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“Dress
Code” in Credit Unions Adds Security with “No Hats, No Hoods, No
Sunglasses” Program
BOISE, ID – October 14, 2004 –
Starting October 21, credit unions across the state
of Idaho will ask consumers to remove hats, hoods, and sunglasses before
coming inside their financial institution.
“The number of robberies committed in financial
institutions is always a concern, and this is a simple way to tackle the
issue,” explains Idaho Credit Union League President Alan D. Cameron.
“By removing hats, hoods, caps and sunglasses, consumers make it easier
for staff and law enforcement to identify any would-be robbers, who often
choose these items as a disguise.” The “No Hats” program has the
support of the Boise Police Department, the FBI, and the Idaho State
Police.
The dress code security effort has already found success
in Massachusetts and Missouri. Massachusetts has experienced a 15%
reduction and Missouri a 36% reduction in financial institution robberies
since implementing the dress code more than a year ago.
“We
want to do everything we can to make credit unions and banks safer for our
members and staff,” says Cameron. “This dress code effort sends a
message to criminals that they can’t walk into an Idaho credit union
wearing a disguise without being noticed. We are paying attention, and
these robbers will be caught.”
Dream…Belong…Achieve:
Five Ways to Join a Credit Union
BOISE, ID -- October 13, 2004 -- Some 120
million credit union members around the world will celebrate International
Credit Union Day on Thursday, October 21, 2004. As they do, they will
celebrate the unique service their credit unions provide and the many ways
their families and communities have benefited from the credit union
difference.
Credit unions
are for everyone, but the law places some limits on the people they may
serve. A credit union’s charter defines its “field of membership,”
which could be an employer, church, school, or community. Anyone working
for an employer that sponsors a credit union is eligible to join that
credit union.
Here’s how to
find a credit union to join:
 | 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.
|
| Poll
your family. Does
your spouse’s employer sponsor a credit union? Most credit unions
invite family members to join. Each credit union, however, may define
“family” differently. At some, only your immediate family members
are eligible. At other credit unions, family may include extended
family members, such as grandparents, cousins, uncles, and aunts.
|
| Quiz
the 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 the community if they know of a credit
union you may join.
|
| Read
the yellow pages.
Some credit unions rarely advertise, so you might not know about them
unless you look them up. A yellow pages display ad may state a credit
union's field of membership. If not, at least you'll know what number
to call to ask about membership eligibility. |
Check
online databases of credit unions. Use
the Credit Union National Association’s online credit union locator at www.creditunion.coop
or try www.joinacu.org. Another
source of information is the Idaho Credit Union League’s website at www.idahocul.org.
Idaho
Delegation Meets with Credit Unions During Recess
BOISE,
ID—August 27, 2004--The
Idaho Credit Union League took advantage of Congress’s August recess to
schedule credit unions visits with Idaho’s delegation and their staff.
 Serving
small communities in Idaho
Gregg
Richard, staff member handling financial issues for U.S. Senator Mike
Crapo (R-Idaho), joined League representatives Alan Cameron and Val Brooks
on a visit to Les Bois FCU’s branch office in Crouch, Idaho. With the
help of retired banker and new Les Bois branch manager Gary Hester, this
small mountain community tried to no avail to get a bank to open an office
in their town. Les Bois FCU (Boise) embraced the idea and opened over 100
accounts the first week. (Photo: Gary Hester, Gregg Richard, and Alan
Cameron.)
 Before
an afternoon of golf at the second annual “Putt ‘n’ Politics”
tournament for legislators and credit unions, (hosted by the Eastern Idaho
and Pocatello Chapters of the Idaho Credit Union League), U.S. Congressman
Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) toured Potelco United CU’s new Firth branch
office with CEO Brian Osberg and Idaho Credit Union League
representatives. Hoping to entice a financial institution to open a branch
in Firth (population 408), developer Blaine Killpack built a multipurpose
complex which included a doctor’s office and office space for a
financial institution with a drive-up window and night drop. When he
approached Potelco United  CU
(Pocatello) about occupying the space, management concluded that it would
be a great opportunity for the credit union and also for the community.
Firth had not had a financial institution since 1927. (Photos: Simpson
with Potelco staff members; Simpson [back row, second from left] with
Potelco staff and League reps.)
 Fundraiser
benefits Crapo
East Idaho CU (Idaho Falls) EVP and Idaho Credit
Union League Chairman Mike Klements and his wife, Betty, hosted a picnic
and fundraiser for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).
Senator
Crapo and his wife, Susan, visited with credit union friends and neighbors
during the event. Senator Crapo talked to the group about various issues
in Congress and answered questions about everything from national security
to his work on the Senate Banking Committee. (Photo: Left to right: Mike
& Betty Klements and Susan & Mike Crapo.)
Idaho
Credit Unions Recognized for Fundraising Efforts
BOISE, ID—May 19, 2004--The Idaho Credit
Union League recognized several Idaho credit unions at an awards luncheon
on May 14, 2004 in Coeur d’Alene for their fundraising efforts for
Credit Unions for Kids, an organization that raised funds for the Children’s
Miracle Network. Thirty-six credit unions participated in the campaign,
raising over $179,000 in the 2003 campaign season.
Inkom Cement Employees Credit Union, Inkom, was awarded two
trophies in the "Under $5 Million in Assets" category for
raising the most money per credit union ($427), and for raising the most
per member ($1.09 each). The credit union was also recognized for raising
165% more than in the 2002 season.
Lewis Clark Credit Union, Lewiston, was awarded two trophies in the
"$5 to $20 Million in Assets" category for raising the most
money per credit union ($8,062), and for raising the most per
member ($2.66 each). Idaho Falls Teachers Credit Union, Idaho Falls
was recognized for raising 296% more than in the 2002 season.
Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union, Lewiston, was awarded a
trophies in the "Over $20 Million in Assets" category for
raising the most money per credit union ($30,000). Idahy FCU,
Boise, was awarded a trophy for raising the most per member ($3.14 each). Potlatch
No. 1 Federal Credit Union was also recognized for raising 1154% more
than in the 2002 season.
A trophy was also presented to the North Idaho Chapter of Credit Unions
for raising the most money per member in the Coeur d’Alene area.
Money raised for the Children’s Miracle Network in northern Idaho
($63,181.26) benefits pediatric care at Deaconess Medical Center, Deer
Park Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospital – Colville,
Northwest MedStar Air Ambulance, St. Joseph’s Hospital – Chewelah, St.
Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Sacred Heart Medical Center, and Valley
Hospital & Medical Center.
Money raised in southwest Idaho ($62,742.21) benefits St. Luke’s
Children’s Hospital in Boise and money raised in eastern Idaho
($53,564.46) assists Primary Children’s Regional Medical Center in Salt
Lake City.
Pocatello
Businesswoman Named “Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer of the
Year”
BOISE,
ID—May 19, 2004--Gayla Freeman,
chairman of Pocahy Family Credit Union (Pocatello), was named the
Idaho Credit Union League’s “Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer of the
Year” at the Idaho Credit Union League’s 68th Annual Meeting in Coeur
d’Alene on May 19, 2004. This award recognizes the noble service of one
outstanding credit union volunteer each year. Freeman is the fourteenth
recipient of the award.
Freeman
has been a credit union director for ten years and currently serves as
Chairman of the Board. Outside the credit union, this she is state
coordinator for the American Intercultural Student Exchange program, a
Humane Society and Red Cross volunteer, and an employee of the Idaho
Department of Transportation.
Moscow
Businesswoman Receives
“Outstanding Credit Union
Professional of the Year” Award
9, 2004—Glenda
Hart, president/CEO of Latah Federal Credit Union (Moscow), was named
the Idaho Credit Union League’s “Outstanding Credit Union Professional
of the Year” at the Idaho Credit Union League’s 68th Annual Meeting in
Coeur d’Alene on May 14, 2004. This award recognizes the noble service
of one outstanding credit union professional each year. Hart is the
fourteenth recipient of the award and the first person to win the award
twice.
Hart
has worked in credit unions for 25 years. In addition to her credit union
service, she is active in the United Way, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce,
and the Kendrick-Julieatta Community Development Association.
Idaho
Credit Union League holds 2004 Annual Meeting
BOISE,
ID – May 19, 2004 -- At its 68th Annual Meeting held in Coeur
d’Alene last week, the Idaho Credit Union League honored Gayla Freeman,
a credit union volunteer from Pocahy Family Credit Union (Pocatello) by
naming her “2003 Credit Union Volunteer of the Year.” Named “2003
Credit Union Professional of the Year” was Glenda Hart, president/CEO of
Latah Federal Credit Union (Moscow).
Mike Klements, vice
president of lending of East Idaho Credit Union (Idaho Falls), has been
re-elected chairman of the Idaho Credit Union League.
Other
elected table officers include:
Vice
Chairman Joan Erickson, president/CEO of Lewis Clark Credit Union
in Lewiston, Idaho; and
Secretary/Treasurer
Brian Osberg, president/CEO of
Potelco United Credit Union (Pocatello).
Glenda Hart,
president/CEO of Latah Federal Credit Union (Moscow), has been elected
chairman of League Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Idaho Credit Union
League.
Other
elected table officers include:
Vice
Chairman Brad Swartzentruber, president/CEO of Nazarene Financial
Credit Union (Nampa); and
Secretary/Treasurer
Joyce Henry, president/CEO of
Coeur d’Alene Teachers’ Credit Union (Coeur d’Alene).
Idaho
Credit Unions Post Healthy Gains in Assets, Loans
BOISE, IDAHO—March 22, 2004--According to
figures released by the Idaho Credit Union League, Idaho credit unions
continued to post healthy gains in number of members, savings, loans, and
assets during 2003.
Membership in Idaho credit unions increased to 454,975;
shares grew by 9 percent to $2,119,015,779; loans increased 10.1 percent
to $1,590,672.268; and assets went up 9.9 percent to $2,391,563,163.
Idaho Credit Union League President/CEO Alan D. Cameron
remarked, “Despite a struggling economy, credit unions continue to see
substantial increases in their shares and loan portfolios, reflecting not
only the high level of satisfaction consumers in general have with credit
unions, but also the trust and confidence members place in their own
credit unions.”
Record
Attendance at Idaho Governmental Affairs Conference
BOISE, ID – January 30, 2004 – The Idaho
Credit Union League held their sixth annual state governmental affairs
conference on January 27, 2004 at the Grove Hotel in Boise, Idaho. Over 70
credit union CEOs, employees, and volunteers took part in this one-day
high quality event. First-rate speakers covered a variety of topics
important to the credit union advocacy process. Setting the bar for
quality and interest was the call-in presentations from three of our four
Idaho U.S. Congressmen. Each of our Delegation spoke about issues of
interest to our conference participants from the USA Patriot Act to
Bankruptcy Reform Legislation. Senator Larry Craig, Senator Mike Crapo,
and Congressman Mike Simpson each spoke for about 15 minutes and answered
questions from the audience. Although he has participated in this call-in
discussion in previous years, Congressman Butch Otter was unable to call
in due to his travel schedule.
Gretchen Graf, Grassroots Manager from CUNA, provided
valuable information about how to communicate effectively with
legislators. She finished by emphasizing the need for 100% participation
in Project Zip Code. During the morning session of this conference, East
Idaho CU Board Member Ken Fielding addressed the importance of political
involvement by credit union volunteers.
A highlight of the Idaho GAC – and the main reason for
gathering in January – was the Legislative Luncheon held in the Crystal
Ballroom of the Historic Hoff Building, across the street from Idaho’s
Statehouse. Over sixty state legislators joined the credit union folks
from their districts for lunch and a briefing from local economist John
Church. This luncheon was the perfect opportunity for credit union people
to visit one-on-one with their legislator. Also in attendance at the
luncheon was a representative from the office of Governor Dirk Kempthorne
and Gavin Gee, director of the Idaho Department of Finance.
During the afternoon session of the GAC, Lieutenant
Governor James Risch spoke about the current legislative session and
issues ahead for the state. Dr. James Weatherby, political analyst and
expert on public policy from Boise State University, shared information
from a survey on political trends and addressed the media’s impact on
Idaho politics. The Idaho GAC ended with a fantastic presentation by
Spencer Stokes of Stokes Strategies out of Utah. Mr. Stokes provided
insight about the banker attacks on credit unions in Idaho and the
political implications. |
