In Brief, Nov. 1

Credit Union Rallies to Donate Hundreds of Gifts to Area Families
While many financial institutions were closed Monday, Oct. 14 for a federal banking holiday, more than 200 4Front Credit Union team members gathered at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City for a day of bettering themselves and the communities they serve. The highlight of these opportunities is the intertwining of professional development with a concerted community giving effort. The credit union assisted Bikes for Tikes Northwest Michigan and NW Michigan Marine Toys for Tots.

Employees were separated into small groups where they were challenged to work together to assemble 20 bicycles subsequently donated to northern Michigan families in need. Team members also had the opportunity to help fill a presentation stage with gifts later donated to Toys for Tots. It presented a terrific opportunity to give back to the northern Michigan community while participating in a worthwhile team building exercise.

In addition to the 20 assembled bikes, 285 unwrapped gifts were donated by 4Front team members.

“The spirit of helping our neighbors is alive and very, very well at 4Front Credit Union,” said Toys for Tots of Northwest Michigan Coordinator Maggie Kent. “When the Toys for Tots campaign begins, we know we will need to collect over 20,000 toys and we’ll help out thousands of kids. So when we get a terrific start like this, it’s a huge help. This donation will not only make the holidays brighter for area children, but will provide a huge relief for parents who simply want to provide their kids a Christmas this year but aren’t sure how to afford it.”

MCUL Telephone Collections School
Credit union staffers will delve into the best methods for successful collections at the MCUL & Affiliates Telephone Collections School, Nov. 13 in Novi. The agenda will include skiptracing, negotiating skills, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collection tips, handling bankruptcy and how to use the Internet in collections. The training takes place at The Baronnette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel.

Credit Union ONE Partners with Beaumont Children’s Radiothon
Credit Union ONE participated in the “Turn Up the Miracles” 104.3 WOMCBeaumont Children’s Radiothon on Oct. 10. Credit Union ONE was the Tote Board sponsor along with having employees who volunteered to answer 16 pledge phones for two hours.

More than $50,000 dollars were raised during the timeframe. For the day, the Radiothon raised more than $179,000, which was almost $20,000 passed the goal. Each year, the Radiothon raises funds for a particular need in the Children’s Hospital.

“We really enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to bring in our employee volunteers to work along with the dedicated Beaumont Employees who stage this very successful annual event,” said Judi Desilets, director of corporate events.

“The opportunity to sponsor and to present a corporate donation from the Credit Union to the hospital at the event is very humbling,” said John Kozich, VP of community relations. “Our partnership with the hospital and the employees goes back over 40 years, so it is always good to be involved with something great like this.”

For the Fourth Consecutive Year, MSUFCU is Recognized as Best Credit Union to Work For®
MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) has been named one of Credit Union Journal’s Best Credit Unions to Work For®. This award recognizes MSUFCU’s value of investing in its employees’ well being and development while creating an engaging and motivating environment through which employees can excel.

“Creating an environment where our employees can be their authentic selves, bring their best selves to work, and where our mission and core values align closely with their individual values is important to us,” said Silvia Dimma, chief human resources officer. “We value our teams and have made it one of our strategic goals to ensure we create an environment where everyone belongs, and opportunities for development, growth and success are abundant.”

Employees completed surveys administered through CU Journal regarding MSUFCU policies, procedures, demographics and practices. The resulting award was based on survey results showing that employees like working at MSUFCU because they have:

• The ability to use paid volunteer time off to volunteer for local charities and participate in MSUFCU-sponsored charitable events.
• Access to wellness rooms for employees wanting to take a break and for nursing mothers.
• Access to the annual “Health and Wellness” fair where employees can learn how to improve their own health.

Intetional CU Leadership
Those still interested in attend Intentional CU Leadership next week should contact educate@mcul.org to register. The event kicks-off with a networking activity the evening of Nov. 5 and convenes on Nov. 6 with two TED-talk style presentations that leads to attendees choosing who to follow for the balance of the day. Registration is $399 per person for the event which takes place at Consumers CU in Kalamazoo.

Team One Credit Union Now Open on Veterans Drive
Team One Credit Union has opened its newest branch in Traverse City, located at 1202 Veterans Drive. “We are very proud to provide our growing Traverse City membership base with a centrally located, full service branch location,” says Team One Credit Union President/CEO Gerald Hutto. Naomi Kluck, branch manager, and the Traverse City staff look forward to continuing to provide the financial products and services members and businesses need including Member Services, Commercial and Mortgage Services, Investment Services, ample parking and Interactive Teller Machines.

As an introduction to our new branch, area businesses and community leaders were invited to an Open House on Wednesday, September 18th. Nearly 100 people joined the Traverse City Team One staff, board members and administration for a tour, refreshments and entertainment. The event and the new branch were both well received by the community. For more information about Team One Credit Union, visit teamonecu.org.