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Press Releases 2002

June 18, 2002 - FRANKLIN MINT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION PARTNERS WITH CHESTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO EDUCATE WELFARE TO WORK CLIENTS

Susie Nussear, Business Development Officer for FMFCU, noted men and women who are leaving the welfare rolls after a maximum of five years have a need for education on money-related matters. Many Welfare to Work participants have had little or no experience in the fundamentals of money management. They need help in opening a checking account or savings account or in establishing a custodial account for themselves and their children. They need to know how to write a check, how to apply for credit and how to plan for their financial future.

To aid them in these and other finance-related areas, the Chester Education Foundation turned to FMFCU. The Foundation is one of more than 600 organizations called Select Employee Groups (SEGs) that make up a significant portion of FMFCU's membership. Ms. Nussear noted FMFCU has a community charter that allows individuals who live, work, go to school or worship in the City of Chester to become a member of the credit union and benefit from its services. Among these services is an educational component.

"Education is important to our overall membership," explained Ms. Nussear. "We want to be a community resource for Chester, rather than just a financial institution. We're committed to offering assistance in financial areas to the people we serve."

Ms. Nussear, a Media resident, and Richard Elam of Lansdowne, who serves as Community Relations Manager for FMFCU's Chester branch, are working closely with the Foundation and its "Chester Work First" program director Denise M. Beauchamp. "The Credit Union is offering some excellent tools to help our Welfare to Work clients start saving money, use checking products and keep track of their income," said Melodie Hodges, Trainer for Program at the Foundation.

The help that's being provided through this unique and important partnership is greatly appreciated by individuals striving for financial independence, such as Lezlie Saviour. "Having a checking account will help give me some financial footing as I enter the work force," she said. Rosie Givens, another Foundation client, is equally grateful. "Just when you feel there's no way out of past destruction," she said, "the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union guides and directs you to financial construction." Ms. Nussear noted this on-going educational project of FMFCU is a vital aspect in strengthening its relationship with current and potential members. "We plan to implement this in all of our SEGs as an added free benefit to their employees," she said.

August 16, 2002 - McKEON NAMED SECOND ALTERNATE IN CREDIT UNION YOUTH AMBASSADOR CONTEST

"I am proud to have had the opportunity to represent Delaware County in this contest. I feel that the theme of my speech, 'How Credit Unions Strengthen the Community,' is the backbone of the credit union movement," said McKeon. "The help and support of my peers is a testament to the credit union philosophy, 'People Helping People'."

McKeon, who represented the Delaware County Chapter of Credit Unions, is a Support Services Representative for the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. Currently attending Delaware County Community College, he is working toward a bachelor's degree in finance. McKeon also is a member of the Collingdale Volunteer Fire Company.

This is the 26th anniversary of the Credit Union Youth Ambassador Contest, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Credit Union League. Credit union members between the ages of 17 and 25 are eligible to compete. Finalists are chosen from regional competitions and are sponsored by credit union chapters. The contestants are judged on their knowledge about financial cooperatives and their ability to communicate that knowledge during the state finals.

May 31, 2002 - FMFCU WELCOMES RICHARD B. ELAM, COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER

He graduated in 1976 from Overbrook High School and is the father of three --a daughter attending Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, a son in elementary school and a two-year-old daughter. In June, he'll receive a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources degree from the Center for Urban Theological Studies (CUTS), which is affiliated with Geneva College. "I felt all the years I spent in management were valuable, but I really felt I needed that college degree," said Elam.

However, FMFCU officials knew he was the right person for the job after talking to him and reviewing his credentials. The job, which opened up when the community relations manager at the time took a position elsewhere in the company, had not been advertised. Elam said he learned about it through a colleague who worked at the credit union.

Senior Vice President Cindy Wanamaker noted the financial institution opened its Chester branch in January 2000 as its fourth freestanding facility. It occupies the first floor of a new building at 1450 Edgmont Ave. in Chester's Technology Park. Other offices in Chester include braches on the campuses of Widener University and Crozer Chester Medical Center. There also are Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union ATM machines at CCMC, Community Hospital in Chester and at the Chester branch.

When the branch opened, Ms. Wanamaker said, it soon became apparent there was a need for a liaison person to work with the community in addressing financial needs of residents and businesses. Initially, the branch manager filled the post. It was determined that because of the importance of the position and the goals and objectives that go with it, a full-time person was required.

Elam has family members living in Chester, so he knows the city well. This is another "plus" he brings to his new post, said Ms. Wanamaker. "A knowledge of Chester -- where it was, where it is now and where it's going -- is important," she said. "It's also important to have someone with excellent people skills, who can deal with the various community groups and their diverse needs."

Elam said he's excited to be able to "do what comes naturally" to him. His motto on the job is "Educate to Elevate." In working with the community, he'll seek to let people know that if they live, work, go to school, or worship in Chester, they can join FMFCU. He'll strive to raise awareness that membership can be a free employment benefit with employer groups. He also plans to talk to community groups about developing programs to provide people with a basic financial education. Among topics would be tips for first- time homebuyers, how to handle finances, how to write a check and balance a checkbook and how to reapply for credit.

"I always wanted to be a part of a company where I can make a difference in people's lives," said Elam. "Between the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and the community, I see myself as the 'glue' in bringing both 'pieces' together."

Ms. Wanamaker said FMFCU is delighted to have Elam on board and shares his vision for Chester's future. "As a financial institution, we want to play a role in the revitalization and regrowth of the city," she added.

April 17, 2002 - FRANKLIN MINT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION and SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATE STUDENTS DURING NATIONAL CREDIT UNION YOUTH WEEK

Students were invited to take money guides, giveaways, and ask questions of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union representatives who were on hand during the week. Susie Nussear, Business Development Officer for FMFCU said, "Springfield High School's high community and educational standards are well known in the township and region. We are proud to be a part of the district's commitment to helping students achieve a better understanding of their personal finances."

Springfield School District is one of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union's newest Select Employer Groups. "We were very fortunate to have the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union offer to come into Springfield High School to share their resources with our students," acknowledged Dr. Margaret K. Barilla, Director of Teaching and Learning in Springfield High School. "It is critical that we educate our students to become knowledgeable of financial services available to them and the many obstacles that may cross their paths as they leave our school systems. Many students will leave Springfield High School to go to college where they will be bombarded with numerous gimmicks to engage in plastic money. This cooperative engagement with the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union is providing them with information and resources that will enable them to make educated sensible decisions as they confront these challenges."

Upcoming events for FMFCU include visitations to Interboro School District, Ridley School District, and William Penn School District. FMFCU representatives will be teaching districts the principals of money management and how credit unions can help pave the way for a better financial future.

January 28, 2002 - JOHN UNANGST HONORED FOR 25 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE

Mary O. Kennedy of Chester Heights, Chairman of the Board of Directors, praised Unangst for his years of innovative and visionary leadership of what has become the largest credit union in Delaware County.

"John's vision regarding credit unions, and financial institutions in general, has given us the 'cutting edge' in reaching our current level of service, assets and compliance," she said on behalf of the 11-member board. "John is to be commended for his commitment to members, his persistence in providing quality service and his hands-on approach to Credit Union employees who assure excellence in customer service."

Unangst attributes many of his leadership skills to his military training and experience. A U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, he advanced from private to the rank of Captain and Artillery Officer. During his tour of duty, he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal for Valor and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

He earned a degree in financing from Penn State and worked for a major bank in the Philadelphia area for a few years before joining the Credit Union in 1976 to become its third employee and its first manager. His brief banking career helped him to identify what he liked, and didn't like, about the banking world.

With this in mind, he came to FMFCU with specific goals and began to formulate a plan. "My goals and objectives happened to be the same as those of the company," he said, noting one of them was to diversify. Another was to increase membership and member services.

Unangst has been the driving force behind the Credit Union's phenomenal growth and diversification. Under his leadership and guidance, it grew from three employees to 130 and from less than $1 million in assets to more than $230 million. Where once there was a one-room office in Franklin Center and 1,000 members, today there are more than 42,000 members, 19 branch offices and 27 ATM machines. One of Unangst's top priorities is member services, so it's not surprising that FMFCU has received an 88 percent customer satisfaction rate, compared to a national average of 70 percent.

Growth also has come from a wide range of members or select employee groups. In 1985, there was only one: The Franklin Mint. Today, there are more than 650 groups. Among them, in addition to the Mint, are Riddle Memorial Hospital, Mercy Health Systems, Crozer-Keystone, Swarthmore College, Delaware County Community College, Widener University, Delaware County Court House and QVC at Studio Park. Responding to a need, Unangst conceived, marketed and directed the formation of State Financial Network, Inc. and serves as its president. The innovative statewide service has provided data processing, financial marketing, mortgage and settlement services for 12 other credit unions. Active in both the community and the credit union industry, Unangst has been on the boards of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Currently, he sits on three professional boards. He enjoys tennis, golf and spending time with his three children. He believes his greatest contribution to the company has been his vision and his determination to be successful.

"It's been a wonderful 25 years," said Unangst. "I've enjoyed watching our team grow in their positions and watching the company grow. I have an excellent board that gives me just enough freedom to do my job, while making sure I do my homework when presenting new ideas."

January 16, 2002 - ANDREW MCKEON NAMED YOUTH AMBASSADOR

Michael Kaczenski, President of the Delaware County Chapter of Credit Unions remarked, "The Pennsylvania Credit Union League's Annual Youth Ambassador Contest is an excellent opportunity for today's credit union youth to participate in an event that showcases the talent, knowledge and determination that exists in the Credit Union movement."

Each year the Delaware County Chapter of Credit Unions holds a contest to select a Youth Ambassador to represent the county. An Ambassador is responsible for attending community-related events as well as cultivating relationships among the youth in various credit unions. A final contest is then held at the state level, during the Annual Meeting for credit unions in May of 2002 in Pittsburgh where a Youth Ambassador for the state of Pennsylvania is crowned.

Cindy Wanamaker, Senior Vice President of Retail Services of FMFCU acknowledged, "Andrew is very deserving of this award. His dedication and hard work have paid off and we're proud that he will be representing our local chapter of credit unions."

During the preliminary contest, McKeon presented an award-winning speech. The theme of McKeon's speech centered on youth and education within credit unions. "I am proud to have been awarded the title of Youth Ambassador. Having my peers recognize and acknowledge my ideas made this experience that much more meaningful for me. I look forward to competing in the final contest," acknowledged McKeon.