W I N T E R 2015
Happy New Year!
On behalf of Freedom First’s staff and volunteers, we wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season. The banking industry in our region underwent many changes in 2014. Huge national banks grew ever larger while community banks were lost to out-oftown regional banks. To bank locally without sacrificing convenience or service, Freedom First is the clear choice. We were very busy in 2014. Your feedback guided our efforts as we opened two new branches, launched a new website, extended our Call Center hours, and enhanced our communication capabilities across multiple platforms so that we can keep you informed of special offerings, local events, and service developments. Bank for Good is more than a catchy slogan: it governs our actions every day. We invest member deposits locally in such specialized programs as affordable housing and transportation loans, credit- and asset-building programs, and most recently, workforce development and energy-efficiency loans. We are committed to finding innovative ways to address these growing community needs. Looking ahead to 2015, we can’t help but be excited. After a lengthy development period that incorporated feedback from our members, we will introduce numerous highly customized enhancements to our mobile and online platforms. Watch our website, social media, email blasts, and in-branch video for the release of our unified mobile app and Deposit Anywhere service. Whether you are new to Freedom First or a long-time member, we encourage you in 2015 to explore how our products and services can benefit you and your family. From saving time through one of our convenient mobile or online services, to getting a great deal on a loan for your new home or business, to developing a plan for your upcoming retirement, we have what you need. Thank you for your membership. We wish you the very best in 2015. Nelson Shibley, Chairman
Paul Phillips, President/CEO
Save the Date! Annual Meeting: May 7, 2015 Call f or Nomin a t ion s If you would like to be considered for a position on the Board of Directors, submit your name and biographical information to the Nominating Committee by 5 p.m. on January 23, 2015. After this date, the Nominating Committee will then only accept nominations by petition. The election will be held prior to the Annual Meeting in May 2015.
Nomin a t ion s by Pe t i t ion
If the Nominating Committee has not received your completed nomination application by the January 23, 2015, deadline, you must seek nomination by petition by February 6, 2015. Include a brief biography and a color photo with the completed Petition for Nomination form.
According to Article V, Section 1 of the Credit Union’s Bylaws, such petition must be signed by 1% of the membership (474 members). The nomination procedures state that only positions without a nominee are subject to nominations from the floor. Since the Nominating Committee has returned sufficient nominations this year for all vacancies, there will be no nominations from the floor at the Annual Meeting on May 7, 2015. Petitions are available by contacting the Nominating Committee at nominations@ freedomfirst.com or:
Nominating Committee Chairperson Freedom First Credit Union P.O. Box 1999 Salem, VA 24153