Early Bird Special

Act now; don't miss out on the Early Bird pricing for the NCOFCU 2013 Annual Meeting & Conference  Register before July 1st to receive the $100 conference discount. Register Now

New Items

• Event and daily rates available to local credit unions (contact event management)
• Conference, room, travel and registration scholarships available to assist credit unions in attending (contact event management)

Because of the overwhelming response, hotel rooms at the Westin Copley Plaza are in short supply so please pre-register so you don't have to stay off site..If the conference hotel is full we have made arrangements in a neighboring hotel for you, just contact us and let us know how many rooms you need.

Board of Directors

For more information:
Contact: Event Management
Phone: 305-951-3306
Email: ncofcu@ncofcu.org  

FALLEN HOUSTON FIREFIGHTERS IDENTIFIED

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
The HFD lost 4 Firefighters in the Line of Duty this afternoon following a fire and collapse. The following are the HFD members who gave the ultimate sacrifice at that fire in Southwest Houston this afternoon:

Captain EMT Matthew Renaud
(35) of Engine 68.  He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 68, has served out of stations 51, 39, 83, 73, 37, 60 and 35.

Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee
(41) of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10 and 48.

Firefighter EMT Robert Garner
(29) of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since.

Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan
(24) of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68.

The Houston Fire Department has never had 4 Firefighters lose their lives from the same incident in the history of their department. In 1929, 3 Firefighters were killed in the Line of Duty after their Engine was broadsided by a train. This afternoon, 5 other Firefighters were initially transported to the hospital for a range of injures from heat exhaustion to a critical injuries.

Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.

15 Ratios Every Board Member Should Know

Key metrics to evaluate your credit union and bridge the gap between macro trends and micro performance.

By Lydia Cole, Creditunions.com  In December, the NCUA passed a rule requiring Board members of federally insured credit unions to have a “working familiarity with basic finance and accounting practices.” The extent of financial literacy that volunteers must meet varies depending upon each credit union’s complexity, but there are basic concepts, definitions, and formulas every volunteer should know. To that end, CreditUnions.com is breaking down 15 ratios by providing definitions and describing how the ratios affect the balance sheet. For personalized information on your credit union, check out Callahan & Associates’ two-year financial comparison, available on CUSP Online. Read more: http://www.creditunions.com/articles/15-ratios-every-board-member-should-know/#ixzz2Us2D5Qy6

‘Don’t Tax My Credit Union' Campaign Moves Forward

CUNA shoots back in campaign aimed at rallying members across the land to speak up for tax exemption. Earlier this year the American Bankers Association launched an ad campaign across Washington, D.C., aimed at credit unions and their tax-exempt status.

The billboards read: “Today credit unions are a $1 trillion industry that pays no income tax. That’s nearly $2 BILLION every year that could help shrink the federal deficit. Now, credit unions want even more perks. It’s time to end credit unions’ indefensible and outdated special treatment. Enough is enough.”

Now CUNA is fighting back. 

CUNA and its affiliated state credit union leagues are launching the campaign at a time when the U.S. House and Senate have made broad-based tax reform a major priority.  READ MORE > ‘Don’t Tax My Credit Union' Campaign Moves Forward:

NCUA to Cease Paper Mailings - Sign-Up for NCUA Express; Google Reader Ending Service on July 1st

NCUA to Cease Paper Mailings - Sign-Up for NCUA Express; Google Reader Ending Service on July 1st:

Written by Steve Van Beek NAFCU

Last week Bernadette highlighted the May 2013 NCUA Report. On the very last page was this notice: "NCUA will stop mailing Letters to Credit Unions and other regulatory alerts as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce operating costs and become more efficient".

NCUA CU Express recipients automatically get the latest regulatory guidance and letters. All credit unions CEOs and Board Chairmen with emails provided in the CU Profile system are automatically subscribed to NCUA CU Express, and should currently be getting all regulatory letters or alerts. 

NCUA CU Express emails are mandatory for credit union CEOs and Board Chairmen, while the separate, but similar NCUA Express is open to the public and subscriber-driven. In addition to regulatory alerts, you can sign up and receive NCUA’s monthly newsletter, The NCUA Report, legal opinions, press releases and more, using the NCUA Express system. For more information about NCUA Express and to subscribe, free of charge, visit http://go.usa.gov/TDsC."

If you haven't already, consider signing up for the NCUA Express. At a minimum, be sure to pass this along to your colleagues in case they rely on the paper mailings. And, while you are at it - make sure your CEO and Board Chairmen's emails are current so they are getting all the information from the NCUA CU Express.
***
Google Reader. Many blog readers use an RSS aggregator such as Google Reader. On July 1st, Google will no longer be supporting Google Reader - so it makes sense to begin the migration to a new RSS aggregator soon. Personally, I've switched over to Feedly (and since wondered multiple times why I didn't earlier). And, best of all - you can connect your existing feeds from Google Reader over to Feedly. Of course, there are additional alternatives as well. 
If you're wondering what RSS is, Wikipedia has some good information. In short, RSS feeds (and an RSS aggregator) allow you to receive updates to a particular blog (or other website) when they occur. If your email inbox is overflowing with blog posts and other resources, having an RSS aggregator can help you stay on top of the news you need without it cluttering up your inbox.  
***

Joseph A. Marcy Jr., 54, died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 8, 2013, while vacationing with his wife, Susan, on the Island of Aruba in the Dutch Antilles.

It is with great sadness we have to report the passing of Joseph A. Marcy Jr. who served a as board of director of Albany Fireman's Federal Credit Union.

GREENWICH — Joseph A. Marcy Jr., 54, died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 8, 2013, while vacationing with his wife, Susan, on the Island of Aruba in the Dutch Antilles.

Joe was a firefighter and certified state emergency medical technician with the city of Albany Fire Department for 25 years and had just recently retired in April of this year. He spent the majority of his firefighting career with Engine 1 “The Pride of Midtown” and also served, for a short period, on Truck 1 “The Southend.”

Born on Oct. 2, 1958, in Albany, Joe was raised in South Schodack, N.Y. He was a 1972 graduate of Holy Spirit Elementary School in East Greenbush and was a proud member of the graduating Class of 1976 of Maple Hill High School in the town of Schodack. He continued his education at Hudson Valley Community College, where in 1979, he received a degree in marketing and management. Joe later graduated from Schenectady County Community College, where he majored in fire protection technology. He also attended Empire State College, where he furthered his studies in fire protection.

Joe served with W.F. Bruen Rescue Squad in East Greenbush as an EMT and was employed, parttime, by NAPA Auto Parts in Greenwich, N.Y.

He was a member of International Association of Fire Fighters, Out of Control Ski Club, Albany Fire Department Honor Guard and Albany Firefighters Retiree’s Association. He served on the board of directors of Albany Fire Department Credit Union.

Joe was a fan of NASCAR and the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing, skiing and antique cars and trucks. A friend and brother to many, Joe will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Joe was the loving and caring husband of Susan M. O’Connor Marcy, whom he married May 16, 1981; the devoted son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Marcy (Mary Patricia Miller); the dear brother of Katherine E. (Marcy) Seymour (Christopher) of Castleton, Patrick J. Marcy (Kelly) of Kirkville, N.Y., Edward A. Marcy (Paula Mirabile) of Schenectady and the late Mary Frances Marcy; step-grandson of Carolyn (Young) Marcy of Florida; nephew of Elizabeth A. Miller of Ithaca and the late John Henry Miller; son-in-law of Leo F. and Dorothy Anne O’Connor of Albany; brother-in-law of Leo F. O’Connor (Paula) of Rexford, Steven G. O’Connor (Roseanne) of Troy, Sean M. O’Connor (Margaret) of East Greenbush and James J. O’Connor (Deborah) of Hannacroix; special uncle of Austin, McKenzie, Abagail, Erin, Shawn, Shannon, Sarah (Patrick), Justin, Ryan (Jennifer), Matthew and Katie. Also surviving are several cousins and his brother firefighters.

A Mass of Christian burial will be concelebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, in Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell St., Albany, where the Rev. John F. Tallman, Albany Fire Chaplain and Joe’s good friend, and the Rev. James J. Vaughn will officiate.

Interment will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.

Relatives, friends and all brother firefighters are invited to attend and may also visit with Joe’s family from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Parish of Mater Christi.

In lieu of flowers, donations, in memory of Joseph A. Marcy, Jr., may be made to the Albany Firefighters Orphan and Widows Fund, in care of the Albany Firefighter’s Federal Credit Union, 532 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206.

Exclusively for the Firefighter Credit Union Community!

The family of Firefighter Credit Unions is as diverse as it is large, spanning over a 100 firefighter credit unions across the world. The NCOFCU Firefighter Community offers an invaluable opportunity to connect and learn from other firefighter credit union staff members and firefighters, just like you!

Remember all the friends you made at the conferences? Well, now they are only a few key strokes away!

• Search our data base and locate that firefighter or staff member by name or credit union and open up a conversation with them
• Remember those questions that come up at your monthly board meetings?
• What is everyone else doing to solve this issue?
• What kind of loans are other firefighter credit unions doing?
• Who are they using to provide this product or service?

Plug into a world where you can find out how other firefighter credit unions like yours have optimized their solutions, find new ways to get more from or share tips & tricks. You'll find plenty to discuss in this essential piece of the NCOFCU firefighter experience.

Exclusively for members of NCOFCU
 Sign In Here 

What's more, this free resource is open to every member of your staff & volunteers.

What to expect...

• Format is similar to what you're already using on Facebook and LinkedIn
• Discuss questions and find answers with other NCOFCU Community users
• Find other NCOFCU Community users and see how they're using the NCOFCU Community
• Create and join circles of users for focused discussions
• Share photos, files and messages with others to pool resources and knowledge

American Income Life and Firefighter Credit Unions

Dear Firefighter Credit Union,
While some of our NCOFCU Firefighter Credit Union members have been participating in the American Income Life Insurance Company (AIL) “no cost” benefits programs for many years, we would like to introduce AIL and its offerings to all of our NCOFCU Firefighter Credit Unions not currently participating. I have asked the Public Relations/Marketing Representative from AIL to contact you to discuss making their No Cost Benefit Program available to your NCOFCU Credit Union. AIL is strongly committed to serving Firefighter Credit Unions and the working family agenda.
The benefits program available through AIL includes the following:

• $3,000 group Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit, which is provided at no cost to all members of your credit union
• Health Services Discount Card providing up to 60% discounts on Vision Care, Hearing Aids,Prescription Medication, and Chiropractic Care (Not available in all states.)
• Child Safe Kits endorsed by the International Union of Police Associations
• After several discussions with AIL regarding their products, we have found the no-cost benefits to be beneficial to NCOFCU Firefighter Credit Union members and their families.

We have, therefore, encouraged AIL to contact each NCOFCU Firefighter Credit Union that they are not working with to explain the programs and provide the necessary details for implementing them. There is no obligation for any NCOFCU Firefighter Credit Unions to participate.

NCOFCU Online Store

Visit NCOFCUs Online store

http://ncofcu.qbstores.com/OC/SF2ASAVE

Boston First Responders Fund for the Victims of the Boston Marathon Terrorist Attack

Boston First Responders Fund for the Victims of the Boston Marathon Terrorist Attack

The Boston’s First Responders Fund was established at the Boston Firefighters Credit Union to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon Terrorism Attack.

“Yesterday was a sad day for the city of Boston, our state and our nation,” said Edward Kelly, president of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, and speaking on behalf of the participating unions. “Yesterday we cared for the victims and today we want to take care of them moving forward. To the families of the victims of yesterday’s tragedy, we can never bring your loved ones back or take away the injuries you sustained from this attack. This Fund is one way to hopefully provide comfort in your time of need.”

Make a Donation

Organizations involved:

• Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts (PFFM)
• Boston Fire Local 718
• Boston Police Patrolman’s Association (BPPA)
• Boston Police Patrolman’s Association (BPPA) – EMS Division
• Boston Superior Officers Federation
• Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society

When: 4-16-2013

Chairman's Letter - National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc.

Dear Firefighter Credit Unions,
The Boston convention in October is now only a few months away. As I look back at last year’s Long Beach convention I reflect on the reasons why it was important to attend. Besides seeing and exchanging ideas with close colleagues I was inspired to bring back to my credit union the ideas and experiences that have worked for other credit unions. I was able to connect with vendors that offer services that we have been looking for. But above all I was with firefighters that share a common bond beyond the credit union.
This year’s convention is looking to be one that will meet the educational and inspirational requirements that we have enjoyed in the past. The featured speakers that we’ve selected Louis Hernandez, CEO of Avid Technology Inc., will speak about the unique value and impact on our financial institutions. Buddy Gill advisor to Debbie Matz will be speaking as well as Steven Rick, Senior Economist for CUNA & Affiliates. I look forward to learning something from each of them. There will be round table discussions as well as political and nationally known speakers. There is truly something for everyone from veteran leaders and board members to family and our young professionals willing to move ahead. To complete the experience we will also have a golf outing and two tour packages.
I need to thank the Board and Staff for all the hard work they have been doing, from phone calls and planning sessions to meeting in person. The time from work and family is a true dedication.
The best is saved for last; the Boston Firefighters Credit Union lead by Bernie Winne has set in motion the entire convention from hotel to speakers. A highlight will certainly be an evening at the Boston Firefighter Union Hall for dinner and live Irish music from the Fenian Sons.
So will you join us at the Boston Convention? It is going to be an amazing event…and it won’t be the same without you.
Michael R. Tobler
Chairman of the Board
National Coalition of Firefighter Credit unions

American Income Life is now a BRONZE sponsor at NCOFCUs 2013 Annual Meeting & Conference

 

Lets welcome American Income Life as a 2013 BRONZE sponsor

American Income Life & Credit Unions

American Income Life Insurance Company Partnering To Strengthen Your Credit Union An international company, American Income Life Insurance Company (AIL) is recognized as one of the largest providers of supplemental insurance in North America. Our superior customer service, from initial contact through the life of a policy, sets us apart from the competition. We have earned an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from A.M. Best Company. For over 60 years our commitment to working families has been respected and appreciated by over 20,000 different groups. The groups represent members of credit unions, associations, fraternal organizations, sporting groups, labor unions, licensed professionals, and non-profit organizations. AIL is licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and is registered to carry on business in New Zealand. National Income Life Insurance Company, AIL's wholly owned subsidiary, is licensed in New York. AIL's Executive Offices are located in Waco, Texas American Income Life Insurance Company 1200 Wooded Acres Drive Waco, Texas 76710 866-797-6455
Our Firefighters credit union representative;

Crystal Senour
Public Relations/Marketing Specialist
AIL Ins.Co.,Inc.
crsenour@ailife.com
908-442-2046

American Income Life & Credit Unions

$50,000 reward offered by unions for info leading to perpetrators of marathon bombings - Metro - The Boston Globe

A group of police and firefighter unions announced a $50,000 reward Tuesday for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting off two explosions at the Boston Marathon that took three lives and injured more than 170 people and have set up a fund for victims of the blast.

About 60 firefighters were on duty during the Marathon and scores of police lined the route, all of whom sprang into action to help victims in the moments after the almost simultaneous blasts Monday afternoon, Edward A. Kelly, president of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, said during a 2 p.m. joint press conference at Dartmouth Street and Huntington Avenue.

Some first responders used their belts to apply tourniquets to injured people who would probably have bled to death without such treatment, Kelly said.

“Anger,” he responded, when asked to describe his emotions about the attack.

 

“Let me say as an American, my heart is broken . . . but I’m proud to say our first responders did an amazing job.”

The ­reward by the first responders unions is aimed at facilitating the investigation. ‘We took care of the victims yesterday, and we want to take care of them moving forward.’

Thomas Nee, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association and the National Association of Police Officers, said that within minutes of the blasts fire and police departments from other states, including New York, were on the phone offering to travel to ­Boston to help.

“Let’s displace the fear, let’s displace that fear, because we will find this person, and we will bring that person to justice,” Nee said.

Jerry Sanfilippo, president of the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society, said the ­reward by the various unions is aimed at facilitating the investigation.

“I assure you that the same degree of professionalism that you saw demonstrated yesterday by the Boston police will continue unabated as we seek out and bring to justice those terrorists who sought to destroy our city,” Sanfilippo said.

“We took care of the victims yesterday, and we want to take care of them moving forward,” Sanfilippo said in announcing a victim’s fund at the Boston Firefighters Credit Union.

He said all money raised will go to the victims.

“I am proud to stand together with my brothers in the ­Boston Police Union and the Boston EMS union to take care of the victims of this tragedy.”

Brian Ballou can be reached at BBallou@globe.com; Martin ­Finucane can be reached at MFinucane@globe.com.
$50,000 reward offered by unions for info leading to perpetrators of marathon bombings - Metro - The Boston Globe

Tool Kit: How to Lighten the Crush of E-Mail

I am posting this bit of advice to assist you in freeing up your in-box! "But", please keep in mind that NCOFCU is one of the e-mails you want to keep receiving!
Thanks,
Grant

E-mail is the worst. Between alerts from Facebook, newsletters from Groupon, reply-all e-mail chains, work brainstorming sessions and social coordinating, the in-box becomes a daunting pit of quicksand. At a certain point, even the most dogged among us give up.

There’s no quick fix. But here are a few ways to tame your in-box. Tool Kit: How to Lighten the Crush of E-Mail:

Suspect Dead After Taking FF's Hostage-FF's OK-Video (The Secret List)

Hey,
That heavily armed man is now dead after cops stormed his suburban Atlanta home to rescue 4 Gwinnett County Firefighters who were taken hostage when they responded to an EMS run in Suwanee ....which is located about 35 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. A SWAT team used "flash-bang" type explosives to enter the home and take the gunman by surprise after negotiators believed that the lives of the firefighters were in “imminent danger"...and there was an exchange of gunfire. 5 FF's were initially held hostage but 1 was released shortly after he was taken hostage to move the fire apparatus, leaving 4 in the house when the police entered it with grenades...unfortunately one police officer was wounded in the exchange of gunfire (he was shot in the hand) but is reported to be doing well.

Gwinnett County Fire Capt. Thomas Rutledge advised that members of the PD's SWAT team were initially attempting to negotiate with the man, who had barricaded himself in the house on a leafy block in a subdivision in Suwanee. The man initially demanded that utilities at the house, which had been turned off, be restored. The house at 2440 Walnut Grove Way is a bank-owned repossession, public records show. At around 1930, it was reported that multiple explosions were heard in the neighborhood as negotiators had determined that the lives of the Firefighters were in imminent danger  and that they had to go in.  Captain Rutledge said that the firefighters, like any fire or EMS personnel, had no idea they were being set up when they received the medical call.

HERE is video from the scene: http://tinyurl.com/d4776xa

HERE is video AFTER the suspect was killed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5RD5f1RQk8
HERE is an initial video interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0vatSq-fII

HERE is the GWINNETT COUNTY FD HOME PAGE: http://tinyurl.com/3h8aqwz

Take care-BE CAREFUL.

BillyG

The Secret List 4-10-13 / 2100 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com