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Press Releases 2007

December 5, 2007 - FMFCU RECEIVES DELAWARE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S (DCTMA) COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union recently received the DCMTA's Community Service Award at their annual dinner on November 29. Pictured from left to right are Cecile Charlton, Executive Director of the DCMTA, Mike Magnavita, CFO of FMFCU, and Larry Moulder, Board Chairman of the DCTMA.

November 30, 2007 - FMFCU PRESENTS CHECK TO OPERATION WARM AND DONATES TO THE RIDDLE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) employees recently raised $1,000 which was donated to Operation Warm, an organization that provides new winter coats to children in need, during Riddle Memorial Hospital’s Operation Warm coat distribution event. FMFCU Vice President/Regional Manager, Dawn Bressler and FMFCU Riddle Hospital Branch Manager, Peggy Barnum presented the employee donation.

“Thanks to the generosity of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union employees and other generous donors, this year we were able to provide 42 children from Stetser Elementary in Chester and Main Street Elementary in Upland with their NEW Winter Coats at our annual party,” said Martha Grieco, Riddle Memorial Hospital’s Community Outreach Liaison.

During the event, children were treated to lunch, musical entertainment and games, including an opportunity to step into the Credit Union’s cash vault to grab as much play money as they could in 30 seconds. Then, they redeemed their “cash” for a prize.

Riddle Memorial Hospital President and CEO Dan Kennedy also joined in the fun by stepping into the vault to grab as much play money as he could. Instead of redeeming the “cash” for a prize, Kennedy’s winnings were tripled, converted to actual dollars and donated to the Riddle Healthcare Foundation by FMFCU President/CEO, John D. Unangst.

September 12, 2007 - FMFCU HELPS SUPPORT RENOVATION MERCY SUBURBAN HOSPITAL HOUSE STAFF QUARTERS

Norristown, PA - Donations from the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and Mercy Suburban Hospital Auxiliary provided the support for a complete renovation of the House Staff Quarters. Sister Joan Scary performed the blessing. At the dedication ceremony were from left:

• Lisa Mallon, CEO of Mercy Suburban Hospital
• Harold Schreiber, D.O., FACOFP, Graduate Medical Education Program Director
• Carol Amplo, Representative of Franklin Mint Credit Union
• Michael B. Magnavita, CPA, Executive Vice President/CFO for Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
• Susan Greenwald, Mercy Suburban Auxiliary President, and Executive Assistant to Mercy Suburban’s CEO
• Nancy Finnigan, D.O., Chief Resident of the Mercy Suburban Graduate Medical Education Program

June 22, 2007 - DURANTE NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION AT FMFCU

Broomall - Richard V. Durante, Jr. (Rick) was recently promoted to Vice President of Education at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU).

"Education and financial literacy plays an important role at the Credit Union and in the communities we serve. Through Rick's efforts and involvement, he helped elevate FMFCU in the educational community. Surely he will continue to have a viable, visible role in helping further FMFCU's educational cause," says John D. Unangst, FMFCU President/CEO.

As part of his new responsibilities, Durante will oversee the newly formed Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation by serving as its Executive Director.  The Foundation is committed to helping children, families and others attain strong personal finance skills, and support youth education and charitable causes within the community.  The Foundation will provide funding for post-secondary scholarships, in-school financial literacy programs, educational field trips, educator awards, grants and Delco Hi-Q support.

Durante will continue to oversee and manage FMFCU's Learning and Development department along with its youth and employee education programs.  He will continue to represent the Credit Union within its partnering Delaware County elementary, middle and high schools. During the educational seminars, Durante and other Credit Union representatives teach students how to be financially savvy.  To date, the Credit Union has reached over 7,000 students.  In addition to being involved with Credit Union's youth education programs, Durante has been closely associated with the Delco Hi-Q competition since 2004.  Currently, he is Director of the scholastic competition, which is now in its 60th season.  Hi-Q is the nation’s longest running academic quiz competition.

For having the highest increase in students reached through financial literacy lessons, Durante was recognized by the National Youth Involvement Board (NYIB) in 2006, and honored by the Interboro Education Association as an Outstanding Volunteer in 2007 for bridging the gap between community and school.

Durante, who has been employed by the Credit Union for almost 10 years, resides in Milmont Park, Delaware County with his wife, Deanna and their two children, Bridget and Joseph.

June 12, 2007 - LOCAL RESIDENT AND FMFCU EMPLOYEE EARNS COMPLIANCE OFFICER CERTIFICATION

“We believe strongly in both member and staff education and are pleased that Gretchen earned this prestigious and nationally recognized certification. We find that the best way to maximize our member service is to provide the necessary professional education that allows our staff to excel in their respective positions,” says Cindy Wanamaker, FMFCU Senior Vice President/COO.

Being certified as a compliance officer is earned by professionals who have successfully completed a series of certification exams administered by NAFCU where candidates are tested on their knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance. This designation is valid for two years. To maintain certification, Stuber must provide evidence of continuing her education in compliance, or successfully complete updated exams.

Stuber resides in Clifton Heights.

May 22, 2007 - HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL & STUDENTS HONORED AT FMFCU’S “PARTNERS IN LEARNING” BANQUET

Receiving the John D. Unangst Scholarship award of $1,500 each year were DeJuana Mosley of Chester High School, Lindsay Arizona Page of Strath Haven High, Lauren A, Raikowski of Ridley High and Patrick Brady of Interboro High. The scholarship was created by FMFCU’s Board of Directors in honor of President/CEO John Unangst’s 25th anniversary with the credit union. Dr. Harry Jamison, serving on the credit union’s board of directors and former executive director of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, presented the awards.

Unangst personally funds a fourth scholarship for a graduating senior from Interboro High, from which he graduated in 1964. In 2005, Unangst was inducted into Interboro’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his military record, community service and business achievement.

The scholarship winners, who also received a commemorative plaque and oversized symbolic check, were chosen from more than 100 applicants who had to meet specific criteria, including writing an essay. Ms. Mosley said she plans to major in business management and minor in math at Delaware State University. Ms. Page is considering a five-year Master’s in Education program at the University of Virginia. Majoring in communications at Immaculata University is the post-high school plan of Ms. Raikowski, while Brady will attend Penn State Delaware County.

Receiving a $500 Student Leadership Award was Philip Sabato, a graduating senior from Springfield High who is president of FMFCU’s 2007 Youth Advisory Board and a student employee at his school’s credit union branch. Award presenter Dawn Bressler, FMFCU Vice President/Regional Manager, commended Sabato for his work in promoting the credit union’s branch program in his school and throughout the district.

“Last year, Phil addressed the entire student body at E.T. Richardson Middle School about the importance of saving and spending money wisely,” said Ms. Bressler. She noted he not only impressed the Springfield School Board with his knowledge of financial matters but also was a speaker at the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association’s marketing council meeting last fall in Harrisburg. Additionally, he was featured in the association’s 2006 annual convention video, which was shown at the “Partners in Learning” Dinner. Further, he was recognized in April with an honorable mention as an Exemplary Youth from the Delaware County Workforce Involvement Board for his outstanding leadership.

“I have to thank the credit union tremendously for this honor,” said Sabato, who also cited the value of friendships made through the credit union branch at his school.

Dr. Bridget Kelly, principal of Springfield High, was honored as the 2007 Financial Literacy Advocate. Michael Magnavita. FMFCU Executive Vice President/CFO, presented the award that annually recognizes an educator who has demonstrated extraordinary support of and commitment to financial education of youth.

Magnavita praised Dr. Kelly for supporting the business partnership in the community and for “making sure that every senior has been exposed to good financial habits.” Accepting her award, Dr. Kelly noted that when the credit union branch at Springfield opened two years ago, it “opened discussions on financial matters that we didn’t have before.” It’s been a valuable “learning lab” for students and the entire school community, she said, noting that she has personally benefited.

“I’m taking advice from them and changing my financial patterns,” she said of the branch’s student employees.

Anne McNally, Vice President of Human Resources, presided over the recognition of Youth Advisory Board members. She called them “10 exceptional students” and cited the many ways they’ve proven valuable to the credit union in providing a teen’s perspective. They include President Phil Sabato, Springfield; Vice President Steve Aikens, Interboro; Secretary Brittany Catona, Strath Haven; Sarah Antolini, Upper Darby; Bethany Cheezum, Interboro; Val Gibson, Penn Wood; Luke Grossi, Strath Haven; Dontaye Jones, Penn Wood; Davinder Pal Singh, Upper Darby; and Joe Winkler, Springfield.

Also recognized at the dinner were 2007 Student Branch Council members, who were introduced by Student Cluster Manager Kelly Lynn, along with this year’s Volunteer Faculty Liaisons. The faculty members were introduced by Rick Durante, Assistant Vice President/Director Education, who also co-directed the 2006-2007 season of Delco Hi-Q. The honorees include:

• Interboro High: Mike Shields, President; Fjorjana Koci, Vice President; Erica D’Eletto, Marketing Officer; Steve Aikens; Bethany Cheezum; Ida Eckhardt; Ian Lynch and Basim Walker. Faculty liaison: Peggy Wanger.
• Penn Wood High: Roger Chambers, President; Benjamin Artwell, Jr., Vice President; Dontaye’ Jones, Marketing Officer; Gerald Bryant; Val Gibson; Albert Laing, Jr. and Jabari Rogers. Liaisons: Tom Edwards and Rapp Curry.
• Springfield: Phil Sabato, President; Billy Naylor, Vice President; Robert Rowntree, Marketing Officer, and Joseph Winkler. Liaison: Holly DiGregorio.
• Strath Haven: Ezra Skobeloff, President; Bridget Widdowson, Vice President; Jenna Leavens and Brittany Catona, Marketing Officers; Lauren DeVita; Luke Grossi and Emily Schmidt. Liaison: Patrick Keaveney.
• Upper Darby: Davinder Pal Singh, President; Hyder Ali Mirza; Vice President; Kaitlyn Livoy, Marketing Officer; Sarah Antolini; Aaron Arrington; Jacqueline Beers; Julie Ann Caulfield; Shannon Donnelly; Shafi Gaffar; Shakar Jones; Steve Lonergan; Lewis Miller and Bonnie Tress. Liaison: Tony Fortuna.

Sabato spoke for the entire student branch council when he thanked Ms. Lynn for her assistance and presented her with a bouquet of flowers. She also received a sweatshirt from each of the schools represented on the council.

May 18, 2007 - FMFCU WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR DEMONSTRATING YOUTH FINANCIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

The award, named for French Canadian Alphonse Desjardins, recognizes credit union activities that raise awareness and provide resources to promote the financial education of youth. Desjardins (1854-1920) was instrumental in forming the Canadian and American credit union movement. Besides helping to found the first credit union in Canada and the first in the United States, he pioneered youth savings clubs and in-school banks, known in his country as “caisses scolaires.”

In Delaware County, FMFCU has pioneered the establishment of student-operated credit union branches in high schools. It opened its first branch in Interboro High School a few years ago, followed by branches in Upper Darby, Penn Wood, Springfield and Strath Haven high schools. The in-school financial facilities offer most of the products and services available at FMFCU’s other locations. By operating the branches, under the guidance of FMFCU’s Student Cluster Manager Kelly Lynn, students learn all about business, banking and the non-profit world while gaining important leadership skills.

The students also play a vital role in providing FMFCU with valuable feedback from a young person’s perspective. Two representatives from each of the five in-school branches serve on FMFCU’s Youth Advisory Board. A subcommittee of FMFCU’s Education Committee, the board was created to assist the credit union in reaching the youth market (ages 14-18). Members meet monthly to make recommendations that help guide youth outreach initiatives in product development, marketing and education.

To date, the credit union has reached more than 7,000 elementary, middle and high school students through its financial education seminars.

Without question, FMFCU’s financial education program more than met the criteria used in selecting this year’s award winner, said Joe Wambach, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation in Harrisburg.

“I’m very impressed with what they do,” said Wambach of the credit union. “Through their financial literacy and student branch components, they’ve successfully combined financial education and career opportunities for high school students. They not only give youth a chance to learn about various aspects of banking, but also to consider a career in the credit union field.”

According to Michael Wishnow, Senior Vice President, Communications & Marketing, for the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association, this is the first year that a  Pennsylvania credit union in FMFCU’s size category has received the coveted award. In winning at the state level, FMFCU now will be judged with other state winners in the national competition. Its entry has been forwarded to the Association’s national affiliate, CUNA (Credit Union National Association), which created the Desjardin Award five years ago.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized with such a prestigious award,” said Durante. “I was proud to accept it on behalf of our staff, members and partnering schools.”

May 3, 2007 - ALLAN STEVENS, FMFCU VP OF LENDING, APPEARED ON CN8'S MONEY MATTERS

April 27, 2007 - VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED FOR HELPING CITY OF CHESTER RESIDENTS PREPARE 2006 TAX RETURNS

During a special Volunteer Recognition ceremony held at Chester City Hall, FMFCU employees were recognized for volunteering their time to help prepare and file returns for City of Chester residents.  Ruth E. Kauffman, Glassboro, NJ; Stefanie Henson, Newark, DE; Cecily Venkatesh, Swarthmore; Blesson Koshy, Springfield and Richard B. Elam, Sr., Lansdowne were all recognized and thanked for their participation.

In addition, Mortgage Specialists Jackie Werner and Sharon F. Flynn at Chester Community Improvement Project were recognized for volunteering in the program.

This year, VITA volunteers, all of whom are certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) prepared and electronically filed 126 returns free of charge in two locations, the Credit Union’s Chester branch office and at the Chester Baptist Church.  Volunteers prepared and filed returns January 29 through April 14, three days a week, 11 hours a week.

VITA Site Coordinator, Richard B. Elam, Sr. reported that one volunteer from the Credit Union went above and beyond the call of duty by taking a resident to Chester City’s Social Security office to obtain needed information for her tax return.

April 20, 2007 - FMFCU DEDICATES ITS FIFTH STUDENT-OPERATED BRANCH AT STRATH HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL

Attending the ceremony were Pennsylvania State Representative Bryan Lentz, Pennsylvania Senator Ted Erickson and Hilary Hunt, Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Financial Education.

Seven Strath Haven High School students operate this full service financial institution three days a week under the supervision of FMFCU branch personnel. The six seniors and one junior are fully trained to process deposits and open free member checking and savings accounts. In addition, they promote the branch to their peers, faculty and staff through table day events where they distribute FMFCU literature and giveaways.

“This is a day to celebrate,” Hunt said from the podium. She conveyed that programs such as having student-operated branches in schools help prepare individuals for the real world because 19 to 24 year-olds are the fastest group heading into bankruptcy.

The high school branch is only open to those who normally have access to the school.

FMFCU’s student-operated branches are part of their Partners In Learning program. For additional information on the Credit Union’s financial literacy programs, contact Rick Durante, Assistant Vice President and Director of Education at 610-325-5008.

March 16, 2007 - FMFCU HONORED AS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR BY DELAWARE COUNTY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Each year, DCFA presents this award to a business or corporation in Delaware County that contributed to the benefit, welfare, or improvement of fire service in an outstanding manner. Throughout 2006, FMFCU voluntarily participated in the Association’s 100th anniversary parade, firemen appreciation nights, quarterly association meetings and helped create literature explaining the DCFA’s mission.

“It was an honor being recognized by the Firemen’s Association, and I was more than happy to accept the award on the Credit Union’s behalf. FMFCU looks forward to building an even stronger relationship with DCFA and its members,” said Andrew P. McKeon, FMFCU Internal Audit Division.

February 2, 2007 - SEVEN UPPER DARBY HIGH SCHOOL FMFCU STUDENT-EMPLOYEES PLACE IN MARKETING COMPETITION

The students competed in various competency-based competitive events in numerous marketing occupations. They also completed written tests and participated in role-playing situations in their chosen area of interest. Later this month, they will travel to the state competition being held in Hershey, PA.

Davinder Pal Singh and Steve Lonergan captured first place in the Financial Marketing team event. Bonnie Tress and Shannon Donnelly were awarded second place while Sarah Antolini placed fourth in the Buying and Merchandising category. Lonergan also was an overall winner in the Financial Services category as were Shafi Gaffar for Full-Service Restaurant Marketing and Kate Livoy for Business Services.

“As ‘partners in education,’ Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union’s student-operated branch at Upper Darby High School had a direct impact on the first-place team in Financial Services. Students were able to incorporate their on-the-job training with their classroom instruction and demonstrated an extraordinary level of competency in Financial Marketing,” says Anthony Fortuna, Upper Darby High School Business Teacher and Volunteer Liaison.

Also participating in the competition was FMFCU Vice President and Regional Manager, Dawn Bressler. She was one of 35 judges who participated in the difficult task of evaluating students. Bressler specifically judged students in the Business Law category. In fairness, she did not judge any FMFCU students. Bressler was asked to participate as a judge in the state competition.

FMFCU supports education through its Partners In Learning program, which includes five student-operated branches and offers financial literacy programs to youth. For additional information on FMFCU’s Partners In Learning or financial literacy programs, contact Rick Durante, Assistant Vice President and Director of Education at 610-325-5008.

January 25, 2007 - JOHN T POWERS IS FMFCU’S VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

In this position, Powers will oversee the Credit Union’s business services and multi-state employer groups (also known as partner organizations). He also will help develop and expand FMFCU’s branch network in Chester County.

"John will be an asset to FMFCU. He has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, and surely will help develop and maintain strong business relationships with current and future partnering organizations," says John D. Unangst, FMFCU President/CEO.

Powers earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Management from Saint Joseph’s University.

Powers came to FMFCU from Willow Financial Bank in King of Prussia where he was the Regional President.

Powers also served as president at another local federal credit union. Powers, his wife, Mary Ann and daughter, Molly resides in Drexel Hill.

January 19, 2007 - CREDIT UNION’S YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD OFFERS VALUABLE FEEDBACK

According to FMFCU Assistant Vice President/Director of Education Rick Durante, who’s also co-directing the 2006-2007 Delco Hi-Q competition, the Youth Advisory Board was created to assist the Credit Union in reaching the youth market (ages 14-18). The board makes recommendations to help guide the Credit Union’s youth outreach initiatives in product development, marketing and education. Eventually, board members will have an opportunity to attend FMFCU Board of Directors meetings and to work on special projects.

“We’ve made a big commitment to you, your schools and the community. We need your feedback,” said Durante to the students at a recent meeting.

The Youth Advisory Board is a subcommittee of FMFCU’s Education Committee. Its members meet at FMFCU headquarters monthly, with a Credit Union representative, to focus on the financial needs of young FMFCU members and the methods that could be utilized to attract and retain younger students. Board members serve for one year and are eligible to apply for a second term. They were appointed from among the Credit Union’s current student branch employees, who show a strong interest in the high school branch program.

FMFCU’s first in-school financial facility was established at Interboro High School in September 2004. Since then, branches have opened in Upper Darby, Penn Wood and Springfield high schools. A fifth branch is anticipated to open soon at Strath Haven. All high school branches offer most of the same products and services available at FMFCU’s other locations. Students, faculty, staff and parents can 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 Credit Union’s Web site.

Because students operate the branch, under the guidance of FMFCU’s Student Cluster Manager Kelly Lynn, their input is important. At a recent advisory board meeting, discussion centered on how to convince more students to choose FMFCU for their banking needs during high school and beyond. Faculty members and parents also should be attracted to the branch because of the convenience of being in the school.

Board members shared their thoughts on give-away items, such as book covers or pens that could be used as incentives to open an account. They also suggested establishing a “Celebration Account,” similar to a “Christmas Club” or “Holiday e-club,” to enable students to save for their prom, class ring or senior week expenses.

Springfield High senior Phillip Sabato, 17, president of the student FMFCU branch at his school, noted raffling prom tickets is a good incentive for students to open an account. He said it’s been “a great experience” working at his school’s branch, as well as other non-student-operated branches during the summer.

Interboro High sophomore Bethany Cheezum, 15, who works at her school’s FMFCU branch and at the MacDade branch, agreed. “ I like it because I meet lots of people,” she said. “And I’ve learned it’s never too early to start saving.”

Brittany Catona, 18, a Strath Haven High senior who works at other branches, is equally enthusiastic. “It gives me an opening to the business world,” she said.

Other Youth Advisory Board members are Luke Grossi, Strath Haven; Sarah Antolini and Davinder Singh, Upper Darby; Steve Aikens, Interboro; Dontaye Jones and Val Gibson, Penn Wood; and Joseph Winkler, Springfield.