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Press Releases 2006

December 20, 2006 - FMFCU EMPLOYEES BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO LOCAL CHILDREN

Kelly Donnelly, who spearheaded the annual Adopt-A-Family project for the past five years, is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community. She and her co-workers spent a considerable amount of time shopping, collecting and wrapping gifts for nine children between the ages of 10 months and 11 years old from three local families through City Team.

"The Adopt-A-Family program was successful again this year because of employees’ generosity. In addition to purchasing items from the children’s wish lists, other toys, games, craft items and clothing were donated. One employee even donated a new bicycle for one of the children,” says Donnelly.

“This has been a holiday tradition that Credit Union employees have enjoyed participating in for the past 12 years,” explains Anne G. McNally, Vice President of Human Resources.

“By partnering with City Team Ministries of Chester, employees are able to help provide area families with gifts and supplies they need to help create a happy holiday season for their families,” she says.

For additional information regarding FMFCU’s participation in this holiday gift-giving program, contact Christy Bicking, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at 610-325-5018.

August 31, 2006 - FMFCU CELEBRATES MEDIA BRANCH RE-OPENING

The event was a two-day celebration starting with a Business Appreciation Day. Individuals who stopped into the branch on Friday received free gifts and refreshments provided by the Coffee Beanery®, located inside the branch. New and existing members also were offered daily rate specials.

Saturday was deemed Family Day. The public enjoyed free trolley rides from 9 AM to 3 PM, on the 101 Media line compliments of the Credit Union and SEPTA. Any child who stopped by the FMFCU or SEPTA table, received a free t-shirt, and had an opportunity to step into “FMFCU’s vault” to grab as much cash as possible to win a prize.

Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by local impersonator, Ralph Archbold) made a special hour-long guest appearance in the branch where he told young visitors about his adventures in colonial times.

“This event was a true success. It was nice to see Credit Union members, employees and passers-by having a good time and enjoying the day’s festivities,” comments John D. Unangst, FMFCU President/CEO.

July 28, 2006 - QVC VICE PRESIDENT ELECTED TO FMFCU BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary O. Kennedy, FMFCU Board Chairperson comments that Rutkowski, an FMFCU member since 1977, is a welcome addition to the dedicated, professional and diversified Board of Directors, all of whom serve in a voluntary capacity.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Holly for several years beginning with her employment at the Franklin Mint Corporation where she was Director of Information Research Services and Concept Development. I look forward to working with Holly again as a board member, and feel that she is a well-qualified candidate who will ensure that members’ wants are being heard and satisfied, ” says Kennedy.

In addition to serving on FMFCU’s Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, Rutkowski also is a member of the Chester County Economic Development Council’s Board of Directors.

Holly and her husband, Jack, reside in Newtown Square.

July 21, 2006 - FMFCU RE-OPENS ITS NEWLY REMODELED MEDIA BRANCH

Cindy Wanamaker, FMFCU’s Chief Operating Officer explains that the newly remodeled Media branch can be compared to a shopping mall.

“When you go inside a mall, there are a variety of stores where you can select specific products and services that you want or need. When you walk into FMFCU’s financial services mall, you can visit a specific area to open accounts, apply for a mortgage, meet with an investment counselor and handle all you’re your transactions right here. It really is one-stop shopping,” she says.

FMFCU follows and prides itself on the motto Speed, Service and Convenience. So, for better, faster service and an added measure of safety and security for its members and staff, FMFCU's Media branch now includes four remote video teller machines, the latest in financial institution technology. In addition, this branch features a 24-hour ATM, night drop, free self-service coin counter for member use and special play area designed especially for FMFCU's young members. In the coming weeks, this branch will have two internet stations that will provide access to the Credit Union's Online Banking service and the World Wide Web.

For more information about Media's newly remodeled branch, click here.

For Media’s new operating hours, visit the Branch/ATM Information section under Member Services on FMFCU’s Web site at www.fmfcu.org. For additional information on FMFCU products and services, or to find out how your company or organization can become one of FMFCU’s partnering organizations, call the Member Service Center at 610-325-5100.

July 21, 2006 - VETERAN DELAWARE COUNTY EDUCATOR ELECTED TO FMFCU BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary O. Kennedy, FMFCU Board Chairperson comments that Jamison, a Credit Union member since 1987, is a welcomed new addition to a dedicated, professional and diversified board, all of whom are volunteers.

“I along with other Credit Union board members and executives look forward to working with Harry and establishing a strong, long-term professional relationship. With his extensive experience in education, I feel Harry will be an asset to the Board of Directors and the Credit Union as a whole,” says Kennedy.

Dr. Jamison’s skills and reputation for quality education will be put to good use by advising the credit union on its education initiatives. FMFCU’s “Partners In Learning” program includes student-operated credit union branches at Interboro, Upper Darby, and Springfield High Schools, and coming this fall to Penn Wood and Strath Haven High School. During the 2005-2006 school year, the credit union helped to educate over 5,000 students in grades K-12 in financial education through in-school seminars and assembly programs.

As Executive Director of DCIU, Jamison was instrumental in forming the Delco Hi-Q Hall of Honor, which honors past Hi-Q participants and those who have made outstanding contributions to the program. He continues to serve on the Hall of Honor Committee and provides support and guidance to the Hi-Q program.

“I have had the privilege of working with Harry two years ago before the Credit Union became the primary sponsor of the Delco Hi-Q competition. It was a pleasure working with him then, and I look forward to working with him again, but in a different capacity,” says John D. Unangst, FMFCU President/CEO.

In addition to serving on FMFCU’s Board of Directors, Jamison is chairman of the Delaware County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board. He also serves on the Southern Pennsylvania Red Cross Board and the CCRES Regional Services Board. Jamison previously served on the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation Board and the Crozer-Keystone Health System Parent Board. He has a professional affiliation with the Advisory Board of Delaware County Council for Exceptional Children.

Jamison resides in Wallingford with this wife, Barbara.

FMFCU has been providing financial services to residents and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley since 1970 and has made a strong commitment to youth by providing financial education and resources to Delaware County Schools. The credit union provides field trips, educational seminars, and supports many youth related charities and causes. FMFCU student-operated branches are located in five Delaware County High Schools. FMFCU also is the primary corporate sponsor of Delco Hi-Q, the nation’s oldest, continuous, academic quiz competition.

June 14, 2006 - FMFCU BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER NAMED TO YMCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michael Ranck, YMCA CEO nominated Strasinski, a Secane resident for this board position. She and other board members will help with YMCA planning, policy decision-making and financial development along with being a community advocate for the organization.

Strasinski’s involvement with the organization began over five years ago due to her children’s participation in YMCA sponsored activities.

“I think the Y is a fantastic place for children, families and senior citizens. It provides a safe haven and activities for all age groups. As a new board member, I want my actions to help keep the Y a strong, family oriented place. I want to see this organization grow so that all Delaware County families are positively affected like mine has been,” says Strasinski.

Almost two years ago, Stasinski began working with Y officials with the hope that a partner relationship would form. By partnering with FMFCU, the Y could offer free FMFCU membership benefits to all its employees. Before the partnership was established, Strasinski helped set-up financial education classes that were available to all YMCA members. Her efforts proved successful, and now the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County is part of FMFCU’s 800 plus partnering organizations.

“I’m pleased that the Credit Union has an opportunity to help strengthen the community we serve through the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County and through Jennifer in her new board position,” says FMFCU President/CEO John D. Unangst.

FMFCU has been providing financial services to residents and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley since 1970. Today, the Credit Union has more than 48,000 members, over 800 partner organizations and groups, 22 branches, 32 ATM locations and 24/7 access to member accounts. For more information on FMFCU products and services, call 610-325-5100 or visit www.fmfcu.org.

May 31, 2006 - FMFCU EMPLOYEES TAKE A RIDE TO SUPPORT BIKE TO WORK DAY 2006

Despite a rather rainy, chilly start, Credit Union employees John Hargrove, Vice President of Information Technology; Langston Williams, Information Technology Network Administrator and Cecily Venkatesh, Investment Coordinator set out on their selected bicycling routes. Hargrove and Williams rode eight miles from the Credit Union’s headquarters in Broomall to join other bicycle enthusiasts for a complimentary breakfast and a chance to win bike-related raffle prizes at Delaware County TMA’s information tent located at the Delaware County Courthouse’s Center Plaza. In addition, safe bicycling and alternative transportation literature was provided and distributed to passers-by.

“Being physically fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to me. That’s why I frequently ride my Trek bike to the Credit Union. I was happy to participate in this year’s Delaware County TMA Ride Your Bike to Work event,” says Hargrove.

Unlike Hargrove and Williams, Venkatesh took the phrase “ride your bike to work” literally. She began her day by peddling five miles from her Swarthmore home to FMFCU headquarters and then back to Swarthmore at the end of her workday.

May 12, 2006 - M.A.B. PAINTS' COLORFUL CHOICE IS FMFCU'S WIDE PALETTE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

“Our credit union, chartered in 1966, served our 800 employees with basic services and was administered by volunteers,” stated M.A.B. president, Thomas A. Bruder, Jr. “We realized that in today’s financial market, our employees needed expanded services.”

“We were very pleased to be approached by M.A.B., a very well-known and reputable company in our area,” John Unangst, FMFCU President and CEO said. “We have experience in serving employer groups on-site, in the community or long-distance. They join our growing list of partners such as Crozer-Keystone Health System, Mercy Health System, QVC, Inc. and Widener University.”

With their own headquarters located in Broomall, executives at M.A.B. Paints were familiar with FMFCU and their extensive branch network, where many of their own M.A.B. stores are located. “Our out-of-state employees can also be serviced by the many electronic services offered by FMFCU and through their 24/7 Member Service Contact Center. It’s an expanded palette of services that we could not easily duplicate,” according to Bruder.

M.A.B. Paints originated in South Philadelphia 107 years ago. The company manufactures a broad line of premium quality architectural, commercial and industrial coatings for the professional and do-it-yourself markets.

FMFCU has been providing financial services to residents and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley since 1970. Today, the Credit Union has more than 48,000 members, over 800 partner organizations and groups, 22 branches, 32 ATM locations, a Call Center and a Web site.

May 11, 2006 - FRANKLIN MINT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S 22ND BRANCH OFFICE IS NOW OPEN

“For several years, the Credit Union had been looking for a suitable, convenient location along MacDade Boulevard, and we found it,” says FMFCU President and CEO, John D. Unangst. He also commented that having a branch located in this area is special to him since he grew up nearby in Prospect Park, with family still living there today.

With over 60% of FMFCU’s 48,000 members living in Delaware County, this branch should be a convenient, accessible location to those residing in the area, especially those families who have students in the Interboro and Ridley School Districts. Families who have students attending schools in these districts are eligible to join FMFCU.

Similar to the Credit Union’s Granite Run Mall location, the MacDade office also is operational seven days a week and has extended weeknight and weekend hours.

“Although the branch only measures about 1,000 square feet, careful design allowed us to include two offices, a 24-hour ATM and night drop, an Internet station that provides access to the Credit Union’s Online Banking service and three remote video teller stations that bring an added measure of safety and security to our staff and members,” says Cindy Wanamaker, FMFCU Chief Operating Officer.

“This location promises to provide members with the Speed, Service and Convenience they have come to expect from FMFCU. We will be celebrating this newest location in our growing branch network with special offers for new and existing members through the end of June,” adds Wanamaker.

FMFCU has been providing financial services to residents and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley since 1970. Today, the Credit Union has over 800 partner organizations and groups, 22 branches, 32 ATM locations, a Call Center and a Web site.

May 5, 2006 - VOLUNTEERS ACKNOWLEDGED FOR HELPING CITY OF CHESTER RESIDENTS PREPARE THEIR 2005 TAX RETURNS

During a special Volunteer Recognition ceremony held at Widener University’s Student Center, 10 FMFCU employees were recognized for volunteering their time to help prepare returns. Carmen Freeman and Tyra Taylor both from Chester; Lameisha Coursey, Brookhaven; Shirley Porter, Sharon Hill; Frank Smith, Media; Keisha Davis, Yeadon; Cathy McInnis, Philadelphia; Andrew McKeon, Collingdale; Cecily Venkatesh, Swarthmore and Richard Elam, Lansdowne were thanked for their assistance and received a certificate of appreciation during the ceremony.

In addition, Swarthmore College economics major and site coordinator, Lorpu Jones and Joyce Lacy, Widener University School of Business Director of Experiential Education also were recognized for helping prepare and file tax returns.

“By donating their time and expertise, these VITA program volunteers did something positive for the Chester City community. I am pleased that this program was so well received by the residents,” says FMFCU Vice President and Regional Manager, John Greskiewicz.

VITA volunteers, all of whom are certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), prepared and electronically filed 83 tax returns at FMFCU’s Chester location between February 1 and April 15. According to Richard B. Elam, Sr., Community Relations Manager at FMFCU’s Chester Branch, the number of returns that were filed surpassed the goal that was set.

FMFCU has been providing financial services to residents and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley since 1970. Today, the Credit Union has more than 48,000 members, over 800 partner organizations and groups, 22 branches, 32 ATM locations, a Call Center and a Web site. For more information on FMFCU products and services, call 610-325-5100 or visit www.fmfcu.org.

April 19 , 2006 - FMFCU CELEBRATES EDUCATION DURING ITS FIRST PARTNERS IN LEARNING BANQUET

One of the evening’s highlights was naming the 2006 Financial Literacy Advocate. Michael B. Magnavita, FMFCU Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, described recipient and Marple Township resident, Margaret (Peggy) Wanger, Interboro High School Business Education Teacher, as a financial literacy "trailblazer" who was instrumental in helping to open FMFCU’s first student-operated branch (also the first in the Philadelphia region).

"Peggy has raised the standard for financial education, and FMFCU applauds her for her efforts and commitment," Magnavita said.

Business teachers, Rita Deitrich, Springfield High School and Anthony Fortuna, Upper Darby High School also were recognized for their commitment to financial literacy. Each volunteers as a liaison, who works with FMFCU, their school’s student-operated branch and school district.

The student-operated branches at Interboro, Upper Darby and Springfield High Schools wouldn’t be what they are without the commitment from the student member service representatives. During the event, student workers were acknowledged and praised for contributing to the success of their branch. The following students were recognized and presented with a plaque: Daniela Koci, Ian Lynch, Ida Eckhardt, Mark DiNapoli, Matt Hawkins, Mike Sheils, and Steven Aikens (all from Interboro High School); Anthony Sciandra, Bonnie Tress, Davinder Pal Singh, Julie Caufield, Lewis Miller, Marcia Dorley, Michael Thilker, Natasia Pascoe, Quynh Nguyen, Sarah Antolini, Shannon Donnelly, Steven Lonergan and Thuy-Duong Lou (all from Upper Darby High School) and Bill Horan, Brian Dawson, Cara Ripoli, Chris D'Anjolell, Gina Raffa, Joseph Winkler, Michael Tolvaisa, Phil Sabato, Robert Rowntree and Ryan Roby (all from Springfield High School).

In addition, student branch council presidents, Matthew Hawkins from Interboro High School, Sarah Antolini from Upper Darby High School and Phil Sabato from Springfield High School, were each presented with the Student Branch Leadership award for providing exemplary guidance in their branch and school insight to Credit Union officials.

The evening ended on a high note when high school seniors, Colleen DeFruscio of Havertown, Kelly Anne Farrelly of Lebanon, NJ and Rachel Barrett of Girdletree, MD were awarded the annual John D. Unangst Scholarship, named on behalf of the Credit Union’s President and CEO. The Credit Union also awarded a fourth scholarship, the John D. Unangst Interboro Scholarship to Harry Chin III of Glenolden. Each winner received a $1,500 scholarship.

"The Credit Union believes it is important to recognize academic achievement and to provide students with a means to help them further their education. Our scholarship program allows us to do this," says John D. Unangst, FMFCU President and CEO.

To continue its financial literacy efforts, FMFCU is planning to open two more student-operated branches this fall at Penn Wood High School in Lansdowne and at Strath Haven High School in Strath Haven. FMFCU will then have five student-operated branches.

For additional information on FMFCU’s financial literacy program, contact Rick Durante, Assistant Vice President and Director of Education at 610-325-5008.

March 31, 2006 - LOCAL EDUCATOR NAMED FIRST FINANCIAL LITERACY ADVOCATE BY FMFCU

“I'm honored that Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union selected me to receive this award. I’d like to extend thanks to the Interboro School District for allowing me to pursue this partnership on behalf of our students, staff, and community,” Wanger said.

In addition to being recognized for her outstanding efforts in helping bring the first student-operated Credit Union branch to the Philadelphia region, she will be acknowledged for engaging Interboro High School students in financial education and developing creative, effective teaching strategies so her students can better understand personal finance and apply what they learn in class to their lives.

“Peggy is a dedicated financial literacy advocate who provides her students with the education and knowledge they need to be financially savvy, now and in the future. She raised the standard for financial education and FMFCU applauds Peggy for her efforts,” comments Michael B. Magnavita, FMFCU Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

For additional information on FMFCU’s financial literacy program, contact Rick Durante, Assistant Vice President and Director of Education at 610-325-5008.

March 16, 2006 - FREDDIE MAC HONORS STATE FINANCIAL NETWORK, INC. FOR QUALITY

“Receiving this award is the result of a team effort. We are very proud that our commitment to providing excellent service has been acknowledged,” Ruth E. Kauffman, Vice President of SFN, Inc. commented.

According to Freddie Mac, one of the nation’s largest investors in residential mortgages, SFN was one of only 84 servicing companies nationwide to meet this standard. Nationally, approximately 1,500 lenders service Freddie-Mac owned loans.

“I want to personally applaud State Financial Network, Inc. for consistently achieving remarkable results through hard work, persistence and a commitment to excellence. Our Tier One rankings go only to those few mortgage servicers who’s superior performance, efficiency, and dedication to customer service sets the benchmark for the rest of our industry,” said Janet Eakes, Senior Vice President of Single Family Sourcing Operations for Freddie Mac.

Freddie Mac ranks its servicers each month on performance benchmarks that cover a wide range of activities based on the management of active and delinquent loans. Servicers are ranked in four tiers ranging from Tier One (superior results) to Tier Four (unacceptable results).

SFN is a wholly owned mortgage company and subsidiary of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU).