Firefighter Credit Union Newsroom

Check out Fire Fighters Credit Union “Get a Loan & Get One at Half Price” For more information contact Frances Reed CEO Firefighters Credit Union 800-786-3328

  For more information contact; CU24 2120 Killarney Way Tallahassee, FL 32309 877-570-2824 Anthony Mondello Regional Sales Anthony.mondello@cu24.com Marsha Earle marsha.earle@cu24.com

WE DID IT!   The coalition held its first convention and we had over 150 attendees. There are a lot of people to thank for all their hard work and commitment for a successful event and to start we need to thank the Boston Firefighters Credit Union lead by Bernie Winne. To put on a convention was new to most of our board members and Bernie’s experience proved invaluable to us. Thank you again Bernie.     Looking back at the convention even the weather welcomed us to Boston in a season that is unpredictable. The government with its shut down didn’t stop us from enjoying the multitude of entertainment that Boston has to offer. In your comments it was obvious that we had met and even surpassed your expectations of what the convention should be like. We had good speakers and presenters with time for round table discussions.     On the final day Lyn Lynch from San Diego won the IPad worth over $600.00. At the Friday night dinner we presented our first volunt...

There was a great time had by all. Check out your photo book to the right or watch this photo video http://www.photoshow.com/watch/ZV6rp3dk

BY HEATHER ANDERSON CU Times August 22, 2013 Hundreds of credit union leaders and members—including representatives from nearly every area credit union—rallied outside of the Credit Union Association of New York headquarters in Albany on Thursday to voice their support for CUNA’s Don’t Tax My Credit Union campaign, the league said in a release. The rally was part of CUANY’s statewide Don’t Tax My Credit Union Week, designed to help raise awareness about the campaign and encourage credit unions to lobby Congress in support of the credit union tax exemption. Committee leaders in both the U.S. Senate and House have said they will attempt reforms to the tax code this year. Supporters gathered to hear guest speakers express the importance of the credit union income tax exemption. “Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that return their earnings to their members in the form of lower rates on loans, higher interest on savings, enhanced service an...

I would like to share this Blog with you. Managing your online reputation can be a daunting task at times – whether it’s because you’ve posted something less than smart on Facebook , someone assumes your name or someone is talking about you and your business and you can’t control what they’re saying. The Internet is impossible to control, and anyone can say anything about you – that, in the end, is the beauty of the Internet. However, it’s not just about what others are saying about you, but also how you conduct yourself online, and especially on social media that can damage your reputation. Read complete Blog here; http://www.socialable.co.uk/how-to-manage-your-online-reputation/#%21

How are financial institutions using social media? Social media is still new to many banks and credit unions. Security is a big concern as financial information is very sensitive. Social media must be monitored regularly to ensure customer privacy. Social media is being used by financial institutions in many ways including: Building Relationships – Sharing pictures, and videos helps build relationships with customers. Social media allows banks and credit unions to be more social and interact. Relaying Information – Financial institutions are embracing social media to get the word out about events and services. Promoting their products – Social media is being used to promote products and special offers customers may not be aware of. How can credit union customers benefit from technology and social media? Customers are taking full advantage of technology and social media. People want access and convenience. Technology and social media have made this possible. Banking has changed. It i...

The National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc. (NCOFCU) is pleased to offer  daily attendance rates for credit unions in the local community of the conference. We understand that your work load may preclude you, your volunteers and staff from attending the complete conference so daily rates will be available. Over one hundred of your Firefighter Credit Union colleagues have already registered for the  meeting which will address the needs and concerns of Firefighter Credit Unions of all sizes. Unlike the more generalized conferences, the NCOFCU Annual Meeting & Conference directly addresses the challenges facing Firefighter Credit Unions. The Firefighter Credit Unions specific agenda, the networking with Firefighter Credit Unions from all over the country makes this conference truly unique. You and your board’s knowledge and experience would add a tremendous value to the meeting, making it an event not to be missed!  Can we count on you to share your thoug...

Don’t miss this great opportunity to network with fellow Firefighter Credit Union CEOs and Volunteers. NCOFCU scholarships are available to assist you in your conference registration, travel, rooms or all depending on your need. All requests are confidential! The Percy Riley Scholarship was established to assist credit unions in attending conference so that they can learn and share from fellow attendees. The scholarship is supported by  credit unions, exhibitors and friends of NCOFCU.   Click ( HERE ) for more information or cut and paste to your browser, http://www.ncofcu.org/p-riley-jr-scholarship   Grant Sheehan Executive Director National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc. grant@ncofcu.org 305-951-3306

If you are planning on going to the conference and have not reserved your room please, NOTE! 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 when you try to register, we have made arrangements in a neighboring hotel for you; just contact conference management, Bonnie Slater (508) 429-2121 , with how many rooms you may need. “We can not guarantee the conference rate after today if you have not reserved your room.”

Volunteer of the Year Award The National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc. (NCOFCU) will honor a volunteer whose outstanding contributions, to a NCOFCU member credit union and to the credit union movement, make him or her eligible to be the proud recipient of the "NCOFCU Volunteer of the Year Award" . This is a terrific way to honor a volunteer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in your credit union. Any NCOFCU member credit union Volunteer or CEO may nominate a candidate. Simply explain why the nominee deserves to be recognized as Volunteer of the Year. The winner will receive free registration to the next NCOFCU Annual Meeting & Conference as well as a beautiful plaque to display in their home or office. Nominees must be present at the convention in October to win.  To nominate a volunteer, please complete this Confidential Form and click submit when finished. All entries will receive a certificate indicating their nomination for "Volunteer...

  Interneer Selected by Los Angeles Firemen's Credit Union to Streamline and Automate Member Services and Online Banking - WSJ.com

Win An IPad      Join us Saturday and begin with an “Asset Liability Presentation for Directors” by Lee Chandler of Vining Sparks and finish off the morning with how technology and social media affects your credit union members and how to use it to your benefit. NCOFCU will conclude with its social media networking and how you can keep in-touch and network with the friends you have made at the conference. The IPad will be awarded concluding this presentation by a drawing of the members present. Early Bird Special Extended Through July Because of these new additions, we know you won't want to miss, we have extended the early Bird Special through July. Conference Register Here NOTE! Because of the overwhelming response, hotel rooms at the Westin Copley Plaza Registration are in short supply so please pre-register so you don't have to stay off site. If the conference hotel is full when you try to register, we have made arrangements in a neighboring hotel for you...

Higher Long-Term CD Rates at Dayton Firefighters FCU in Ohio Jun 27, 2013 - 7:45 AM by Ken Tumin There have been two changes at Dayton Firefighters Federal Credit Union that have helped savers. First, its long-term CD and IRA CD rates just had a big jump. Second, the credit union’s field of membership has expanded allowing more people to be eligible to join. The credit union now has a 2.08% APY 5-year Jumbo CD and a 1.78% APY 4-year Jumbo CD. The Jumbo minimum deposit is $100,000. For a minimum deposit of $2,000, the rates are 10 bps lower. These rates are listed in the credit union’s savings rate sheet as of 6/27/2013. Credit union membership is open to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in, and businesses and other legal entities located in Montgomery County, Ohio. Please refer to the credit union’s membership eligibility page for more details. The credit union’s front page highlights that “membership benefits now extended to all of Montgomery County.” So they’re ...

Postal, Firefighters Credit Unions Among Those With a Trade Group to Call Their Own BY  CANDICE REED  CU Times National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions The National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions offers its services to all credit unions primarily serving firefighters and their families. Formally founded in 2008  by 25 credit unions after meeting since 1999, paid membership is voluntary; funds received go toward providing conference scholarships and access to benefits. NCOFCU offers educational conferences and scholarships, networking opportunities with credit union colleagues through its website, “ Firefighters Credit Union Community ”, access to a membership database, shared policies and procedures, discussion forums, an exclusive CEO listserv network, an exclusive volunteer listserv network, and member discounts on services. “After attending many conferences, serving as a volunteer director and firefighter and later CEO of a firefighter credi...

We are excited to inform you of these new items at this years conference; Volunteer Of The Year Award will be presented at our 2013 Annual Meeting & Conference dinner. Don't miss this great opportunity to recognize one of your volunteers Percy Riley Jr. Conference Scholarship Fund will be named in honor of Percy Riley from Richmond Fire Department Credit Union.     Win an IPad at our Saturday session on Technology, Social Media and NCOFCU's Social Networking Early Bird Special Extended  through July Volunteer of the Year Award      The National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc. (NCOFCU) will honor a volunteer whose outstanding contributions, to a NCOFCU member credit union and to the credit union movement, make him or her eligible to be the proud recipient of the "NCOFCU Volunteer of the Year Award" . This is a terrific way to honor a volunteer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in your credit union. Any...

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    

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 Fi...

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

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 : 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 newslet...

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 degr...

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 discu...

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 endorse...

Visit NCOFCUs Online store http://ncofcu.qbstores.com/OC/SF2ASAVE

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 ...

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 le...

  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 Lif...

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 . ....

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 :  

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, wh...

Lets welcome CU 24 back as an Exhibitor at this years conference. Be sure and stop by their booth to welcome them and check out how they can provide their ATM network to your members. Contact our representative: Tom Terrusa, Asst. VP tom.turresa@cu24.com 850-701-2444

2013 Boston Brochure    Register For The Conference On-Line The National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc. (NCOFCU) , a not for profit, is partnering with the Boston Firefighters Credit Union to produce and host NCOFCU's 2013 convention in Boston, MA. This will be a gathering of CEO's and Volunteers of firefighter credit unions, primarily serving firefighters and their families, participating in the collaboration and peer to peer networking they have enjoyed. The key aspects of this meeting will focus on the structured roundtable discussions among the attendees from the firefighter credit union community. Participants will have the opportunity to sit in on breakout sessions covering a variety of subjects of key interest to firefighter credit unions. Some of the scheduled events but not limited too; 2013 Boston Brochure   National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Annual Meeting. Hear from your peers how they are dealing with the issues of toda...

  Elizabeth Ann Warren is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts and a member of the Democratic Party. She was previously a Harvard Law School professor. Warren is an active consumer protection advocate and her work as a policy advocate led to the conception and establishment of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She won a hard fought nationally prominent election in the fall of 2012 with tremendous support from the Massachusetts credit unions and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. Senator Warren has written a number of academic and popular works, and is a frequent subject of media interviews regarding the American economy and personal finance.

“When we launched Bluebird last October, we were focused on serving the tens of millions of Americans who are not well served by the traditional financial services industry. The unbanked, underbanked, and the unhappily banked are beset by onerous fees and numerous inconveniences,” said Dan Schulman, group president, Enterprise Growth, at American Express in the companies’ announcement. “Bluebird is designed to help make their everyday financial lives easier, more convenient and less expensive. Today’s announcement, which reflects feedback from consumers, advocacy groups and government officials, represents the next set of enhancements that further distinguish Bluebird from other financial services options,” Schulman said.   Read More  Amex, Wal-Mart Bluebird Card to Carry FDIC Insurance : 

NASA Federal Credit Union and Navy Federal Credit Union are once again offering members mortgages that do not require money down or mortgage insurance. And, Blackstone makes a big bet on a particular housing market. read more    Monday Morning Cup of Coffee: No money down mortgages return :

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