Maine Credit Unions C E L E B R AT E

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1 Maine Credit Unions C E L E B R AT E Advertising SupplementtotheSunJournal, Sunday, October11, 2015 SERVICE TO MEMBERS COMMITMENT TO END HUNGER OPEN AND VOLUNTARY MEMBERSHIP CREATING FINANCIAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES STATEWIDE ACCESS NATIONWIDE CONVENIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUILDING FINANCIAL STABILITY

2 2 CREDIT UNION WEEK Maine credit unions save members millions on financial services Over 660,000 Mainers are saving money every year just by choosing to be a member at one of Maine s Credit Unions. But just how much money are they saving? A recent study found that loyal Maine credit union members are saving $1,253 annually per household and members are collectively saving $38 million per year. These collective savings are put together from earnings that are returned to members in lower loan rates, higher interest rates on deposits, and lower fees! to focus on saving member s money make credit unions an increasingly viable and va luable option for Ma ine people. The credit union philosophy of putting the interests of members first continues to highlight the difference between credit unions and other financial institutions. Credit unions are owned and operated by and for their members, so all members benefit from better rates and lower and fewer fees. That is a key and distinct difference of credit unions. Maine Credit Union League President John Murphy said that the credit unions ability To find a credit union near you, visit www. mainecreditunions.org. Financial institutions: Are they all the same? By Mallory Lavoie, Young & Free Maine Spokester Well, in some ways, yes. But there are several ways that credit unions stand out. For one, did you know that credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives? In other words, credit unions are about members not profits. In fact, credit unions, unlike most other financial institutions, do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. This translates to: Earnings that are returned to members; Higher interest rates on deposits; Lower loan rates; and Lower fees. Mallory Lavoie, Young & Free Maine Spokester Institutions page 5

3 CREDIT UNION WEEK 3 Maine credit unions shatter Ending Hunger record! T he Ma ine Credit Unions Campaign for Ending Hunger had another record-setting year in 2014, by raising $552,257, which was nearly $40,000 more than the 2013 record. Through buying power, the f unds a re enabling food pantries and hunger organizations to purchase nearly $7 million worth of food to help feed Maine s hungry. Since 1990, the Maine Credit Un i on s C a m p a i g n f or Ending Hunger has raised $ 5.9 million to help end hunger in Maine marks the third year of a $75,000 commitment that the Campaign has made to support school food pantry a nd Back Pack prog ra ms w it h t he Good Shepherd Food Ba nk. Our support help s s er v e ne a r l y 10 0 schools and over 2,500 students every month. Throughout the year, Maine Credit Unions Campaign for Ending Hunger partners with the Good Shepard Food Bank to support a multitude of other causes, too. One of these initiatives is the Food Mobile, which launched 10 years ago with the help of the Campaign. Last year, the mobile food pantry hit the road nearly 160 times in 2014, covering every county in the state and delivering an unprecedented 840,000 pounds of food. Additiona lly, 2015 marks the Maine Credit Unions End i ng Hu nger Wa l k i ng Tou r s 14t h consec ut ive year. The Tour is a partnership between Maine s credit unions and Brenda Davis, Executive Director of Crossroad Ministries, a hunger organization serving eastern Maine, and a leading hunger advocate in Maine. The mission of the Walking Tour is to raise awareness about the severity of hunger in our state because many parts of Maine are rural in nature, many people have to travel great distances to receive food assistance. Each summer, t he Ca mpaign holds a Share the Bread event, when along with loaves of bread, Maine People helping people. credit unions contribute $20,000, one of the largest sing le-day cont ribut ions to multiple hunger organ i z at ion s i n Ma i ne, to or g a n i z at ion s i n e v er y count y in the state. Jon Paradise, VP of Governmental & Public Affairs for the Maine Credit Union League, said that events like this are about more than donating much need funds, we are also about raising awareness. As we recognize the significance of hunger in Maine and, most specifically, feeding a number of Ma ine s chi ldren dur ing su m mer v ac at ion w hen there are not mea ls prov ided at school, Ma ine s Credit Unions will provide resources to help organizations in each county make a positive impact on thousands of people in Maine. For more information on how you can help Maine s Credit Unions end hunger, visit and click on the Ending Hunger l i n k u nder Com mu n it y Involvement. All contributions are tax-deductible and Luke Labbe, president/ceo, PeoplesChoice CU (left) and John Muprhy, president/ceo, Maine Credit Union League (right) stand with Liz Murray, the subject of an Emmy-nominated movie and the author of the New York Times best-selling book, Breaking Night, about her homeless and hungry childhood in New York City. Murray helped Maine s credit unions announce a record-breaking $552,257 raised through the Maine Credit Unions Campaign for Ending Hunger in % of all contributions go directly to the cause and stay in Maine. Join us on International Credit Union Day October 15th How do I get a Loan? Gifts for our members who visit during the week. + + = + Spin the Wheel = New memberships opened and new loans closed this week will spin to win a gift!* Drawings & Refreshments It s who we are and what we do. Experience the Credit Union Difference apply online or stop by during Credit Union Week! Enter to Win* a Cash Drawing - Free Gift for Members For the financial services you need, call your local credit union today! 144 Pine Street, Lewiston ME - 40 Stanley Street, Auburn ME 1025 Auburn Rd (Route 4), Turner ME Phone Fax *Many will enter but only one member will win the $100 prize. Free gifts while supplies last. This Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender. Subject to credit approval. Employee & Their Pet Contest Photos of Employees and their pets will be posted in the lobby for members to match. Every entry will result in a donation to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society Lisbon Street, Lewiston 836 Center Street, Auburn (207) * Must be a new account, not a re-opened account. Offers valid October 13-17, 2015 only. Winners will be drawn October 19, Membership eligibility required.

4 4 CREDIT UNION WEEK When Maine s credit unions cooperate, you win! At a credit union you are not a customer or client, but a member! When you belong to one of Maine s Credit Unions, you are an owner! As a member-owner, what you say matters. Each member has an equal vote in electing a volunteer of unpaid board of directors. Since there are no stockholders at credit unions unlike banks members receive the benefit of higher rates on their savings accounts, lower rates on loans, fewer and lower service fees, as well as many other benefits. Because credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, the focus has always been on members. This is reflected in exceptional service, from refinancing a new member s car at a lower rate, or a special loan to help keep a member warm during a difficult winter. Whatever you need, from student loans to refinancing a mortgage, your credit union will be with you every step of the way! In Maine, these ser v ices are just part of t he credit union dif ference. This Internat iona l Credit Union Day, October 15, 2015, we not on ly celebrate t he impact credit unions have on members lives and their communities ever y day, but we celebrate you, because ser v ing and helping you w it h your f inancia l needs are what Ma i ne s c r e d it u n ion s a r e a l l a b out. With Maine credit unions, you have a financial partner who understands the importance of coming together to benefit you, your community and your state! fivecounty.com Members Matter Most True Convenience It s True! Like us on facebook.com/fivecounty We re Open til 8pm We have 15 full service branches with 9 locations & Call Center open until 8PM, Mon-Sat including most holidays Bath, Auburn*, Augusta*, Bowdoinham*, Brunswick*, Falmouth, Lewiston, Lisbon, Portland, Rockland, Topsham*, Scarborough*, Skowhegan*, Waterville*, Windham* *Open 8AM-8PM, Mon-Sat Serving those who live, work or worship in the counties of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo & Knox Celebrating Credit Union Week, Oct Thank you for choosing Five County! $1 For 1 box of checks plus debit card, when you bring in this coupon or mention this ad from Credit Union Week! EXPIRES 12/31/15 Federally Insured By NCUA

5 CREDIT UNION WEEK 5 More branches than any single bank in Maine mean the most convenience by a lot! For 11 years, Shared Branching has allowed many Maine credit union members to enjoy the convenience of using other Maine credit unions, as well as credit unions across the country and even the world, just as if it were their own credit union. And now, with 172 locations throughout Maine, there are more Shared Branches than any single bank in Maine y nearly three times! There are also more than 5,400 branch locations across the nation that s the third largest branch network in the country! Shared Branching allows members of participating credit unions to access thousands of credit union service center locations via the cooperative network of service centers in the United States and overseas. Most member services are offered at Shared Branching locations across the country including: account deposits; cash and check withdrawals; transfers between accounts; cash advances, loan payments, and balance inquiries. Extended service hours and weekend hours are offered at some locations, while money orders, traveler s checks or official checks can also be purchased at various Shared Branches. Shared Branching provides nearly three times more locations to conduct financial transactions than any other financial institution in Maine, and still enables members to receive the exceptional credit union service that Maine s Credit Unions are known for. From Madawaska to York, credit union members can find a Shared Branch location when they travel throughout the state, or even when they head out of state for work, vacation or to attend college. Shared Branching means that a great number of Maine s 660,000 credit union members can use their credit union across town, across state and across the country, explained John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League. To find Shared Branching locations near you, go to mainecreditunions.org. Additionally, a list of locations nationwide and across the globe can be found at co-opsharedbranching.org. There, you can also find out how to download Apps for both iphones and Androids, making finding a Shared Branch. Join a Maine credit union, and enjoy fee-free checking! Get a checking account that is truly fee-free! Stop worrying about monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, and minimum balances. When you open a checking account at most Maine credit unions, there is one thing you can check off your list fees! That s because 95% of Maine s Credit Unions offer free checking accounts, and over 90% offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance! This one feature can make a big difference to Maine consumers, especially when striving to save money. Knowing your money is safe, and that every cent you put in your account will stay where it should be, is just another benefit of being a Maine credit union member. And, when paired with better rates on loans, and lower or no fees on other services, it all adds up to significant savings for members! Visit a Maine credit union today, and ask about their checking offerings and fees. Chances are, you ll be told a number that you ll be happy to hear zero! Visit to find a credit union near you! Institutions from page 2 It gets even better! Credit unions understand that we are young and that we don t necessarily have a lot of money. We are extremely helpful in providing tools and resources to help us get a head start, financially. The Free4Me Account is only one example of how credit unions support people who are 18 to 25 years old. It s a fee-free account, with no minimum monthly balance, and two forgiveness passes per year if you overspend! Credit unions cater to our needs! With mobile banking, mobile check deposit, and online loan and credit card applications, credit unions are keeping up! We help their members do banking conveniently, both in the branch and out of the branch! Young & Free Maine includes a financial headstart with the Free4ME Account, designed with 18-to-25 year olds in mind. Maine is the only New England state to offer this program, which has proven successful in connecting with Gen Y in regions throughout North America. For more information, visit com. Comprehensive, Personalized Solutions for Maine Credit Unions Since 1963 Contact usat Valued Partners TheInsurance Choice for Maine Credit Union Members Auto -Homeowners- Renters Snowmobile -Motorcycle- RV -Wedding Special group discounts available to Maine credit union members! Call Toll Free equinoxagency.com /equinoxagency visitus online

6 6 CREDIT UNION WEEK SURF and SAVE with Maine s Largest Surcharge-free ATM Network When you re a member of a Maine credit union you have access to the largest surcharge-free ATM network in Maine! That s right, you won t have to pay additional fees to access your own money when you use the SURF ATM Network. But, that s not all, finding a SURF ATM is easy with over 230 locations in Maine and a convenient mobile app to help you locate them all! From Rockland to Rumford or York to Fort Kent, you re bound to catch a glimpse of SURF Dude, the icon of the Maine credit unions SURF ATM Network. When you see SURF Dude, you know that your ATM experience will be fee-free! Credit union members can save up to $300 on surcharge fees per year by using the SURF ATM Network. With more than 230 locations, members have surcharge-free access covering the entire state! Don t forget in addition to accessing cash, you can also make deposits at some ATMs with no extra fees. Formed in 1999, over 90% of Maine s Credit Unions now participate in the SURF ATM Network through the Maine Credit Union League. The continued growth of the SURF ATM Network is further evidence of the value that comes when credit unions work together to bring the largest, most convenient ATM Network in Maine to the See Our FALL CAR LOAN RATES! Call Michele or Natalie today!! *Qualifications and restrictions apply Rates as low as 2.75% * APR *APR= Annual Percentage Rate 34 Bates Street, Lewiston Minot Avenue, Auburn YOUR FIRSTTANK OF GASISON US! * MUST APPLYONLINE Great Rates Available! *Offersgoodwhile supplies last. No purchase necessary. Applicant must be approved for an auto loanintheamount of $10,000 or more inorder to receive the$50 gift card.rates subjectto credit qualifications andcertain terms, restrictions, andconditions. Rates subject to change at any time withoutnotice. Some restrictions mayapply. 660,000 credit union members in our state, John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League, said. For a complete listing of the SURF ATM locations in Maine where you can find SURF Dude, visit mainecreditunions.org and click on SURF ATM Locator or download the free SurfATM app in the itunes Store. Looking for a loan? Maine credit unions have the answer! Despite an economy that has prompted many lenders to pull back, lending is accessible and strong at Maine s Credit Unions. While institutions across the country were tightening lending availability, Maine s Credit Unions have continued to strengthen Maine s economy and today have nearly $5 billion in loans outstanding to Mainers. Maine credit unions go beyond lending basics to No Credit? Credit Not So Good? Call Oxford FCU... We Can Help! provide smaller loans to help with unexpected life events or emergencies. Credit unions are known for providing members with smaller loans to help them get back on their feet! More than the ability to get a loan at a trusted financial institution, choosing a Maine credit union for your loan is a decision that will usually save you money! The most recent study on the The Economic Impact on the Maine Economy and the Financial Benefits to Maine Consumers of the State s Credit Unions, found that consumers provided a breakdown that detailed the financial benefits of credit union membership in Maine saved $22 million from lower rates on loans! Maine credit unions continue to experience consistent growth, which has a positive economic impact on the lives of members and communities. We are also extremely pleased to see that more consumers continue to turn to credit unions for financial services through new relationships or expanding existing relationships, stated League President John Murphy. 2MiddleRd., Sabattus oxfordfcu.org Mexico, ME Norway, ME No matter what you need, Maine credit unions are here to help. Visit www. mainecreditunions.org to find a credit union and begin the lending process today!

7 CREDIT UNION WEEK Mobile Banking Online Banking OCTOBER 15, 2015 Home Banking at your convenience Credit Unions For People. Not profits 5,400 Shared 5,300 branching locations nationwide 230 Surcharge 240 free ATMS in Maine 7

8 8 CREDIT UNION WEEK Ownit. Our most precious commodities are our kids and our time. So depositing a check in my living room saves me upwards of 15 minutes a day having that time in our day is priceless to us. Mark Campbell, father of six children, said about mobile deposit capture offered by his credit union In a credit union, members are owners. That means low rates and fees, great terms, and decisions made locally by some of the best listeners in the business. Plus, you get the latest in technology and convenience. No wonder more than 660,000 Maine people choose to belong to credit unions. Use a credit union and own it. mainecreditunions.org