in any one of eight branches.
  
• Consumer Loan Processing Representative — Full-time position in Consumer Lending Dept. in Harrisburg office. Prepare all documentation for loan closings and other related functions. High School Diploma with 1-3 years experience as a loan processor.
  
• Consumer Loan Sales Specialist — Full-time position in Consumer Lending Dept. in Harrisburg office. Handle telephone loan applications; sell products that fit the applicant. Two-year Associate Degree plus two years experience in a Senior Consumer Lending Role or High School Diploma with three years experience.
  
• Loss Prevention Associate/Representative — Full-time position in Loss Prevention Dept. in Harrisburg. Collect past due accounts; educate members on good credit management. Two-year Associate Degree and 1-3 years of collection experience required; or High School Diploma with 3-5 years experience.

Credit union offers competitive salary and benefits. All positions require strong interpersonal talents with emphasis on communication skills; ability to multi-task; attention to detail and accuracy; and PC knowledge and skills. Please submit your resumé via e-mail to: dolingerl@belco.org.

Keystone Extra Classifieds Are Free

Looking to fill a position? Keystone Extra Classifieds are available at no cost to affiliated credit unions. Your ad will appear in two consecutive issues and will be posted on the Association’s Web site for six weeks — for free. Please limit ad to 75 words or less. Send information to janet.johnson@pcua.coop; or fax to Janet Johnson at 717-234-2695.