Untitled

myEECU
WINTER 2013 | ISSUE NO. 13
EEC U IN F O R MAT IO N A L B U L L E T IN
MA N A G ER P RO FILE
We Take Our Managers Personally:
Wendy Laro
Demaree Branch Manager
Wendy Laro is our Demaree branch manager. She joined
the EECU team almost a year ago.
Wendy enjoys her role as manager and is very passionate
about managing such a great team. She especially finds
satisfaction in helping each of them strive to achieve their
professional goals. “I most enjoy helping my staff learn
new things and work toward their own career goals. When
you can show someone how to both help our members and
through those interactions achieve their personal career
goals, it really just makes it all worthwhile,” she said with
a smile.
Wendy focuses her free time on her family. During her free
time, she spends time with her husband, and high school
sweetheart, and her 4-year old son. “I have an amazing
4-year-old son who makes my day, every day,” she said
warmly. Wendy and her son spend every possible minute
together. “He loves the zoo, but for quieter days we go and
watch movies together.” When time permits, her family
spends time outdoors fishing and sightseeing.
Direct Deposit your
Tax Refund
Tax season is right around the corner and many members
are taking advantage of a quick and easy tax refund by using
electronic filing (e-filing).
E-filing is a fast, accurate, and secure way to get your tax
refund from the IRS. With e-filing you’ll receive your refund
within an average of 10 days. Here’s some information you’ll
need to direct deposit your refund:
Routing and transit number – EECU’s routing and
transit number is 321172594.
Since 1934, EECU has been committed to providing you with
financial products and services that are designed to help
you achieve your financial goals. As a member of EECU, you
have access to affordable financial products, like savings
and checking accounts, low-rate loans for vehicles and
homes, credit cards, free online banking and bill payment,
investment services, and more.
Last year we reached a very significant milestone - $2
billion in assets. It’s amazing to think that it took 69 years
to reach $1 billion in assets, but only nine years to go from
$1 billion to $2 billion. Reaching $2 billion in assets is very
rewarding. It means that by asset size we are the 68th largest
credit union in the U.S., the 13th largest in the state, and the
largest credit union based in the Central Valley. We’re proud
of our accomplishment, but it is our ability to have a positive
Other improvements to our technology included upgrades to
our network infrastructure and equipment, and new software
to monitor online banking transactions for any signs
(Cont. on Inside)
• To deposit in your savings account, you will need
your Share account number – please call us to get
this information.
If you need additional information please call
1-800-538-EECU (3328).
(Cont. from Page 2)
Wendy is a firm believer in treating others the way one
wants to be treated, and leading by example. “I try
to have my actions mirror my expectations for my
co-workers, the branch staff, as well as at home
with my family,” she said with a smile.
ME MB E R P R O F IL E
Member Spotlight:
Wesley Hicks
Wesley Hicks is a Valley native. He is also a student
at Willow International Center and has been an EECU
member for about a year.
“I became a member by applying for a student credit
card. I wanted a way to start building my credit and
was told by a coworker to go to EECU because they
worked with students who have no credit history,”
he said. Wesley became part of the EECU MyCash
premier club for students ages 18 to 24, which
helps kick-start their financial life.
Wesley is majoring in Psychology and hopes
to one day teach this subject at the college
impact on our membership and our community that is most
meaningful. The growth we have witnessed in recent years
affords us the opportunity to help our members even more as
we strive to provide each one of you with the best service and
most competitive products in the market.
Keeping pace with technology is a priority at EECU. Our
home banking system was upgraded in 2011, and in 2012 our
project list included rolling out a mobile banking application
for Android and iPhone smartphones, and the iPad tablet.
The app was introduced in November, and within four weeks
we had over 12,000 downloads. We know convenience is
important to you, and mobile banking is another great free
service we provide to help you manage your finances.
• To deposit in your checking account, select the
appropriate box and enter your checking account
number in the space provided (refer to the check
illustration).
Wendy Laro
(Cont. on Back)
The 2012 Year in Review
• Account Number – You will first need to decide if
your money will be deposited in your checking or
savings account.
(Cont. on Page 5)
S P E C IA L E E C U ME MB E R O F F E R
Member discount:
Published quarterly by:
EDUCATIONAL EMPLOYEES
CREDIT UNION
P.O. Box 5242
Fresno, CA 93755
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
Federally Insured by NCUA
Member Service Center
1-800-538-EECU (3328)
Website
myEECU.org
Tax Preparation
with TurboTax
EECU and TurboTax are making your tax preparation
as easy as banking online! TurboTax is now
available through EECU home banking. Not only
can you save time with secure, automatic upload of
account data, but you can also receive a discount on
TurboTax Federal (Deluxe, Premier, and Home and
Business Edition).
P R O D U C T / S E R VIC E P ROFI LE
Save for the next holiday
season with the Holiday Wise Club
Saving for holiday shopping has never been easier. Make monthly deposits into your
Holiday Wise Club account throughout the year. Features include:
• $5 to open account
• Dividends paid on balances over $0
• Club savings are automatically
• No minimum balance required to
transferred in November to your savings
maintain account
or checking account
• Make deposits in person, or via ATM,
• Account automatically renews each year
phone, online or automatic transfer
To open your Holiday Wise Club Account, call us at 1-800-538-EECU (3328).
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
PG. 2
The 2012
Year in Review
PG. 3
Call for Candidates
PG. 3
Spring Shred Days
PG. 4
Former CEO
Receives Award
PG. 5
Manager Profile:
Wendy Laro
PG. 6
Direct Deposit Your
Tax Refund
WINTER 2013
Bulletin Board
Holiday Hours
In observance of the following
holidays we will be closed:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 21
Normal business hours will resume
on Tuesday, January 22.
Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 18
Normal business hours will resume
on Tuesday, February 19.
Upcoming Events
February 2: Shred event at the Barstow
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
February 23: Shred event at the Visalia
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
March 16: Shred event at the Milburn
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
March 23: Shred event at the Clovis
North Branch (from 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.)
Month of March: March of Dimes
Fundraiser – donate to March of
Dimes at any EECU branch.
ME MB E R P R O F IL E
Year in Review (Cont. from Page 2)
of fraudulent activity. We continue
to receive high marks from our
independent auditing firm in the
area of information security, which
validates our commitment to
protecting your financial information.
Banking by phone or computer is
great, but sometimes you need to
visit a branch or ATM. We opened
one new branch and three ATMs last
year. Our Madera branch opened
in July, and over 340 new members
opened accounts at the branch in the
three months after it opened. Two
ATMs were installed at St. Agnes
Medical Center in Fresno and one at
Mercy Medical Outpatient Center in
Merced. We now have 15 branches in
the Central Valley, and we serve over
209,000 members. Our growth would
not be possible without your support,
and we thank you for choosing EECU.
Your support not only contributes
to our growth, but it enables us to
fulfill the credit union philosophy
of “people helping people.” Because
you bank locally with EECU, we are
able to give back to the communities
we serve and invest in a number of
programs that benefit individuals,
families, and the community as a
whole. A few of the special projects/
events we support are: Teacher of
the Year programs in five counties;
Civil War reenactment; student art
shows; financial literacy; field trips
for low-income students; and Sober
Grad Night at local high schools.
EECU recently donated $5,000 to the
Community Food Bank to help many
of the families in the Central Valley
who need assistance, and $5,000 to
the American Red Cross to assist
the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
You can take pride in knowing that
your credit union cares about its
members…and the community.
EECU was recognized with several
awards last year. We received the
People’s Choice Award for Best
Credit Union and we were named
Best Local Credit Union in the
Fresno Magazine Best of Fresno
Awards. The Hanford and Selma
Chambers of Commerce recognized
EECU as the business of the year. Our
Wise Up financial literacy program
and our Teacher of the Year award
program took top honors from the
Credit Union National Association
Marketing & Business Development
Council, and we received several
other industry-related awards.
And, retired EECU President/CEO
Bruce Barnett received the Leo
H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement
Award from the California Credit
Union League. The Leo H. Shapiro
award is the League’s highest honor,
recognizing excellence in credit
union philosophy and a lifetime
of contributions to the California
credit union movement. You can
read more about the award in this
issue. We are grateful to receive
these awards and we will continue
to work hard to be deserving of this
recognition.
We know that you have many options
when it comes to your finances and
we sincerely thank you for choosing
to do business with EECU. Here’s to a
happy, healthy, and prosperous 2013!
Sincerely,
Frank V. Powell, Ph.D.
Chair, EECU Board of Directors
EEC U IN F O R MAT IO N B U L L E T IN
Wesley Hicks (Cont. from Cover)
Call for Candidates
EECU is now accepting applications for our annual election
to the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, and
our Associate Volunteer program.
Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee Candidates
Our annual election to the Board of Directors and
Supervisory Committee is May 2013. The deadline to
submit a candidate application is February 15, 2013. The
Nomination/Election Committee will review applications
and interview potential candidates prior to placing names
into nomination. Members who are not nominated may
still seek election by submitting a petition containing
the verified signatures of 100 credit union members. The
petitions must be submitted by March 19, 2013.
Committee meetings, participate in planning sessions, and
fulfill other requirements of the position.
Applicants must be members. Appointment to the Associate
Volunteer program will be voted on by the Board of
Directors. One-year terms begin in April 2013.
Application Information and Requirements
Prior to February 15, 2013, potential candidates for an
elected or associate volunteer position must attend
a scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors or the
Supervisory Committee and an orientation session to
review the responsibilities of the position. The meeting
dates are listed below.
Three seats will be up for election on the Board of Directors,
and two seats will be available on the Supervisory
Committee. Members of the Board of Directors are
responsible for directing and controlling the affairs of the
credit union, exercising sound governance and leadership,
and working closely with management to develop sound
policies. The Supervisory Committee is responsible for
ensuring rules/regulations are followed and internal
controls are in place to protect the credit union. The
Supervisory Committee is also responsible for selecting the
credit union’s external audit firm and overseeing the credit
union’s books and records.
Interested members must meet specific criteria for
eligibility. For more information, please visit our web site,
myEECU.org, call (559) 437-7924, or write to:
Associate Volunteer Candidates
The Board of Directors may appoint up to three candidates
to become associate volunteers. Associate Volunteers
provide the credit union with an ongoing resource to provide
qualified future candidates for Board and Supervisory
Committee elections. Associate Volunteers will complete
educational training, attend Board and Supervisory
Candidate Orientation Dates
February 12 and 13, 2013
Spring Shred Days
All shred events are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Nomination/Election Committee
c/o Educational Employees Credit Union
P.O. Box 5242 Fresno, CA 93755
Board of Directors Meeting Date
January 22, 2013
Supervisory Committee Meeting Date
February 5, 2013
Candidate Interview Dates
February 19, 20, and 21, 2013
February 2: Barstow Branch
February 23: Visalia Branch
Shred those private documents you don’t need. Bring your
documents for shredding to one of the following EECU branch
locations and we’ll shred and recycle them for you at no charge:
March 16: Milburn Branch
March 23: Clovis North Branch
Please arrive on time. Limit shredding to three boxes sized to a
maximum of 15 x 12 x 10. Shred events will close early if the
shred truck is filled to capacity.
level. “I was inspired to choose this
career path by my school psychologist.
She was a wonderful person and showed
me the many fascinating intricacies
of psychology.”
Wesley’s family has had a very big
influence in his life. “Every day they push
me to new heights and they show me that
I can achieve anything I want to as long
as I work and set my mind to it, there is
nothing I cannot obtain,” he said warmly.
When asked what drives him every day,
he answered with a chuckle: “My new car
I got from a loan through EECU. No, really,
what drives me would be my thirst for
knowledge and the never ending pursuit
that it entails.”
Last summer, Wesley began his search for
a car. “I decided I wanted to get one of the
new Fiats. I was going to get it financed
through them but they wanted to strap me
with a 24.99% interest rate,” he said.
Since he’s a member of EECU he decided
to try to get a better interest rate. “I had
seen their ads on their website so I went
in to check it out. I met with a wonderful
representative named Cathy who helped
me get the interest rate down to 2.99%!”
he said with a smile. “I saved almost
enough to purchase a whole new car
thanks to EECU and to Cathy.”
Being a member, and part of the MyCash
club for students, helped Wesley to
achieve his financial goal of attaining
a low interest auto loan. With our great
rates and his good grades, he was able to
get a better interest rate. “EECU really
made it such a great experience, I’m very
glad that I went to them,” he said with
a smile.
Former EECU President/CEO Bruce Barnett receives
Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to retired EECU President/CEO Bruce Barnett,
recipient of the Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award from
the California Credit Union League. The Leo H. Shapiro award
is the League’s highest honor, recognizing excellence in credit
union philosophy and a lifetime of contributions to the California
credit union movement. It is named after Leo H. Shapiro, father of
the California credit union movement and founder of the League.
Barnett received the award November 12 at the League’s annual
meeting and convention. During his 32-year career, he was
involved with credit unions in California’s Central Valley and at
the state level, starting in 1976 when he accepted the position
of CEO of Electrical Workers CU. In 1982, he became assistant
general manager of Educational Employees CU. He would
become its president and CEO in 1988. Under his leadership from
1982 through 2008, the credit union grew from a $61-million,
one-branch organization to a $1.5-billion credit union with 12
branches and a broad selection of products and services.
Barnett was appointed to the California Department of Financial
Institutions’ Advisory Committee for credit unions for three
terms. He also served on the League’s statewide marketing
California and Nevada Credit
Union Leagues’ President and
CEO Diana Dykstra, retired
EECU President/CEO Bruce
Barnett, and California Credit
Union League Board Chairman
and San Diego County Credit
Union CEO Teresa Halleck.
and government relations committees. He was a member of
the Credit Union Executives Society and past president of the
Leagues’ Sequoia Chapter. Barnett was also heavily involved
in the community, working with the Fresno County Office of
Education as well as the American Heart Association and the
Community Regional Burn Center’s Fill the Helmet fundraiser
(among many others). In 2007, the Fresno County Office
of Education created the Barnett Award to annually honor
an educator who exemplifies the hard work, perseverance,
innovation, integrity, and commitment to community for which
Barnett was known. In 2012, he received the President’s Medal
of Distinction, the highest non-degree award presented by
California State University, Fresno.
Congratulations, Bruce!
WINTER 2013
Bulletin Board
Holiday Hours
In observance of the following
holidays we will be closed:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 21
Normal business hours will resume
on Tuesday, January 22.
Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 18
Normal business hours will resume
on Tuesday, February 19.
Upcoming Events
February 2: Shred event at the Barstow
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
February 23: Shred event at the Visalia
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
March 16: Shred event at the Milburn
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
March 23: Shred event at the Clovis
North Branch (from 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.)
Month of March: March of Dimes
Fundraiser – donate to March of
Dimes at any EECU branch.
ME MB E R P R O F IL E
Year in Review (Cont. from Page 2)
of fraudulent activity. We continue
to receive high marks from our
independent auditing firm in the
area of information security, which
validates our commitment to
protecting your financial information.
Banking by phone or computer is
great, but sometimes you need to
visit a branch or ATM. We opened
one new branch and three ATMs last
year. Our Madera branch opened
in July, and over 340 new members
opened accounts at the branch in the
three months after it opened. Two
ATMs were installed at St. Agnes
Medical Center in Fresno and one at
Mercy Medical Outpatient Center in
Merced. We now have 15 branches in
the Central Valley, and we serve over
209,000 members. Our growth would
not be possible without your support,
and we thank you for choosing EECU.
Your support not only contributes
to our growth, but it enables us to
fulfill the credit union philosophy
of “people helping people.” Because
you bank locally with EECU, we are
able to give back to the communities
we serve and invest in a number of
programs that benefit individuals,
families, and the community as a
whole. A few of the special projects/
events we support are: Teacher of
the Year programs in five counties;
Civil War reenactment; student art
shows; financial literacy; field trips
for low-income students; and Sober
Grad Night at local high schools.
EECU recently donated $5,000 to the
Community Food Bank to help many
of the families in the Central Valley
who need assistance, and $5,000 to
the American Red Cross to assist
the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
You can take pride in knowing that
your credit union cares about its
members…and the community.
EECU was recognized with several
awards last year. We received the
People’s Choice Award for Best
Credit Union and we were named
Best Local Credit Union in the
Fresno Magazine Best of Fresno
Awards. The Hanford and Selma
Chambers of Commerce recognized
EECU as the business of the year. Our
Wise Up financial literacy program
and our Teacher of the Year award
program took top honors from the
Credit Union National Association
Marketing & Business Development
Council, and we received several
other industry-related awards.
And, retired EECU President/CEO
Bruce Barnett received the Leo
H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement
Award from the California Credit
Union League. The Leo H. Shapiro
award is the League’s highest honor,
recognizing excellence in credit
union philosophy and a lifetime
of contributions to the California
credit union movement. You can
read more about the award in this
issue. We are grateful to receive
these awards and we will continue
to work hard to be deserving of this
recognition.
We know that you have many options
when it comes to your finances and
we sincerely thank you for choosing
to do business with EECU. Here’s to a
happy, healthy, and prosperous 2013!
Sincerely,
Frank V. Powell, Ph.D.
Chair, EECU Board of Directors
EEC U IN F O R MAT IO N B U L L E T IN
Wesley Hicks (Cont. from Cover)
Call for Candidates
EECU is now accepting applications for our annual election
to the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, and
our Associate Volunteer program.
Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee Candidates
Our annual election to the Board of Directors and
Supervisory Committee is May 2013. The deadline to
submit a candidate application is February 15, 2013. The
Nomination/Election Committee will review applications
and interview potential candidates prior to placing names
into nomination. Members who are not nominated may
still seek election by submitting a petition containing
the verified signatures of 100 credit union members. The
petitions must be submitted by March 19, 2013.
Committee meetings, participate in planning sessions, and
fulfill other requirements of the position.
Applicants must be members. Appointment to the Associate
Volunteer program will be voted on by the Board of
Directors. One-year terms begin in April 2013.
Application Information and Requirements
Prior to February 15, 2013, potential candidates for an
elected or associate volunteer position must attend
a scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors or the
Supervisory Committee and an orientation session to
review the responsibilities of the position. The meeting
dates are listed below.
Three seats will be up for election on the Board of Directors,
and two seats will be available on the Supervisory
Committee. Members of the Board of Directors are
responsible for directing and controlling the affairs of the
credit union, exercising sound governance and leadership,
and working closely with management to develop sound
policies. The Supervisory Committee is responsible for
ensuring rules/regulations are followed and internal
controls are in place to protect the credit union. The
Supervisory Committee is also responsible for selecting the
credit union’s external audit firm and overseeing the credit
union’s books and records.
Interested members must meet specific criteria for
eligibility. For more information, please visit our web site,
myEECU.org, call (559) 437-7924, or write to:
Associate Volunteer Candidates
The Board of Directors may appoint up to three candidates
to become associate volunteers. Associate Volunteers
provide the credit union with an ongoing resource to provide
qualified future candidates for Board and Supervisory
Committee elections. Associate Volunteers will complete
educational training, attend Board and Supervisory
Candidate Orientation Dates
February 12 and 13, 2013
Spring Shred Days
All shred events are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Nomination/Election Committee
c/o Educational Employees Credit Union
P.O. Box 5242 Fresno, CA 93755
Board of Directors Meeting Date
January 22, 2013
Supervisory Committee Meeting Date
February 5, 2013
Candidate Interview Dates
February 19, 20, and 21, 2013
February 2: Barstow Branch
February 23: Visalia Branch
Shred those private documents you don’t need. Bring your
documents for shredding to one of the following EECU branch
locations and we’ll shred and recycle them for you at no charge:
March 16: Milburn Branch
March 23: Clovis North Branch
Please arrive on time. Limit shredding to three boxes sized to a
maximum of 15 x 12 x 10. Shred events will close early if the
shred truck is filled to capacity.
level. “I was inspired to choose this
career path by my school psychologist.
She was a wonderful person and showed
me the many fascinating intricacies
of psychology.”
Wesley’s family has had a very big
influence in his life. “Every day they push
me to new heights and they show me that
I can achieve anything I want to as long
as I work and set my mind to it, there is
nothing I cannot obtain,” he said warmly.
When asked what drives him every day,
he answered with a chuckle: “My new car
I got from a loan through EECU. No, really,
what drives me would be my thirst for
knowledge and the never ending pursuit
that it entails.”
Last summer, Wesley began his search for
a car. “I decided I wanted to get one of the
new Fiats. I was going to get it financed
through them but they wanted to strap me
with a 24.99% interest rate,” he said.
Since he’s a member of EECU he decided
to try to get a better interest rate. “I had
seen their ads on their website so I went
in to check it out. I met with a wonderful
representative named Cathy who helped
me get the interest rate down to 2.99%!”
he said with a smile. “I saved almost
enough to purchase a whole new car
thanks to EECU and to Cathy.”
Being a member, and part of the MyCash
club for students, helped Wesley to
achieve his financial goal of attaining
a low interest auto loan. With our great
rates and his good grades, he was able to
get a better interest rate. “EECU really
made it such a great experience, I’m very
glad that I went to them,” he said with
a smile.
Former EECU President/CEO Bruce Barnett receives
Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to retired EECU President/CEO Bruce Barnett,
recipient of the Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award from
the California Credit Union League. The Leo H. Shapiro award
is the League’s highest honor, recognizing excellence in credit
union philosophy and a lifetime of contributions to the California
credit union movement. It is named after Leo H. Shapiro, father of
the California credit union movement and founder of the League.
Barnett received the award November 12 at the League’s annual
meeting and convention. During his 32-year career, he was
involved with credit unions in California’s Central Valley and at
the state level, starting in 1976 when he accepted the position
of CEO of Electrical Workers CU. In 1982, he became assistant
general manager of Educational Employees CU. He would
become its president and CEO in 1988. Under his leadership from
1982 through 2008, the credit union grew from a $61-million,
one-branch organization to a $1.5-billion credit union with 12
branches and a broad selection of products and services.
Barnett was appointed to the California Department of Financial
Institutions’ Advisory Committee for credit unions for three
terms. He also served on the League’s statewide marketing
California and Nevada Credit
Union Leagues’ President and
CEO Diana Dykstra, retired
EECU President/CEO Bruce
Barnett, and California Credit
Union League Board Chairman
and San Diego County Credit
Union CEO Teresa Halleck.
and government relations committees. He was a member of
the Credit Union Executives Society and past president of the
Leagues’ Sequoia Chapter. Barnett was also heavily involved
in the community, working with the Fresno County Office of
Education as well as the American Heart Association and the
Community Regional Burn Center’s Fill the Helmet fundraiser
(among many others). In 2007, the Fresno County Office
of Education created the Barnett Award to annually honor
an educator who exemplifies the hard work, perseverance,
innovation, integrity, and commitment to community for which
Barnett was known. In 2012, he received the President’s Medal
of Distinction, the highest non-degree award presented by
California State University, Fresno.
Congratulations, Bruce!
WINTER 2013
Bulletin Board
Holiday Hours
In observance of the following
holidays we will be closed:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 21
Normal business hours will resume
on Tuesday, January 22.
Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 18
Normal business hours will resume
on Tuesday, February 19.
Upcoming Events
February 2: Shred event at the Barstow
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
February 23: Shred event at the Visalia
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
March 16: Shred event at the Milburn
Branch (from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
March 23: Shred event at the Clovis
North Branch (from 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.)
Month of March: March of Dimes
Fundraiser – donate to March of
Dimes at any EECU branch.
ME MB E R P R O F IL E
Year in Review (Cont. from Page 2)
of fraudulent activity. We continue
to receive high marks from our
independent auditing firm in the
area of information security, which
validates our commitment to
protecting your financial information.
Banking by phone or computer is
great, but sometimes you need to
visit a branch or ATM. We opened
one new branch and three ATMs last
year. Our Madera branch opened
in July, and over 340 new members
opened accounts at the branch in the
three months after it opened. Two
ATMs were installed at St. Agnes
Medical Center in Fresno and one at
Mercy Medical Outpatient Center in
Merced. We now have 15 branches in
the Central Valley, and we serve over
209,000 members. Our growth would
not be possible without your support,
and we thank you for choosing EECU.
Your support not only contributes
to our growth, but it enables us to
fulfill the credit union philosophy
of “people helping people.” Because
you bank locally with EECU, we are
able to give back to the communities
we serve and invest in a number of
programs that benefit individuals,
families, and the community as a
whole. A few of the special projects/
events we support are: Teacher of
the Year programs in five counties;
Civil War reenactment; student art
shows; financial literacy; field trips
for low-income students; and Sober
Grad Night at local high schools.
EECU recently donated $5,000 to the
Community Food Bank to help many
of the families in the Central Valley
who need assistance, and $5,000 to
the American Red Cross to assist
the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
You can take pride in knowing that
your credit union cares about its
members…and the community.
EECU was recognized with several
awards last year. We received the
People’s Choice Award for Best
Credit Union and we were named
Best Local Credit Union in the
Fresno Magazine Best of Fresno
Awards. The Hanford and Selma
Chambers of Commerce recognized
EECU as the business of the year. Our
Wise Up financial literacy program
and our Teacher of the Year award
program took top honors from the
Credit Union National Association
Marketing & Business Development
Council, and we received several
other industry-related awards.
And, retired EECU President/CEO
Bruce Barnett received the Leo
H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement
Award from the California Credit
Union League. The Leo H. Shapiro
award is the League’s highest honor,
recognizing excellence in credit
union philosophy and a lifetime
of contributions to the California
credit union movement. You can
read more about the award in this
issue. We are grateful to receive
these awards and we will continue
to work hard to be deserving of this
recognition.
We know that you have many options
when it comes to your finances and
we sincerely thank you for choosing
to do business with EECU. Here’s to a
happy, healthy, and prosperous 2013!
Sincerely,
Frank V. Powell, Ph.D.
Chair, EECU Board of Directors
EEC U IN F O R MAT IO N B U L L E T IN
Wesley Hicks (Cont. from Cover)
Call for Candidates
EECU is now accepting applications for our annual election
to the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, and
our Associate Volunteer program.
Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee Candidates
Our annual election to the Board of Directors and
Supervisory Committee is May 2013. The deadline to
submit a candidate application is February 15, 2013. The
Nomination/Election Committee will review applications
and interview potential candidates prior to placing names
into nomination. Members who are not nominated may
still seek election by submitting a petition containing
the verified signatures of 100 credit union members. The
petitions must be submitted by March 19, 2013.
Committee meetings, participate in planning sessions, and
fulfill other requirements of the position.
Applicants must be members. Appointment to the Associate
Volunteer program will be voted on by the Board of
Directors. One-year terms begin in April 2013.
Application Information and Requirements
Prior to February 15, 2013, potential candidates for an
elected or associate volunteer position must attend
a scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors or the
Supervisory Committee and an orientation session to
review the responsibilities of the position. The meeting
dates are listed below.
Three seats will be up for election on the Board of Directors,
and two seats will be available on the Supervisory
Committee. Members of the Board of Directors are
responsible for directing and controlling the affairs of the
credit union, exercising sound governance and leadership,
and working closely with management to develop sound
policies. The Supervisory Committee is responsible for
ensuring rules/regulations are followed and internal
controls are in place to protect the credit union. The
Supervisory Committee is also responsible for selecting the
credit union’s external audit firm and overseeing the credit
union’s books and records.
Interested members must meet specific criteria for
eligibility. For more information, please visit our web site,
myEECU.org, call (559) 437-7924, or write to:
Associate Volunteer Candidates
The Board of Directors may appoint up to three candidates
to become associate volunteers. Associate Volunteers
provide the credit union with an ongoing resource to provide
qualified future candidates for Board and Supervisory
Committee elections. Associate Volunteers will complete
educational training, attend Board and Supervisory
Candidate Orientation Dates
February 12 and 13, 2013
Spring Shred Days
All shred events are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Nomination/Election Committee
c/o Educational Employees Credit Union
P.O. Box 5242 Fresno, CA 93755
Board of Directors Meeting Date
January 22, 2013
Supervisory Committee Meeting Date
February 5, 2013
Candidate Interview Dates
February 19, 20, and 21, 2013
February 2: Barstow Branch
February 23: Visalia Branch
Shred those private documents you don’t need. Bring your
documents for shredding to one of the following EECU branch
locations and we’ll shred and recycle them for you at no charge:
March 16: Milburn Branch
March 23: Clovis North Branch
Please arrive on time. Limit shredding to three boxes sized to a
maximum of 15 x 12 x 10. Shred events will close early if the
shred truck is filled to capacity.
level. “I was inspired to choose this
career path by my school psychologist.
She was a wonderful person and showed
me the many fascinating intricacies
of psychology.”
Wesley’s family has had a very big
influence in his life. “Every day they push
me to new heights and they show me that
I can achieve anything I want to as long
as I work and set my mind to it, there is
nothing I cannot obtain,” he said warmly.
When asked what drives him every day,
he answered with a chuckle: “My new car
I got from a loan through EECU. No, really,
what drives me would be my thirst for
knowledge and the never ending pursuit
that it entails.”
Last summer, Wesley began his search for
a car. “I decided I wanted to get one of the
new Fiats. I was going to get it financed
through them but they wanted to strap me
with a 24.99% interest rate,” he said.
Since he’s a member of EECU he decided
to try to get a better interest rate. “I had
seen their ads on their website so I went
in to check it out. I met with a wonderful
representative named Cathy who helped
me get the interest rate down to 2.99%!”
he said with a smile. “I saved almost
enough to purchase a whole new car
thanks to EECU and to Cathy.”
Being a member, and part of the MyCash
club for students, helped Wesley to
achieve his financial goal of attaining
a low interest auto loan. With our great
rates and his good grades, he was able to
get a better interest rate. “EECU really
made it such a great experience, I’m very
glad that I went to them,” he said with
a smile.
Former EECU President/CEO Bruce Barnett receives
Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to retired EECU President/CEO Bruce Barnett,
recipient of the Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award from
the California Credit Union League. The Leo H. Shapiro award
is the League’s highest honor, recognizing excellence in credit
union philosophy and a lifetime of contributions to the California
credit union movement. It is named after Leo H. Shapiro, father of
the California credit union movement and founder of the League.
Barnett received the award November 12 at the League’s annual
meeting and convention. During his 32-year career, he was
involved with credit unions in California’s Central Valley and at
the state level, starting in 1976 when he accepted the position
of CEO of Electrical Workers CU. In 1982, he became assistant
general manager of Educational Employees CU. He would
become its president and CEO in 1988. Under his leadership from
1982 through 2008, the credit union grew from a $61-million,
one-branch organization to a $1.5-billion credit union with 12
branches and a broad selection of products and services.
Barnett was appointed to the California Department of Financial
Institutions’ Advisory Committee for credit unions for three
terms. He also served on the League’s statewide marketing
California and Nevada Credit
Union Leagues’ President and
CEO Diana Dykstra, retired
EECU President/CEO Bruce
Barnett, and California Credit
Union League Board Chairman
and San Diego County Credit
Union CEO Teresa Halleck.
and government relations committees. He was a member of
the Credit Union Executives Society and past president of the
Leagues’ Sequoia Chapter. Barnett was also heavily involved
in the community, working with the Fresno County Office of
Education as well as the American Heart Association and the
Community Regional Burn Center’s Fill the Helmet fundraiser
(among many others). In 2007, the Fresno County Office
of Education created the Barnett Award to annually honor
an educator who exemplifies the hard work, perseverance,
innovation, integrity, and commitment to community for which
Barnett was known. In 2012, he received the President’s Medal
of Distinction, the highest non-degree award presented by
California State University, Fresno.
Congratulations, Bruce!
myEECU
WINTER 2013 | ISSUE NO. 13
EEC U IN F O R MAT IO N A L B U L L E T IN
MA N A G ER P RO FILE
We Take Our Managers Personally:
Wendy Laro
Demaree Branch Manager
Wendy Laro is our Demaree branch manager. She joined
the EECU team almost a year ago.
Wendy enjoys her role as manager and is very passionate
about managing such a great team. She especially finds
satisfaction in helping each of them strive to achieve their
professional goals. “I most enjoy helping my staff learn
new things and work toward their own career goals. When
you can show someone how to both help our members and
through those interactions achieve their personal career
goals, it really just makes it all worthwhile,” she said with
a smile.
Wendy focuses her free time on her family. During her free
time, she spends time with her husband, and high school
sweetheart, and her 4-year old son. “I have an amazing
4-year-old son who makes my day, every day,” she said
warmly. Wendy and her son spend every possible minute
together. “He loves the zoo, but for quieter days we go and
watch movies together.” When time permits, her family
spends time outdoors fishing and sightseeing.
Direct Deposit your
Tax Refund
Tax season is right around the corner and many members
are taking advantage of a quick and easy tax refund by using
electronic filing (e-filing).
E-filing is a fast, accurate, and secure way to get your tax
refund from the IRS. With e-filing you’ll receive your refund
within an average of 10 days. Here’s some information you’ll
need to direct deposit your refund:
Routing and transit number – EECU’s routing and
transit number is 321172594.
Since 1934, EECU has been committed to providing you with
financial products and services that are designed to help
you achieve your financial goals. As a member of EECU, you
have access to affordable financial products, like savings
and checking accounts, low-rate loans for vehicles and
homes, credit cards, free online banking and bill payment,
investment services, and more.
Last year we reached a very significant milestone - $2
billion in assets. It’s amazing to think that it took 69 years
to reach $1 billion in assets, but only nine years to go from
$1 billion to $2 billion. Reaching $2 billion in assets is very
rewarding. It means that by asset size we are the 68th largest
credit union in the U.S., the 13th largest in the state, and the
largest credit union based in the Central Valley. We’re proud
of our accomplishment, but it is our ability to have a positive
Other improvements to our technology included upgrades to
our network infrastructure and equipment, and new software
to monitor online banking transactions for any signs
(Cont. on Inside)
• To deposit in your savings account, you will need
your Share account number – please call us to get
this information.
If you need additional information please call
1-800-538-EECU (3328).
(Cont. from Page 2)
Wendy is a firm believer in treating others the way one
wants to be treated, and leading by example. “I try
to have my actions mirror my expectations for my
co-workers, the branch staff, as well as at home
with my family,” she said with a smile.
ME MB E R P R O F IL E
Member Spotlight:
Wesley Hicks
Wesley Hicks is a Valley native. He is also a student
at Willow International Center and has been an EECU
member for about a year.
“I became a member by applying for a student credit
card. I wanted a way to start building my credit and
was told by a coworker to go to EECU because they
worked with students who have no credit history,”
he said. Wesley became part of the EECU MyCash
premier club for students ages 18 to 24, which
helps kick-start their financial life.
Wesley is majoring in Psychology and hopes
to one day teach this subject at the college
impact on our membership and our community that is most
meaningful. The growth we have witnessed in recent years
affords us the opportunity to help our members even more as
we strive to provide each one of you with the best service and
most competitive products in the market.
Keeping pace with technology is a priority at EECU. Our
home banking system was upgraded in 2011, and in 2012 our
project list included rolling out a mobile banking application
for Android and iPhone smartphones, and the iPad tablet.
The app was introduced in November, and within four weeks
we had over 12,000 downloads. We know convenience is
important to you, and mobile banking is another great free
service we provide to help you manage your finances.
• To deposit in your checking account, select the
appropriate box and enter your checking account
number in the space provided (refer to the check
illustration).
Wendy Laro
(Cont. on Back)
The 2012 Year in Review
• Account Number – You will first need to decide if
your money will be deposited in your checking or
savings account.
(Cont. on Page 5)
S P E C IA L E E C U ME MB E R O F F E R
Member discount:
Published quarterly by:
EDUCATIONAL EMPLOYEES
CREDIT UNION
P.O. Box 5242
Fresno, CA 93755
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
Federally Insured by NCUA
Member Service Center
1-800-538-EECU (3328)
Website
myEECU.org
Tax Preparation
with TurboTax
EECU and TurboTax are making your tax preparation
as easy as banking online! TurboTax is now
available through EECU home banking. Not only
can you save time with secure, automatic upload of
account data, but you can also receive a discount on
TurboTax Federal (Deluxe, Premier, and Home and
Business Edition).
P R O D U C T / S E R VIC E P ROFI LE
Save for the next holiday
season with the Holiday Wise Club
Saving for holiday shopping has never been easier. Make monthly deposits into your
Holiday Wise Club account throughout the year. Features include:
• $5 to open account
• Dividends paid on balances over $0
• Club savings are automatically
• No minimum balance required to
transferred in November to your savings
maintain account
or checking account
• Make deposits in person, or via ATM,
• Account automatically renews each year
phone, online or automatic transfer
To open your Holiday Wise Club Account, call us at 1-800-538-EECU (3328).
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
PG. 2
The 2012
Year in Review
PG. 3
Call for Candidates
PG. 3
Spring Shred Days
PG. 4
Former CEO
Receives Award
PG. 5
Manager Profile:
Wendy Laro
PG. 6
Direct Deposit Your
Tax Refund