Monday, October 22, 2012

Credit Union ONE honored nationally for social responsibility

Ferndale, Michigan – Credit Union ONE was pleasantly pleased when they were selected as a first place 2012 Dora Maxwell Award State of Michigan recipient, but finding out they were selected as a national first place winner was just the icing on the cake!!

The credit union will be honored during an awards ceremony at the Credit Union National Association Governmental Affairs Conference held in Washington, D.C. during the month of February 2013.

“This is a significant achievement and acknowledges that we are more than just a financial institution, said Gary Moody, president/ceo of Credit Union ONE. Our commitment to our communities is obvious with the savings and loans we provide to our members. However, to be given an award for action that is not for your members but for uninsured residents of your community is special and is something we are all proud of. Credit unions do amazing things in their communities. It is truly wonderful that Credit Union ONE’s efforts are considered the best in the nation.”

The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award was created in 1987 and recognizes credit unions for the activities they coordinate that benefit the community or a specific charity. This award promotes social responsibility and action to support organizations not related to membership.

This year Credit Union ONE submitted an entry for their service to assist one of their community partners, FernCare. FernCare is a local, non-profit organization that provides health care services to the uninsured/underinsured. FernCare was faced with the lack of a permanent facility from which to serve its patients. Credit Union ONE became aware of this issue, and donated the use of an office building and equipment to FernCare to use for its free medical clinic. The donation resulted in FernCare reducing its’ operating expenses and created a permanent and expanded operations base from which it could provide critically needed medical care.

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for over seventy years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 28,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 106,000 members, with eighteen offices in three major metropolitan areas, including Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. For more information go to cuone.org or "like us" on Facebook

Contact Judi Desilets, Director of Public Relations for Credit Union ONE, 248-584-5224, Judi_Desilets@cuone.org

Thursday, October 18, 2012

It “Pays” to be a member of Credit Union ONE

Ferndale, Michigan – These days when everyone is trying to save and cut corners, it “Pays” to be a Credit Union ONE member.

In an effort to show appreciation for their Facebook fans and to engage them, Credit Union ONE recently launched a new Facebook contest, the Credit Union ONE Pays Your Way Sweepstakes.

The Sweepstakes paid off for 30 lucky fans of Credit Union ONE.

During the Sweepstakes period (August 13-September 24, 2012) fans who “liked” Credit Union ONE’s Facebook page received an entry form that once completed would enter them into the sweepstakes. Existing fans also had the opportunity to complete an entry form and enter to win.

There were seven drawings during this sweepstakes – five winners were randomly selected on each of the first two dates, and four winners were drawn on each of the remaining five dates. Winners received gift cards to Starbucks, Kroger, and Meijer stores, simply just for being a fan and entering the drawing!!

Winning fans were encouraged to post a photo of them using their gift card. An online photo album for the promotion was created to house the photos for display, in an effort to showcase the winners and highlighting them as fans.

Supporting analytics showed the promotion brought in 1,547 new fans to the page, with 11% of our fan base entering into the Sweepstakes, which is at the high end for reach of national brand pages.

According to Katie Cummings, Senior Education Specialist, and Credit Union ONE social media point person, “This promotion brought more comments and postings to our Facebook page than in any other promotion. We were very excited to see members of Credit Union ONE sharing their stories and interacting with the page.”

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for over seventy years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 28,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 106,000 members, with eighteen offices in three major metropolitan areas, including Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. For more information go to cuone.org or "like us" on Facebook

Contact Judi Desilets, Director of Public Relations for Credit Union ONE, 248-584-5224, Judi_Desilets@cuone.org

Monday, October 15, 2012

Oakland University Students Hunt for Credit Union Loot


OU Student Casey Curnette receives $250 check for
first place in Scavenger Hunt from Credit Union ONE
OU Branch Manager Kevin Trembath
 Ferndale, Michigan – Looking for Loot, yes, that’s what Oakland University students were doing when they joined in the Welcome Week Scavenger Hunt that was put on by Credit Union ONE via their Facebook page.

The Scavenger Hunt ran during Welcome Week, September 4-7 which was the first week of classes for Oakland University (OU) students.

Geared as a way to engage with OU students, the Hunt was used to generate awareness of Credit Union ONE as the university credit union of choice and to connect with students as the school year begins.

An avatar was created for the Scavenger Hunt, and during Welcome Week the look-a-like character walked around campus and handed out buck slips promoting the Hunt to students.

Students had the chance to participate by “liking” the Credit Union ONE OU Facebook page. On designated days, once an hour, the credit union posted a clue on their OU Facebook page directing students to various locations on campus where a flyer was posted with a prize code. The first three students each day to email in with the code won $250 cash, $100 cash, and $50 cash respectively. Those emailing in after the daily prizes were also awarded having the opportunity to win gift cards by opening a checking account and debit card with the credit union.

Analytics after the promotion concluded showed that the Scavenger Hunt was successful in what it set out to do. Approximately 110 new fans were gained, as well as over 30 “likes” and many comments regarding the Scavenger Hunt and Credit Union ONE in general.

The Scavenger Hunt was the perfect opportunity to welcome new and returning OU students, as well as to engage them in our social media efforts, said Kevin Trembath, Credit Union ONE OU Branch Manager. We are committed to the OU community and look forward to a successful year.”

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for over seventy years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 28,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 106,000 members, with eighteen offices in three major metropolitan areas, including Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. For more information go to cuone.org or "like us" on Facebook

Contact Judi Desilets, Director of Public Relations for Credit Union ONE, 248-584-5224, Judi_Desilets@cuone.org

2012 Michigan Credit Union League Action Fund (MCULAF) Charity Match Online Auction-Bid Now!!

Ferndale, MI - Looking for cool items for holiday gifts, or even something special for yourself??? Well, we have the answer for you.

The 2012 MCULAF online auction began at 9:00am on Monday October 15th and ends at noon on Friday October 19th

All funds raised from the auction will go to support the MCULAF PAC and a matching donation will be made by the Michigan Credit Union League to the Children’s Miracle Network. The MCULAF PAC is organized for the purpose of making campaign contributions to credit-union friendly candidates for the Michigan State Legislature and other statewide elective offices. Having elected officials who support credit unions helps to ensure credit unions continue to play a critical role with their members, businesses, and communities.

Members of any MCUL affiliated credit union who are at least 21 years old are eligible to take part in the auction and bid on items. Credit Union ONE is an affiliated credit union of the MCUL. If you are not a member of Credit Union ONE you may find out if the credit union you belong to is an affiliated member of the MCUL on the online auction site. If you are not a member of an MCUL affiliated credit union you may not participate in the online auction.

As mentioned before all proceeds from the auction will go to support the MCULAF PAC. In addition the MCUL and affiliates will make a matching contribution for each winning bid to the Children’s Miracle Network. Contributions to MCULAF are not considered charitable or business expenses for income tax purposes. Contributions to MCULAF are completely voluntary and will be used for political purposes.

Below is a link to the online auction website. From the website you may look at what items are available to bid on, what the current bids are, official rules, and a list of MCUL affiliated credit unions. If you wish to bid on an item you must register to bid on the website. A register to bid link can be found at the top of the auction website.

Remember, bid high and bid often, and don’t let the item you want get away!!


MCULAF is a state registered political action committee that makes campaign contributions to candidates for elective office in Michigan. Contributions to MCULAF are not considered charitable or business expenses for income tax purposes. Contributions are completely voluntary and will be used for political purposes. Participants must be a member of or employed by an MCUL-affiliated credit union to bid. There shall be no reprisal for those who wish not to contribute. According to the IRS, donors who purchase items at a charity auction may only claim a charitable contribution deduction for the excess of the purchase price paid for an item over its fair market value. By bidding, you certify that you are a member of an MCUL-affiliated credit union, and understand that you are making a personal contribution (no corporate checks allowed) to a political action committee, therefore not considered charitable or business expense for income tax purposes.

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for over seventy years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 28,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 106,000 members, with eighteen offices in three major metropolitan areas, including Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. For more information go to cuone.org or "like us" on Facebook

Contact Judi Desilets, Director of Public Relations for Credit Union ONE, 248-584-5224, Judi_Desilets@cuone.org

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Credit Union ONE High School Scholarship Applications Now Available!

Ferndale, MI - Scholarship applications are now available on-line and in all branches of Credit Union ONE for the 2012-2013 William G. Coyne Scholarship Program.

If you are a 2013 high school graduating senior and are looking for a scholarship, here are the eligibility requirements:
  • Complete 30 or more hours of documented, qualified community service during Junior/Senior year of high school ending May 1, 2013
  • Be a 2013 graduating high school senior
  • Be a member of a family that has belonged to Credit Union ONE of Michigan for a minimum of six months (in good standing) (employees of Credit Union ONE of Michigan and their immediate family are ineligible to receive a scholarship)
  • Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or above
  • Plan to enroll in, beginning in fall of 2013, a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited tow or four-year college or university, or accredited trade or vocational school
For more information, just click here!

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for over seventy years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 28,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 106,000 members, with eighteen offices in three major metropolitan areas, including Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. For more information go to cuone.org or "like us" on Facebook

Contact Judi Desilets, Director of Public Relations for Credit Union ONE, 248-584-5224, Judi_Desilets@cuone.org

Credit Union ONE wins Dora Maxwell Award

Ferndale, Michigan – Credit Union ONE recently received the great news that they were selected as a first place winner of the 2012 Dora Maxwell Award for the State of Michigan and will be in the running for an award at the national level.

The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award was created in 1987 and recognizes credit unions for the activities they coordinate that benefit the community or a specific charity. This award promotes social responsibility and action to support organizations not related to membership.

This year Credit Union ONE submitted an entry for their service to assist one of their community partners, FernCare. FernCare is a local, non-profit organization that provides health care services to the uninsured/underinsured. FernCare was faced with the lack of a permanent facility from which to serve its patients. Credit Union ONE became aware of their issued, and donated the use of an office building and equipment to FernCare to use for its free medical clinic. The donation resulted in FernCare reducing its’ operating expenses and created a permanent and expanded operations base from which it could provide critically needed medical care.

“Amongst all of the great credit union projects to help communities across Michigan, we were selected as most outstanding, said Gary Moody, President/CEO of Credit Union ONE. Being recognized by our peers as being socially responsible for our community is a significant accomplishment for our organization.”

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for over seventy years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 28,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 106,000 members, with eighteen offices in three major metropolitan areas, including Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. For more information go to cuone.org or "like us" on Facebook

Contact Judi Desilets, Director of Public Relations for Credit Union ONE, 248-584-5224, Judi_Desilets@cuone.org

Credit Union ONE partnership with Karmanos Cancer Institute is philosophy in action


(L to R) Gary Moody, President/CEO of Credit Union ONE,
John Kozich, Executive Director of Community Relations
for Credit Union ONE, and Dr. Gerold Bepler, President &
CEO of Karmanos Cancer Institute pose for a photo at the
dedication of the Karmanos Cancer Institute Intensive Care
Unit
Ferndale, Michigan – The credit union industry motto is “people helping people” and when it comes to the partnership between Credit Union ONE and the Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI), this is a philosophy in action.

Credit Union ONE has had a long-standing partnership with KCI over the years, and when the time came for KCI to provide an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital the credit union felt that it was necessary for their supporting funds to be used to pay for this critical care area.

Credit Union ONE has contributed approximately $54,000 over the past year, comprised of an annual corporate giving pledge and membership fees contributed from the common bond.

“Last week, I was truly humbled to be part of an event to celebrate the opening of a new Intensive Care Unit at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, said Gary Moody, President/CEO of Credit Union ONE. We are among a small group of corporations and foundations whose names are on a plaque honoring donors whose contributions were used to pay for this critical care area. Having an ICU nurse who cares for post-operation cancer patients say “thank you” for providing the opportunity to better care for her patients puts many things in perspective. The relatively small amount that the credit union contributes to KCI adds up and touches lives every day in a positive manner that cannot be put into words.”

On September 24, 2012 Karmanos Cancer Institute opened a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at its hospital, the Karmanos Cancer Center. The 8,035 square-foot ICU includes six rooms, each designed with state of the art equipment to serve the unique needs of cancer patients in need of critical care.

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for over seventy years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 28,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 106,000 members, with eighteen offices in three major metropolitan areas, including Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. For more information go to cuone.org or "like us" on Facebook

Contact Judi Desilets, Director of Public Relations for Credit Union ONE, 248-584-5224, Judi_Desilets@cuone.org