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Press Releases 2004

December 22, 2004 - FMFCU EMPLOYEES "ADOPT" SIX LOCAL FAMILIES

On the Friday before Christmas Eve, they loaded the company SUV and headed to Chester to deliver their gifts. When asked why she donates her time, Donnelly had this to say. "When I was a kid, I came across a quote that really affected me. It read not for ourselves, but for others. It has since become my mantra. Luckily the Credit Union feels the same way and every year we get the chance to give back to the community."

"The employees of FMFCU have been a part of Adopt-A-Family programs for the past 10 years. They look forward to it every year" explained Mary Baldwin, Vice President of Human Resources. By joining forces with The City Team Ministries of Chester, PA, FMFCU employees were able to provide six families, with a total of 16 children ranging in age from 1 to 12, with the presents and supplies they'll need to help create a happy holiday season.

FMFCU has three branches in Chester. The part-time offices at Widener University and Crozer-Chester Medical Center serve students and employees at these locations. The office at University Technology Center on Edgmont Avenue is open six days a week and serves the community of Chester. "We are always looking for ways to reinvest in the community of Chester," says Mary Baldwin. "We were happy we could be a part of the City Team Ministries program."

The Adopt-A-Family program is only one of many community-based programs FMFCU employees take part in. FMFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, democratically owned and operated by its members. The volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of professionals who invest their time and talents for the advancement of the Credit Union. Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union has approximately $320 million in assets and serves over 46,000 members.

November 2, 2004 - KATI BRUNELL NAMED FMFCU EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

"Kati is truly a team player," said John Hargrove, Vice President of Information Technology for FMFCU. "As part of the Technology Department staff, Kati juggles numerous tasks every day and always remains professional and positive."

Kati joined the Credit Union in February 1998, where she started as a data entry operator for mortgages. Kati was given this award because of her dedication and efficiency. As part of the Employee of the Year Award, FMFCU donates $500.00 to the recipient's favorite charity. Kati has chosen the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Eastern Pennsylvania.

November 3, 2004 - 500 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS "DARE TO DREAM"

Approximately 500 students from public and parochial high schools in Delaware and Chester Counties will attend the fun-and-fact-filled day beginning with welcoming remarks from sports anchors Don Tollefson, Fox TV, and Lou Tilley, CN8. The day will include a video presentation, followed by a panel discussion, motivational program and expo, and ending on a high note with a lunchtime concert, sponsored by 7-Eleven Stores.

At the expo, students will have the unique opportunity to interact with almost thirty companies from the sports, music, film and broadcasting industries. Also on hand will be personnel from local Universities and Colleges.

While the event may end, the learning experience does not; each student will receive a one-of-a-kind comprehensive Dare-to-Dream Career Guide detailing job descriptions, salary ranges, educational degrees/training requirements, and a glossary of terms; plus tips on resume and letter writing and job interviewing techniques.

Through the support of Senator Arlen Specter, R-PA, and Congressman Curt Weldon R-7th District of Delaware County, the U.S. Department of Education provided a grant to help fund Dare to Dream. Because of its strong focus on student financial literacy, the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, a member-owned, full-service financial institution, is the event sponsor. According to John Unangst, President and CEO, "Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union is delighted to be the title sponsor of the Dare-to-Dream Experience because it allows us to further support our commitment to education. This is an exciting event for high school students throughout the Delaware Valley and provides measurable results as they plan for their future careers."

Diane McGraw, President, red eye entertainment, has spent the past 20 years representing Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Orlando in their bid efforts to host major sports and entertainment events, and has witnessed the positive difference working behind the scenes can make in teens’ lives. According to McGraw, "Most kids’ role models are professional athletes, film, TV and music artists. Our event is designed to help them realize they, too, can work in those industries, even if they don’t make it playing on the field or performing in front of the camera. Hopefully, exposing students to these opportunities will encourage them to apply themselves in school and further their education, whether they attend a college, university or trade school."

True to her motto–"If you are going to dream, you might as well dream big"–Diane dreams of bringing the Dare-to-Dream Experience to all area high schools through assembly programs and plans to target healthcare and technology professions next. McGraw positively states "Education is the key to making dreams a reality!"

For more information about the Dare-to-Dream Experience or red eye entertainment, visit www.dare-2-dream.org or write to mcgrawandcompany@aol.com.

October 22, 2004 - FMFCU ANNOUNCES 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR BOARD DIRECTOR, JACK SULLIVAN

"Jack's contribution to the Credit Union's goals and values is measured by our success - his expertise has provided the ‘rock’ to ensure that we’ve arrived at where we wanted to go. He has kept us on a solid financial track for many years, and those of us who have been around for those years recognize his absolute value," says Mary O. Kennedy, Chair of FMFCU’s Board of Directors. "Jack is a true volunteer, not only for FMFCU, but for his extended community, making a difference every day. I feel proud that I can call Jack and his wife my friends."

In addition to his service to the FMFCU, Jack is Vice President-Corporate Controller of the Charming Shoppes in Bensalem, where he has been employed for the past six years. Prior to that, Jack was with the Franklin Mint for 19 years. "That’s how I became involved with the FMFCU Board," says Sullivan, who was the Franklin Mint’s Corporate Controller at the time.

Jack also serves on the Board of Advisors for the School of Business at LaSalle University and is active with the Philadelphia Police Athletic League.

FMFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, democratically owned and operated by its members. Its Board of Directors is made up of volunteer positions comprised of professionals who invest their time for the advancement of the Credit Union.

October 4, 2004 - REGION’S FIRST STUDENT-OPERATED CREDIT UNION BRANCH OPENS

The in-school financial facility will offer most of the products and services available at FMFCU's other locations. For instance, students, faculty, staff and parents will be able to deposit funds, open accounts and apply for loans. They can check balances, transfer funds and view their account history through an Internet connection to the Broomall-based credit union's website. Students, faculty, staff and parents also will have access to FMFCU's on-site ATM for cash withdrawals.

The partnership between the school district and the credit union is an unparalleled, practical way for students to be provided with the tools they need to understand the importance of savings and good money management skills. According to FMFCU Executive Vice President Mike Magnavita, the need for the financial education of youth is underscored in a study released by the JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Education, based in Washington, DC. Of the 4,000 high school seniors the coalition tested for financial literacy this year, only 6.1 percent achieved a score higher than a C.

The financial literacy of teens in the Interboro School District will be promoted not only through the valuable, hands-on experience of operating a credit union, but also through the implementation of financial education into their curriculum, noted Interboro High School Principal Paul Gibson.

Along with increased opportunities for financial literacy education, students operating the in-school branch will learn how financial institutions work as they develop crucial social skills, as well as life-work skills. They also will have opportunities for full-time and summer employment with the credit union.

A full-time FMFCU employee will be on-site, serving as a mentor and supervisor. But Interboro students will be involved in every aspect of branch operations, including the "branch manager" position. All student member service representatives will be fully trained in proper security procedures, and will be compensated for a mandatory minimum 24 hours of training. They'll understand the importance of confidentiality when dealing with members' accounts. They'll be held to the same level of responsibility as any FMFCU employees and must adhere to the same policies and procedures at all times.

They're eager to get started.

"We're going to get the chance to run an actual business, being involved in the day-to-day activities and decisions," said Kevin, an Interboro senior and Interboro Branch Council President. "Students are more likely to ask questions because we're their peers. It can be intimidating to ask questions of someone you don't know and who is older than you. I'm excited to be a pioneer in this program."

He and other junior and senior students involved with the landmark program say that as it grows at Interboro and other school districts, they'll be proud to say the FMFCU branch at their school was the first in Delaware County.

FMFCU President John Unangst noted the credit union has offered financial education programs to schools within its field of membership for more than three years. It's now looking to further develop and strengthen a partnership with school districts in the communities it serves, as it expands its mission of promoting financial literacy.

May 19, 2004 - 2004 JOHN D. UNANGST SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS WINNERS

Scholarship winners included Nicole A. Monzo of Collegeville, PA who is graduating from Spring-Ford Area High School; Jessica Ruth Rainey of Phoenixville graduating from the Kimberton Waldorf School; and Sean Patrick Hogan of Bordentown, NJ, graduating from Bishop Eustace Preparatory School. John Unangst, FMFCU President/CEO, presented each of the students with a scholarship check and a commemorative plaque.

Scholarship Program Coordinator and FMFCU Vice President of Human Resources, Mary Baldwin said, "Selecting winners is always difficult because there are so many worthy candidates – this year we had 86 applicants."

To be considered for this scholarship, the student or someone in his or her immediate family must be a member of the Credit Union. In addition, students are asked to submit an essay or personal statement. Each entry is scored on content, mechanics, style and originality. Then, a committee of representatives from the educational community reviews the submissions and selects three winning students.

FMFCU supports the community through various educational and financial literacy programs in an effort to advocate furthering education. For more information on applying for the 2005 John D. Unangst Scholarship Award, or to learn about FMFCU's free financial seminars for your school, office or organization, visit the website at www.fmfcu.org, or contact the Member Service Center at 610-325-5100.

April 26, 2004 - FMFCU'S COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM PROMOTES FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

With this in mind, about three years ago, the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union launched its innovative Community Education Program to promote financial literacy and work/life skills in the communities it serves. The program was developed by FMFCU to provide fundamental financial concepts to young adults throughout the country area at no cost, as a noncommercial public service.

FMFCU offers the program to high schools that are generally within its field of membership. To date, it's been presented at Interboro, Ridley, Penn Wood and Upper Darby high schools.

In the classroom setting, FMFCU's Community Education Program is a "hands-on" approach to basic financial literacy that can be broken down into 45-minute sessions. Along with learning about the wise use of credit, students learn how to develop a budget, how to use financial products and how to recognize the best products for their needs. Additionally, they learn how to prepare for a job interview, how to have a successful interview and how to communicate in the workplace, including business E-mail etiquette and telephone etiquette.

The program also is offered to community organizations, with topics tailored to meet the specific needs of the organization. Among subjects discussed are using and maintaining deposit accounts, the benefits of deposit services, investment planning, loan education and credit counseling.

The program offered by FMFCU is administered by its Community Education Committee, comprised of experienced professionals in the credit union industry. Co-chairing the committee is Rick Durante of Milmont Park, Assistant Vice President of Training and Development. He also is program coordinator. The information he presents in the classroom to students is well received by both teens and teachers. "He's an excellent speaker," said John Casertano, one of Ridley High School's business education teachers. "He's spoken about four times to our classes about the importance of savings and of having good credit. His presentation is both insightful and enjoyable."

Peggy Wanger, Business Education Co-op Coordinator at Interboro High School, is equally enthusiastic about Durante's presentation.

"You can hear a pin drop on the carpet when he gives the program," she said about the rapt attention he receives from students in her senior co-op class. She noted students in the co-op program get a paycheck, but most have no banking experience. Durante's program is very helpful, she added.

Said Joanne Goldsborough, Upper Darby High School's Business Education Co-op Coordinator, "The topic of credit is something students really need to know about and it's beneficial for them to hear it from someone who is not a 'regular' in their classroom."

Durante said he would have found the program helpful if it had been offered when he was a high school student. Recent studies have shown that high school students are not as financially savvy as needed for life after graduation. For that reason, he said, FMFCU is "looking to form a stronger partnership with our schools to help provide financial literacy programs."

Since its founding in March 1970, FMFCU has grown to become one of the largest credit unions in the state. It serves more than 45,000 members in more than 650 Select Employer Groups and has more than $280 million in total assets. A full service financial institution, it's headquartered in Broomall and has branch locations and ATMs throughout the region.

For more information on services, call 610-325-5008. For more on the Community Education Program, contact Durante at rickd@fmfcu.org

March 24, 2004 - FRANKLIN MINT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S GRANITE RUN MALL FINANCIAL SERVICE CENTER GRAND OPENING

FMFCU also has 25 ATM sites throughout Delaware County, including one at its main office on Sproul Road in Marple Township.

Its new branch in the mall features cutting-edge technology with a personal touch. Plasma television screens give members up-to-the-minute information on Credit Union services and products. A Remote Teller System (RTS) enables them to conduct their financial business through interactive video screens and audio prompts. Among the many member services offered at the new facility -- as at all FMFCU locations -- are free checking and direct deposit, free online banking, free online loan applications and automatic bill paying. And service is always offered with a smile.

The Granite Run Mall branch is open whenever the mall is open, holidays included. The hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

John Unangst, FMFCU President/CEO, noted the newest branch is another example of the Credit Union's promise of speed, service and convenience to its members.

"Our members have busy lives and there are times when it's necessary to conduct branch business in the evenings or on weekends," said Unangst. "The mall location literally provides the perfect opportunity for one-stop shopping. We're finding that with the mall exposure, many non-members have stopped in to inquire about joining and, in fact, were eligible for membership."

The Granite Run Mall branch is staffed entirely by Delaware County residents. Its Operations Manager is Linda Fahey of Ridley, who comes to her new position from FMFCU's main office. Its Sales Manager is Larry Schulie, also of Ridley, who previously was at the Credit Union's Chadds Ford branch.

Also working at the newest location are Management Associate Nicole Frangione of Boothwyn; Member Service Representatives Gretchen Stuber of Media and Jacqui Lobb of Aston; and Tellers Patricia Holder of Media, Matthew Yuknek of Aston, Lindsay Burke of Springfield and Diana Daly, Adam Powell and Bob Judge, all of Boothwyn.

Said Ms. Fahey, "Larry and I are very excited to be here. It's a great opportunity for us both." She pointed out that there's been a very positive response from the public since the new branch opened a few months ago. A number of new members been added to the growing list of more than 45,000 individuals and more than 700 employee groups who belong to FMFCU.

Unangst said being in Granite Run Mall not only has provided the Credit Union with an opportunity to accommodate the busy schedules of its members, but also has created job opportunities for people with unique scheduling needs, such as mothers and students.

"We're proud to have been named '2003 Employer of the Year' by the Friends of the Delaware County Women's Commission and we're equally proud to win this year's 'Excellence in Youth' employer award from the Delaware County Workforce Investment Board. We believe both of these awards are a testament to our flexible employment opportunities," he added.

Coordinating the grand opening celebration is Christine Trabosh of FMFCU’s marketing department.

March 15, 2004 - FMFCU OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS MERCY FITZGERALD FINANCIAL SERVICE CENTER

Branch Manager is Deborah Warrick of Woodlyn. Christina Gerlacher, Drexel Hill is a Management Trainee. Tellers include Eileen Riley of Glenolden, Jennifer Pluck, Upper Darby and Matthew Young, Lansdowne. FMFCU’s new Financial Service Center features cutting-edge technology with a personal touch. Plasma television screens provide members with up-to-date information on Credit Union products and services while a Remote Teller System (RTS) allows members to conduct their business through interactive video screens and microphones.

FMFCU has 17 branch locations throughout Delaware County along with 25 ATM locations. In addition, FMFCU offers members FREE checking and direct deposit, FREE online banking and Bill Payer, FREE online loan applications and more!

More than 700 employee groups belong to FMFCU, and more than 45,000 individual members. John D. Unangst is President and CEO of the Credit Union. Coordinating the grand opening event was Christine Trabosh of FMFCU's Marketing Department.