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Press Releases 2003

November 17, 2003 - FMFCU EMPLOYEES EXCEED THEIR 2003 UNITED WAY FUND-RAISING GOAL

The total amount will be even higher with the addition of proceeds from an upcoming employees' Thanksgiving pie sale as well as a company donation, according to Caryn Smedley, Human Resources Supervisor at the Broomall office.

Ms. Smedley and Diane Lastowka, the credit union’s Training and Development Coordinator, co-chaired the recent fund-raising efforts for United Way. It was the first time the two women had worked together on such a project. The credit union has been a United Way participant for at least a decade, noted Ms. Smedley.

Last year, $8,707 was raised by employees through pledges and other means. This year, as in the past, employees received a pledge form where they could choose to make a donation through an automatic payroll deduction or by writing a check to the multifaceted charitable entity.

"It's nice that, because there are so many organizations that benefit from the United Way, our employees could choose the specific benefactor of their contribution," said Ms. Smedley.

This year's internal campaign at FMFCU started at the end of September and ran to the middle of October. Additional money was raised through a raffle of a gift basket and two "Denim Days". If an employee made a $5 donation to United Way, he or she was entitled to wear jeans on a designated Friday. In addition to pledges of financial support, FMFCU participated in A Day of Caring.

"We're very excited that we exceeded our goal and we're very grateful to those employees who made it happen," said Ms. Smedley.

November 12, 2003 - FMFCU's MERCY HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA BRANCH CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

"I'm a champion of the credit union," said King. "I appreciate all it has done and is doing for our employees. It's a tremendous blessing to this hospital."

FMFCU's Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia branch opened its doors on Nov. 15, 1988 on the seventh floor of the building at 501 South 54th Street in West Philadelphia. At that time it was known as Miseracordia Hospital. On that first day, 50 accounts were opened. Twenty of those who opened accounts that day are still members of the credit union -- and 12 of the 20 are still employed by the hospital.

The original members were honored yesterday at the 15th anniversary celebration. Each of the original members who attended received a gift commemorating the milestone occasion and was photographed, noted Karen Coles, Mercy Hospital branch manager since September 2000 and resident of Chestnut Hill.

King praised Mrs. Coles and co-worker Gracie Martin, who's been Member Services Representative at the branch for the past three years, for the superlative way they assist MHOP employees. They're always ready to help, he said, noting that unlike a bank that says 'no,' FMFCU says 'how can we help you?'

"Our employees just love those two ladies," King continued. "They've done a lot to help people understand how to open a savings account and how to established credit or get their credit re-established. They assist with all the things people can get through their credit union, such as equity loans and refinancing."

Having a branch of the credit union in the hospital has been a very positive experience for hospital employees, as well as family members who qualify for credit union membership, said King. He pointed out that the hospital and credit union have an excellent relationship. Each recognizes and appreciates the vital mission of the other. The hospital works to improve the physical well being of the individuals it serves, while FMFCU seeks to enhance and increase their financial stability.

As a result, the hospital and financial institution enjoy a strong sense of 'family' between them, said King. Mrs. Coles and Miss Martin agreed.

"We make sure they're aware of the hospital’s activities," said King.

Added Mrs. Coles, "We participated in the hospital’s health fair and Mercy Week events, and the hospital is helping us prepare for our anniversary celebration."

The Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia branch is one of 17 FMFCU branches.

November 10, 2003 - ALLAN STEVENS ELECTED TO CUNA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Stevens, a resident of Collegeville, PA, is one of nine members of the executive committee from across the United States and is the only one from the Northeast. His fellow CUNA Lending Council members, who determined that his credentials well qualified him for the prestigious position, elected him. He will serve a three-year term. Other members of the executive committee are from Arizona, North Carolina, Texas, California, Washington State and Illinois.

The CUNA Lending Council is comprised of lending executives representing a wide geographic area of the country. Its goal is to foster greater communication and education within its membership. Annually, it awards scholarships that enable members to attend educational events that would otherwise not be possible because of limited resources.

Stevens served as Assistant Vice President in Consumer Lending for PSFS Bank in Philadelphia from 1983 to 1990, before coming to FMFCU. He served initially in an assistant vice president position before assuming his present responsibilities. He said he is honored to be elected by his peers on the Lending Council to serve on a new level within the organization.

"This will give me an opportunity to network with others in the field, to enhance our lending skills and strategies," he said. "We will be able to provide more credit to our credit union members, so that the members' standard of living can be raised."

June 18, 2003 - FMFCU NAMED DELAWARE COUNTY EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

In addition to the majority of FMFCU employees being female – 130 out of 164 total employees – over 40 women hold management positions at the Credit Union. All employees are equally offered educational development through tuition reimbursement, as well as management trainee opportunities for professional advancement.

"The Employer of the Year award recognizes employers who not only offer women pay equity, policy-making positions and professional development, but a family friendly approach to work life as well," Susan Garrison, Esquire, Friends Advisory Board Member, said.

"While employee benefits certainly contribute to the overall quality of an organization, the management team strives to exhibit flexibility and empathy whenever encountering staff dealing with life events such as sick children, family emergencies and even early school dismissals. This may not seem substantial, but for working women, moms and dads, it can make a substantial difference in managing stress levels and the overall work environment," Cindy Wanamaker, Senior Vice President, said.

FMFCU also offers community outreach programs, which aid in the personal and professional development of women throughout the Delaware Valley including financial literacy workshops, a Credit-Re-Building program, and partnerships with several community associations especially in underprivileged areas such as Chester. Additionally, the credit union supports "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day" each year.

FMFCU has been providing personal financial services to residents, corporate employee groups and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley since 1970. Today, the Credit Union has more than 43,000 members, 700 employee groups, 18 branch locations, a call center and an E-branch. For information on becoming a member or member group, please contact the Call Center at 610-325-5100, or visit the web site at www.fmfcu.org.

At the dinner June 18th, Jack Holefolder, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will present FMFCU President John Unangst with the "Employer of the Year" award. Tickets for the dinner are $50 per person, a portion of which is tax-deductible. For information and reservations, contact Susan Garrison at 610 565-2626 (phone), 610 565-3684 (fax) or e-mail at susan@garrisonlaw.net by June 10th.

Friends of the Delaware County Women's Commission is a non-profit, non-partisan, membership organization which works to empower women and girls, to foster equal opportunities for all women and girls locally, to protect and promote equal rights for women and to provide leadership within their communities. The Friends of the Women's Commission aids the Delaware County Women's Commission through networking and fundraising efforts which address issues affecting women and girls in Delaware County.

February 28, 2003 - FMFCU PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

Allan Stevens, Vice President of Lending at FMFCU was joined by representatives from Sears Roebuck, & Co., Capital One, the Washington D.C. firm of Sidley, Austin, Brown and Wood, Citigroup and congressional staff representatives from several states to discuss the impact of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Preemption Loss on Consumer Credit.

Like many other Federal statutes, The FCRA currently provides a baseline for protection of individual consumers. There are a few narrow circumstances whereby state legislatures may pass laws to supplement that protection. However, after January 1, 2004, state lawmakers may have the ability to enact stronger legislation on credit reporting compliance, user and furnisher duties, pre-screening, content of reports, affiliate sharing and disclosures. TransUnion's symposium will address these issues and more.

"FMFCU was pleased and honored to be included on this important legislative research panel which discussed issues that may negatively impact consumers across the country," Stevens said.