Credit Union ONE’s political advocacy efforts are rewarded

Stephen Dedene accepts 2014 Trailblazer Award

Ferndale, Michigan – Credit Union ONE was recently named the Credit Union Times 2014 Trailblazer award winner for Outstanding Political Action.

The award was due to the good works of the credit unions’ Manager of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Stephen Dedene, resulting from his research and diligence with Michigan state lawmakers to enact ATM skimming laws.

“If you are passionate enough about an issue and you take the initiative, then good things are going to happen,” said Stephen Dedene.  “I am honored to be recognized as a Trailblazer for Credit Union ONE.”

It all started when a number of Credit Union ONE's machines had skimming devices placed on them over the course of several weeks in the summer of 2012, which resulted in losses of more than $90,000 for the credit union.  Members were reimbursed for their losses, but overall it was a loss for the credit union.

Dedene reached out to Michigan lawmakers, and through research found out that there were no Michigan state laws on ATM skimming.  From there the lawmakers took up the charge and in December 2013, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed the package of bills into law.

“These new laws would not have been adopted without the advocacy efforts of Stephen Dedene,” said Judi Desilets, director of public relations for Credit Union ONE.  “The passing of these bills is a victory for all credit unions, our members and individuals who use ATM’s.”

The new laws will take effect April 1, 2014.

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for seventy-five years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 30,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 108,000 members, with seventeen 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 goes to Lansing for its’ members

Credit Union ONE Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Manager Steve Dedene
testifies before the House Criminal Justice Committee.

Ferndale, Michigan – In an effort to keep their members’ funds safe and secure, Credit Union ONE’s Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Manager, Steve Dedene, along with another local credit union testified on behalf of the MCUL in front of the state House Criminal Justice Committee regarding a package of five bills related to ATM card skimming last week.

The package of bills included enhancing laws to make “skimming” a criminal offense thereby protecting members, and the prohibiting of skimming devices for sale or possession.

The Committee unanimously supported all five bills which have now been sent to the full House for a vote.  If passed, the bills will move to the Senate for consideration.

Credit Union ONE feels this legislation is necessary to protect its’ members and give them a voice by providing the necessary amendments to serve as a deterrent from committing skimming crimes and ensuring that those suspected, tried, and convicted of these crimes will be punished in a manner that is sufficient for the type of crime they are committing. 

“Ensuring that members are protected against fraudulent activity such as skimming is a top priority for Credit Union ONE,” said Dedene.  “These bills provide those protections.”

The credit union is hopeful that the legislature will pass and the governor signs the package of bills before the holiday season.

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for seventy-five years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 30,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 108,000 members, with seventeen 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