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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress • Thursday, February 22, 2018
PFCU continually improves experience By Mark Sherry Progress is a constant at Premier Financial Credit Union. Continually looking for ways to improve the credit union experience is expected when the members who benefit from those improvements are also the “owners” of the financial institution. 2017 was yet another year of programs and promotions which benefitted the members of Premier Financial, and more is in store for 2018. Looking to the year ahead, the Board of Directors of Premier Financial Credit Union has approved the implementation of an instant issue debit card. Steve Nothem, president and chief executive officer of PFCU, said there are many details to work out with the new offering so it might not be ready until later this year, but he added the credit union staff is excited to be able to offer members the ability to get a new debit card the same day they come in to ask for one. In addition to serving new members who wish to have a debit card, the instant issue service will benefit those members who may have lost their card, had it damaged, or in this era of cyber crimes had their card compromised. Lessening the pain “People today truly can’t be without that debit card,” Nothem said. “When you’re without your debit card, you’re without money.” He said Premier Financial wants to “make that pain less” when something happens to a debit card or when members open a new account and are hoping to get debit card access to that account as soon as possible. While instant issue cards could end up being the new product highlight of 2018 at Premier Financial, certainly one of the promotional highlights of last year at PFCU was its “flip-flop” loans. Starting last summer and running for four months, Premier Financial offered area borrowers the opportunity to switch their loan(s) from other financial institutions to PFCU with a guaranteed savings on interest rates of anywhere from 1/2 to 2 percent. Many members experienced an even greater savings since the Credit Union loan rates were more favorable than the interest rates they were currently paying. Those who took advantage of the flip-flop special often saw an immediate savings due to a lower monthly payment and will also see a savings in the overall interest paid on the loan. As a matter of fact, here is a little tip for readers of this article—while PFCU is not currently advertising the loan flipflop promotion, the experienced loan specialists at the credit union still will honor the promotion at this time. It is scheduled to “officially” come back this summer, but PFCU’s loan specialists advise “sooner the better” when it comes to trimming interest rates. Decisions made locally One of the great advantages of the New Holstein-based credit union—with offices also in Kiel and Chilton—is the fact that decisions are made locally. Loan applications are not sent to another city, state or country for yes-or-no decisions to be made, and applicants are not kept waiting days for a decision to be made. Nothem said the character of a local loan applicant is still taken into consideration when making decisions. “We will still make a $50 loan if it’s in the best interest of the member,” Nothem said. “By in large, credit unions still serve the underserved.” A person only needs to live or work in Sheboygan, Calumet or Manitowoc counties—or
Staffing the Kiel office of Premier Financial Credit Union are (from left) Branch Manager Peggy Goch, Chris Kline, Rachael Siehs, Natasha Kornetzke, Shari Hechel, and Nancy Boutchard. Mark Sherry photo
parts of Fond du Lac and Outagamie counties—to become a member of Premier Financial, and they need only have $5 to open an account. While Premier Financial certainly serves “the little guy,” it also offers commercial loans for mom-and-pop businesses but also large, local industries and businesses. Chris Schultz is the dedicated business lender for Premier Financial and has been with the credit union for almost two years. Although new to Premier Financial Credit Union, Chris had 31 prior years of experience in the business lending field. Home loans also are available at PFCU, of course, and they feature low closing costs. Members were saved even more money during a portion of 2017 when PFCU offered a no closing costs special, and look for that to be advertised again this spring. Financial counseling offered Premier Financial helps members be wise with their money in yet another way—offering the help of financial counselors. Kiel Branch Manager Peggy Goch, New Holstein Member Relations Specialist Karen Lisowe, and Chilton Branch Manager Fritzy Brady each received the designation through months of reading, study, and examinations in the last two years. Goch explained new Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFCs) received training on lending for the under-served populations, budgeting for households, and budgeting so that loan payments are at a comfortable level for consumers. Goch said she feels the information she learned in obtaining her CCUFC designation has benefitted Premier Financial members. Nothem added that often times the need for counseling comes to light when people are applying for a loan. Lisowe emphasized that financial counseling is not just for current PFCU members but for anyone who might be struggling with finances. “They need to want the help,” she said, adding that all assistance is confidential and nonjudgmental. She encouraged anyone in need of help to simply call their local PFCU office for this free service with no obli-
Peggy Goch
Chris Schultz
gations. “We get them on track,” Lisowe added. “It’s very individualized.” In addition to these services, Premier Financial continues to offer family friendly activities for its communities, such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt in New Holstein, a night at the New Holstein Aquatic Center, a back-to-school concert in the park, and appearances by Mr. and Miss Christmas Mouse. Premier Financial also has played a role in financial literacy in local schools,
including the longtime sponsorship of its branch inside New Holstein High School. With a bill recently being passed in the Wisconsin Legislature requiring financial literacy education in schools, Premier Financial was ahead of its time but also is prepared to lend assistance to local schools to help them meet their requirements. It is all part of the credit union’s efforts to continually help its members and communities as it progresses each and every year.
Kiel Progress briefs 2018
Zion Lutheran in its 2nd century
Zion Lutheran Church of New Holstein celebrated its centennial in 2015. The congregation was officially incorporated in 1915. Zion has been served by 11 pastors during its history and blessed by God’s grace with dedicated members and staff. The congregation currently is being served by the Rev. Azor Cigelske. Sunday worship services are presently at 8:45 a.m. with a year-round Wednesday service at 7 p.m. Sunday School classes are offered for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at 10 a.m. A high school Bible class and multiple adult
Bible studies are offered on Sundays and other days of the week. Fellowship groups and organizations include the Women in Mission, Lutheran Youth Fellowship, and the Altar Guild. A Maundy Thursday communion service will be held at 7 p.m. and Good Friday services at 1:30 and 7 p.m. The Easter Sunrise service is at 6:30 a.m. A second Easter Sunday service will be at 9 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend any and all services. Other upcoming events include the annual Pancake Supper in April and Vacation Bible School in June. VBS is open to all children whether or not they normally attend Zion.