Erie FCU - 2022 Winter Newsletter

Erie Federal Credit Union

F nanc al Solut ons Winter Newsletter 2022 www.eriefcu.org

GIVE HOPE Feed the Need Erie Times FCU Merger Completed Unbury Yourself from HOLIDAY DEBT

Insured by NCUA

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Gratitude in Service

Happy New Year, everyone! On behalf of all of us here at Erie FCU, we hope you and yours had a very safe and warm holiday season.

In addition, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to each our newest members resulting from a successful merger with Erie Times FCU this past New Year’s Eve. Staff from both credit unions are to be commended for working so diligently together over the past several months to ensure a smooth and efficient merger process. Together, our combined organization provides financial services to well over 69,000 members with assets exceeding $700 million. Erie Federal Credit Union remains the surviving credit union and will continue the community work both organizations are known for as part of the credit union movement.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

– Melody Beattie

In 2021, Erie Federal Credit Union celebrated our 85th anniversary. Erie Federal Credit Union was originally chartered in June 1936, at the height of the Great Depression, by ten local educators who believed in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people”. The original founders believed strongly that the credit union would serve an important role in the lives of its members and the local community. After eighty-five years, we remain committed to the credit union philosophy and the important role our original founders so strongly believed. Erie FCU has grown consistently over the past 85 years now serving well over 69,000 members and employing 178 employees across nine Erie County branch locations and corporate headquarters located in Erie, PA. Erie Federal Credit Union’s mission is to provide financial solutions that meet the needs of our community. This is what we strive to do each and every day. We have made significant advancements over the past year and remain optimistic for those opportunities that await. One of the most significant advancements has been the rollout of our new business checking products to support the needs and growth of local businesses. Whatever stage your business is in, be it a start-up, or an established company in growth mode, Erie FCU now has three business checking accounts designed to provide greater value and benefit to meet your business needs.

We are very proud to have served the local area and surrounding communities for these past 85 years. At this time of worldwide uncertainty, your credit union remains dedicated to providing financial security to you and your family. We are committed to doing the right things in order to make a difference in the lives of our members and community.

For the second consecutive year, Erie Federal Credit Union donated $30,000 to 10 local food agencies and nonprofits to fight hunger through our “Give Hope – Feed the Need” campaign. This campaign was established in response to the increased demand for food assistance and hardships resulting from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each organization received a $3,000 check to be used for programs affiliated with supplying meals, nourishment and warm companionship to families and individuals who will be affected this winter.

We are grateful to be able to support the mission of these vital community resources. And because of the continued support of our mission by members and the community, Erie Federal Credit Union was once again named “Erie’s Choice in Credit Unions” for the 9th consecutive year in a row by readers of the Erie TimesNews/GoErie.com, as well as, “Erie’s Choice in Mortgage Lending” and “Erie’s Choice in Financial Advisory” for services provided by our Erie Advisors group. I am also very pleased to share with you that Erie FCU, competing against both banks and credit unions, was voted “Best Bank” for the 8th consecutive year in Erie Reader’s Best of Erie 2021!

We remain truly grateful for your continued loyalty, engagement and support, and the trust and confidence you place in Erie Federal Credit Union. We look forward to continuing to serve you, the needs of your family and our community for next 85 years to come.

Thank you for being a member of Erie Federal Credit Union.

Happy New Year!

Brian J. Waugaman, CEO Page 2 |

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eriefcu.org

Together, Even Better

Erie Federal Credit Union Donates $30K in Support of Local Hunger Awareness and Food Assistance Erie Federal Credit Union (Erie FCU), for the second consecutive year, due to the increased demand for food assistance and hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, donated $30,000 to ten local food agencies and nonprofits to fight hunger.

Holiday celebrations are usually centered around food, but for many struggling families, it can be a difficult time. Erie FCU’s “Give Hope - Feed the Need” campaign provides monetary relief to various local agencies and non-profit organizations who have found less funding this year, but greater demand for services. Rooted in a firm belief that no one should be hungry, Erie FCU will fund these agencies to help eliminate hunger and its root causes.

“As was the case last year, local foodbased charities are still in need of support to realize the full impact of their mission to serve those less fortunate” said Brian Waugaman, CEO of Erie FCU. “Adhering to the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’, Erie FCU is wholly committed to providing support to these community resources so desperately in need this holiday season.”

The “Give Hope - Feed the Need” campaign distributed $30,000 to the following ten (10) Erie area organizations.

Many of whom, our Director of Community Outreach, Kim Davis personally visited to “surprise” them!

And surprised they were! The food service agencies were: Metro-Erie Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army of Erie, Emmaus Ministries, Community of Caring, St. Martin Center, Erie Martin Luther King Center, Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA, Home House of Erie, Kind Pantry by CAP, and Bethany Outreach Center. Each received a $3,000 check to be used for programs affiliated with supplying meals, nourishment and warm companionship to families and individuals who will be affected this winter. eriefcu.org

We’re Excited to Welcome Our Friends From Erie Times Federal Credit Union!

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Erie FCU team, we’re thrilled that you are now a part of our credit union family! Unlike a bank buyout, a credit union merger is a collaboration between two credit unions seeking to combine financial resources and expertise for the sole purpose of providing members with expanded products and services. The merger was completed on January 1, 2022.

We look forward to serving all your financial needs.

As a reminder, we sent out a MERGER GUIDE to you that was filled with key information and frequently asked questions on what to expect going forward.

It’s important to keep this guide handy, as it will help your transition.

Can’t find your guide, or did it get lost in the mail? That’s fine.

You can access a fresh digital copy here! https://www.eriefcu.org/erietimes

We’re excited to grow with you!

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We re Here To Help...

With Your Taxes!

2021 Tax Filing Options - Income Based Tax Filing Assistance Available Erie FCU is proud to once again support Erie FREE Taxes, a no-fee program that helps anyone with low to moderate income to file their Federal, State, and Local taxes for free. This free service is available to members with household incomes of $59,000 or less.

Simple Energy Projects to Save You a Bundle This Winter

With the cost of natural gas going up, heating bills are expected to increase up to 30% this winter. To conserve your money, it’s time to consider ways to conserve energy in your home.

Programmable Thermostat — Electronic thermostats that lower the temperature while you are in bed or away from home are the fastest, easiest way to save energy. In a cold climate, you can save about 10% to 30% on your heating bill. Most of these thermostats cost between $100 and $200 and they’re easy to install.

Insulation — Floor of unheated attic: Check recommended insulation levels and lay new insulation at right angles to the old. Basement or crawl space: Fasten foam or fiberglass panels to the walls and cover with drywall.

Either glue panels to the wall or fasten them to furring strips. Heating ducts: Insulate an unheated attic or basement by wrapping with fiberglass insulation.

Weatherstrip — Weatherstripping is a flexible sealer for the moving parts of windows and doors. Many new windows and doors require a specific type of weatherstrip, which you find in hardware stores or online. The generic “V-strip” adapts to many doors and windows and can even be applied in cold weather. The weatherstrip at the threshold often needs replacement. If the door bottom is still leaky, add a door sweep to seal against the floor or threshold.

Caulking — Caulking seals exterior cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. Scrape away the old caulking and dirt, then squirt new caulking into the crack.

Window Jamb Liner Kits — A window jamb liner is a strip that goes on the inside of a window frame, giving the window a snug fit and preventing air leaks.

It’s an easy way to update double-hung windows and can be installed from the inside. You can install jamb liners in less than an hour without touching the storm window, jambs, or casing molding. Order a kit to match the size of your window.

*Drop-Off service will be available at the

Erie FCU Glenwood Office 3503 Peach Street Erie, PA 16508

Things are a little different this year due to COVID-19.

Here’s what you need to do:

4 Please pick up your “VITA”/Erie Free Taxes packet at any of our branches and complete at home Packets will be available January 10th, 2022.

4 Place all tax documents in envelope with your

completed paperwork. Packets must be complete prior to drop off.

4 Drop off at Glenwood Branch at the Peach

Street / West Entrance only. There will be a drop off box. Location pictured above.

4 The drop off box will be available January 31, 2022 4 Drop off hours will coincide with Branch hours –

www.eriefcu.org/atms For more information -- www.eriefcu.org/taxes Online Filing - Log onto www.unitedwayerie.org/learn/ eriefreetaxes/ to file your taxes.

Replace Storm Door — Battered storm doors are easy to replace on a standard-size door opening. A wooden door has better durability than an aluminum door and will insulate better. Strip off the old door, then follow the installation instructions included with your door, using a drill and other basic tools.

For appointment information at other tax sites call 1-888-829-5680

Need Professional Help Filing Your Taxes?

Try Tax Strategies

Have your Federal, State, and Local taxes prepared for one low price. Call our friends at Tax Strategies to schedule your appointment.

Tax Strategies - 4420 Peach Street 814-866-5494

*Tax Strategies cannot prepare or file your tax returns without copies of your W-2 form(s). * An additional .25% discount may be applied. To qualify for the additional .25% discount, member must have an Erie FCU checking account with direct deposit and enroll in auto pay/payroll deduction. Maximum loan rate reduction is .50%. Lowest rate available after all reductions is 1.99% APR. APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Loans subject to credit approval. Rates, terms, and conditions vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions. Membership eligibility required. Insured

by NCUA.

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eriefcu.org

NO Annual Fee! NO Balance Transfer Fees!

*Offer applies to balances transferred from January 1 - March 31, 2022. After December 31, 2022, remaining balances will accrue interest at the regular annual percentage rate applicable to your account, which can range from 8.90% to 17.90% based on your creditworthiness.

(814) 825-2436

•

eriefcu.org

Insured by NCUA

Loans subject to credit approval. Existing Erie FCU loans, credit card balances, purchases, cash advances, and Business Mastercard® accounts are not eligible for this offer. Membership eligibility required.

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MC299BT NewsletterAd (1221).indd 1

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| Page 5 12/10/21 3:15 PM

Concerned about your financial plans?

Need a second opinion?

Whether you’re just starting, building your financial assets, or a long-time investor, Erie Advisors, located at Erie Federal Credit Union, will listen to your goals, offer objective advice, establish a plan for you and closely monitor your investments.

To learn more, call or contact Erie Advisors online at www.eriefcu.org to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Chuck Molloy

Financial Advisor

Dave Garres

Financial Advisor

(814) 897-2500 • 3503 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16508 *Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/ SIPC, a registered broker/ dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members.

Not NCUA/NCUSIF/ FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee.

Not a deposit of any financial institution. CBSI is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America. The representative may also be a financial institution employee that accepts deposits on behalf of the financial institution.

Stay SAFE at the ATM

To avoid becoming a victim of ATM theft, follow these tips: • Check out the environment as you approach the ATM and be prepared to make your transaction as soon as you get to it.

• Use the same ATM as often as possible. Memorize how it looks, so you will

know if anything about it looks fishy. If anything is cracked, loose, or taped, don’t use it.

• Shield the screen and keypad with your body to prevent others from seeing and copying your personal identification number (called “shoulder surfing”).

• Don’t count the cash while at the machine. Secure the cash before leaving the ATM and wait until you are in your car or another secure place before counting your money.

• When using a drive-through ATM, keep all doors locked and other Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are a convenient way to access your funds using your debit card. That convenience also appeals to crooks. For that reason, it’s important to learn how to access your funds safely and protect them from being accessible by others (ie, skimming).

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windows up.

• Avoid ATMs in popular tourist locations, as they’re common targets.

Check your account often. If you notice unusual activity, contact us immediately.

MORTGAGE • BUSINESS • AUTO • PERSONAL

eriefcu.org

Awards & Recognition

Official Notice of Election Three-Year Term Commencing of Directors May 9, 2022

We love giving back to our communities in Erie and Crawford Counties. And, we certainly appreciate when our efforts are recognized and rewarded by others.

The Erie FCU Board of Directors consists of seven directors who each serve a three-year term. The duties of a Director include: setting operational policies for personnel; reviewing investments; and ensuring guidelines for asset–liability management and federal regulatory compliance. A director must also be committed to the Credit Union Philosophy, understand Federal NCUA Regulations, and make competent policy decisions. Members in good standing who are interested in learning more about how the credit union operates may request to serve in the Associate Volunteer Program.

Requirements to hold the Office of Director:

Here are some of our awards, accolades and public recognition from 2021: • Erie FCU was a 3-time winner once again at the Erie Times News – Erie’s Choice Awards. Erie FCU was voted “Erie’s Choice in Credit

Unions” for the 9th year in a row,

Erie’s Choice in Mortgage Lender

for the 2nd straight year and Erie

Advisors, located at the credit

union, was again recognized as

Erie’s Choice in Financial

Advisory Group.

1. Attend a full-day orientation session and meetings scheduled by the Chairperson.

2. Attend state, national and local meetings as required.

3. Attend specialized training sessions on Asset-Liability Management, Investment Polices, and other training as required by NCUA. 4. Complete all required board training provided by the credit union.

Nominated by Committee: James Lazan and Dennis Howard James Lazan, Board of Directors, has served the credit union for 29 years. Jim also served many years on the Supervisory Committee.

Dennis Howard, Board of Directors, has served the credit union for 6 years and previously served for 35 years on the 1st Choice Community FCU board.

Members interested in becoming a candidate for the Office of Director must be at least 18 years of age and a member in good standing. The petition process requires a candidate to obtain signatures from 1% of the primary Erie FCU membership and submit them by March 7, 2022. If there are nominations by petition*, an election will be held by email or paper ballot.

Petition and additional information can be obtained by contacting the Election Committee at 814-825-2436, opt.1, Ext 1037. *Erie FCU will not conduct the election by ballot and there will be no nominations from the floor at the Annual Meeting when the number of nominees equals the number of open positions.

• Cross State Credit Union Association awarded Erie FCU with 4 MIC awards for Marketing excellence including the event’s Top Honor, the “Show Stopper” Award for best marketing campaign of the year.

Erie FCU also won for Best Annual Report, Excellence in Digital Marketing and Best Strategic Marketing Campaign.

• Erie FCU was recognized by the Erie Reader as “Erie’s Best Bank” for the 8th consecutive year!

• Erie FCU also received two Niagara Awards from the Public Relations Society of America, Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. We were recognized with a GOLD award for Marketing and a SILVER award for Publications (Print or Digital).

Financial Statistics Financial Data as of December 31, 2021

Click the link for details: www.eriefcu.org/tracfone

Assets......................$725,411,352 Deposits..................$656,175,414 Loans...................$378,351,949 Members...........68,432

Cannot be combined with other promotions or coupons. Offer valid until 2/28/2022.

eriefcu.org

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3503 Peach Street • Erie, PA 16508-2741

Office Locations & Hours of Operation

Routing Number: 243380927

38th Street Office

State Street Office

1109 East 38th St. Erie, PA 16504

Drive Thru Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 9AM-5PM Thursday-Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-3PM

518 State St. Erie, PA 16501

Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM

Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM

Walmart Office

(Walmart Supercenter)

1825 Downs Drive Erie, PA 16509

Bayfront Office

Lobby Hours Monday-Tuesday: 9AM-5PM Wednesday-Thursday: 9AM-6PM Friday: 9AM-7PM Saturday: 9AM-3PM

1005 Greengarden Rd. Erie, PA 16501 Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM

32nd Street Office

Drive Thru Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 9AM-5PM Thursday-Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-3PM

1220 West 32nd Street Erie, PA 16508 Lobby Hours Fastbranch ATM access only

Buffalo Road Office 2436 Buffalo Rd. Erie, PA 16510

Drive Thru Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 9AM-5PM Thursday-Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-3PM

5500 Zuck Rd. Erie, PA 16506

Drive Thru Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 9AM-5PM Thursday-Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-3PM

Edinboro Office

Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM

Zuck Road Office

Drive Thru Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 9AM-5PM Thursday-Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-3PM

E-mail: memberservices@eriefcu.org E-Z Phone: 814.825.2436, Option 9 Toll Free: 800.480.0494

Debit Mastercard® or STAR Card®:

800.523.4175 (After Hours)

Mastercard® Credit Card Lost/Stolen:

866.604.0381 (After Hours)

Erie FCU NMLS #414454

Privacy Policy Notice - The Erie FCU privacy policy has not changed. You may obtain a copy at www.eriefcu.org/pp or contact us at (814)-825-2436 or (800)-480-0494.

Holiday Hours & Closings Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 17, 2022 All offices will be closed

Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM

All offices will be closed

3503 Peach St. Erie, PA 16508

Drive Thru Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 9AM-5PM Thursday-Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-3PM

Website: eriefcu.org

101 Washington Towne Blvd.

Edinboro, PA 16412

Glenwood Office

Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM

Erie FCU No Surcharge & No Fee ATMs

Important Information

Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM

As an Erie FCU member, you can make withdrawals and deposits at our ATMs or Fast Branch/ATMs using your Erie FCU Debit Mastercard® or STAR® Card and you will not be charged a surcharge or Out-of-Network Fee. For a current listing of all ERIE FCU ATMs, visit www.eriefcu.org/atms

Presidents’ Day Monday, February 21, 2022