Report - Mid Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
Transcription
Report - Mid Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
Credit Union Center 1099 Morton Boulevard PO Box 1429 Kingston, NY 12402 845.336.4444 • 800.451.8373 www.MHVFCU.com Federally Insured by NCUA E TE A V RE RS LLE A A I L A BL ANNUAL REPORT 2011 The Heart of our B R A N D MHV ha s i m p l em en ted Bra St a n nd dards whi ch gu id e us to se rv e yo u be tte r! BRAND AND MISSION STATEMENT To anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Ulster, Dutchess or Orange County, MHV is your trusted community credit union. Our mission is to make your life easier by providing personalized and convenient financial solutions, and a member experience driven by innovative technology, reliable service, and easy access you can rely on. Pictured Right: Thomas Fox, William A. Ryan, Joseph T. Aiello, Paul A. Pavlovich, Angelo A. Fasano 1st Vice Chairman, Gary E. Anderson Chairman, Joseph Marino Treasurer, John Kelly Secretary (Not Pictured) Gordon Craw 2nd Vice Chairman MHV’s Brand Standards Brand Standards are at the heart of MHV brand delivery. The six brand standards, in order of importance, empower staff in decision making to consistently deliver the MHV brand. The brand standards are designed as a decision tree to guide employees in day to day decision making. The Brand Standards are listed in their order of priority: SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS is MHV’s top priority, above all other standards. We are committed to providing a physically safe environment for our staff and our members. We are also dedicated to maintaining the financial well being of the credit union including capital and making sound financial investments. COMPLIANCE governs all credit union activity as we work within a regulatory framework. All of MHV’s policies and procedures satisfy a multitude of regulatory mandates. CONFIDENTIALITY of members and employees private information is a high priority at MHV especially when the consequences can lead to identity theft and fraud. We work diligently at maintaining your privacy which includes demographic information, social security number, as well as account and credit behavior. MEMBER EXPERIENCE is one of the main reasons why you continue to conduct your banking with us. We understand it’s the little things like knowing our members by name and offering you a cup of coffee that make the biggest difference. At MHV, our staff makes it a priority to treat you as you would like to be treated by your financial institution; with courtesy and respect. CONVENIENCE is how we fulfill our commitment to making your life easier with multiple locations, e-commerce, and technology such as MHV’s exclusive 24/7 Personal Teller Technology which enables members to speak to a teller on their time, anytime. EFFICIENCY is how we make money and save money. Credit unions are unique in that we are in business for the member. The more net profit we generate, the more we can give back in the form of better rates, increased services and added convenience to you. Chairman’s and President’s REPORT Dear Valued Members, We are proud to report that Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (MHV) remained very strong in 2011 and fulfilled our mission, vision and strategic objectives. MHV has operated with a balanced scorecard for several years and has remained on task to provide you with the absolute best in member service and delivery. Economic/Financial In 2011 we continued to see our nation and our community dealing with weak economic recovery including modest GDP growth; not strong enough to significantly reduce our unemployment rate. Locally the story somewhat mirrored the national scene, however there appeared to be a glimmer of hope in the Hudson Valley. Industry sectors such as distribution, green technology, food/ beverage, biotech, tourism, cinema production, and data centers were the focus of the economic development efforts in the region. While interest rates began to track upward modestly in the first half of the year, they began to trend down again during the fourth quarter. This was driven, to some degree, by the Federal Reserve Board position in keeping rates low through 2014. Real Estate values began to stabilize in our community, however there is no forecast for an upward swing in value for the near future. Consumer confidence increased during the last five months of 2011 to 75; however when compared to prerecession levels at 87, we still have a way to go. Regulatory/Industry In 2010 we reported that over 200 banks closed as well as many credit b unions. In 2011 there is a much more u positive story to tell about our industry p aand in particular the credit union Gary E. Anderson Chairman of the Board segment. Deposits, loans (modestly), assets and net worth (capital) all increased and are forecasted to continue improving in 2012. MHV’s asset quality (loan delinquency and loan charge offs) also improved in 2011. Under the Dodd Frank Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is now responsible for 14 consumer protection statutes and their regulations, including: the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z), the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Truth in Savings Act and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Regulation E). These regulations are very complex, expensive to implement, and come with unintended consequences for the consumer. The Durbin Amendment, for example, dramatically reduced the interchange fees financial institutions earn on debit card transactions; fees that help defray the costs of the payment systems. This caused many larger banks to implement other fees to cover this loss in revenue. In turn the nation’s consumers turned against large banks and a grassroots movement was formed culminating in what has been labeled as “Bank Transfer Day.” On Saturday, November 5, 2011, consumers were asked to close their relationships with large banks in lieu of credit unions and community financial institutions. The banks relented at the last moment regarding additional fees but the credit union industry, including MHV, significantly benefited from the increased media coverage. In spite of economic and regulatory challenges, your credit union maintained an extremely sound financial position with solid earnings, good growth, and excellent capital. MHV also received favorable audits and regulatory examinations, as you will see reported in our Treasurers and Supervisory Committee reports. Member Service Due to historically low interest rates, MHV originated nearly $114 million in real estate lending in 2011. In 2010 we originated just over $90 million and in 2009 $114 million. Many of you continued to take advantage of these low rates to reduce monthly payments and/or to reduce your loan term. New home purchases produced only modest demand for mortgages in 2011. Consumer lending continued to show weak demand. Lower consumer confidence caused many buyers to reduce their credit; curbing their appetite for large purchases, including vehicles. MHV continued to offer extremely competitive rates as demonstrated throughout the year and with several successful car loan sale promotions. MHV credit card offerings were among the best in the market and our private student lending program showed great success. The Mid-Hudson Valley Insurance Agency and the MHV Investment & Retirement Center continued to offer excellent options to our members under the MHV umbrella of services. Branches We opened our Port Ewen Branch in May and moved to our new branch facility in Middletown in June. Both offices are environmentally friendly and should qualify for LEED Certification. We also broke ground on our new office in Newburgh, located on Route 300. It will offer many new services currently not available at our existing office, including Drive-up 24/7 Personal Teller service and safe deposit boxes. Look for our new Newburgh office to open in the spring of 2012. Technology As promised in last year’s annual report, MHV has delivered the very first Drive-up 24/7 Personal Teller (PT) in the world with deployments at our Port Ewen and Middletown offices. The Drive-up 24/7 PT offers all the same benefits as our lobby PT but with the added benefit of convenience and security while in your own vehicle. In the later part of 2012 we anticipate these units will also have the option of providing traditional ATM service as well as teller assisted transactions. This past year, we made a substantial investment in our core technology. In 2010 we reported that MHV had elected to change our core processor with you, our member, in mind. The core system chosen, OSI/DNA would provide a long list of member facing benefits including these: New Home Banking and Bill Pay Online New Account Opening FinanceWorks Money Management New EARS Bank-by-Phone Mobile Banking New Streamlined & Secured ID Process SMS, Text , Apple & Android Apps While our staff and partners worked diligently in 2011 to deliver these new service benefits to you this past fall, we determined that we could not deliver all that we promised at that time. As a result we rescheduled the conversion for March of 2012. Community MHV and its staff continue to support our community in many ways. We have been a lead sponsor of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Other organizations we support include the American Heart Association, United Way, scholarships in our local community colleges, and much more. Summary We maintain our commitment ent to be your primary financial institution tution and will continue to offer new services, ervices, new branches, and improve existing xisting technologies while we continue ue to strive to deliver exemplary member mber service to meet your financial ial needs. MHV has implemented d ongoing member surveys to assure that we achieve these objectives. As always, we would like to thank our employees and volunteers who have e contributed to our strength, th, stability, and exceptional performance during the past year. William L. Spearman,, CCE President & CEO Safety & Soundness Pictured Right: Angelo A. Fasano, Christopher Corallo CCE, Joseph Marino Chairman, William L. Spearman CCE, Paul A. Pavlovich, Wayne Winkler CCE, Joseph T. Aiello Asset Liability Committee Treasurer’s Report While the economic climate in 2011 continued to offer its challenges, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (MHV) continued to maintain a safe and sound financial position. As a cooperative, it is for the benefit of our membership that we allocate resources to add branch facilities and improve upon our delivery of services. The unemployment rate has recently declined to 8.3%, a level that is still considered high, but improving. This level of unemployment has also impacted our membership at the local level. The credit union has and continues to actively work with members to maintain their homes and automobiles. We are proud of our willingness and ability to help our members during troubling times while protecting the assets of the credit union. We have seen the results of these efforts as our pr provision for possible loan losses declined by $1.7 m million, or 46.1%, from 2010. While Whil strengthening, the economy is still subject subj to the effects of the financial crisis in Europe Euro as well as uncertainty in the Middle East. East Due to the current fragile nature of the economy, the Federal Reserve has noted econ that market rates may remain low until the latter part of 2014. In 2011 MHV increased total assets by 2 $32.5 $32. million or 4.6%. MHV grew in a financially sound manner, maintaining nan our capital ratio of 9.36%. Many members once again took advantage mem of the th historically low loan rates by refinancing their mortgages resulting na in minimal loan growth in spite of m signifi sign cant loan volume. In 2011 MHV MH originated $113.6 million in residential mortgages, $50.4 million in res Joseph Marino Treasurer consumer loans, and $24 million in member business loans. Member deposits increased by $27.1 million or 4.3%. As the rates on loans have declined more than the rates on deposits, MHV’s net interest margin has declined. That challenge will persist in the current rate environment. Coupled with the economic challenges of declining interest margins and a fragile economy, MHV continues to comply with many new regulations that were enacted as a result of the unsound financial practices of many of the larger financial institutions that contributed to the financial crisis in 2007. Credit unions have been part of the solution and not part of the problem. We continue to work with credit union advocates voicing our concern with certain requirements of the legislation that may not be in the best interest of our membership. MHV opened a new office in Port Ewen, en, NY in in May May and completed the re-building of its Middletown, NY office in June of 2011. These offices es have been well received by membership. The building of a new office in Newburgh, NY has begun egun and is planned to open in April of 2012. All three ree of these facilities offer 24/7 Personal Teller (PT) T) service, a service that no other financial institution itution in the Hudson Valley provides. In 2012, MHV will be upgrading ding its technology systems including a new and improved home banking experience perience as well as the introduction off mobile banking. MHV will continue to look for ways to improve the products ucts and services offered to our membership, mbership, providing reliable and easy access, ss, while maintaining the financial safety ety and soundness of the credit union. Christopher Corallo allo CCE Chief Financial al Officer Retirement Announcement | Frank Jankowski Frank Jankowski, MHV Board Member and Secretary, officially retired as of November 30, 2011 after 25 years of volunteer service. Frank was appointed to the Credit Committee in 1986, and then to the Supervisory Committee in 1993. Frank was elected to the Board of Directors in 1997 and became Secretary of the Board in 2006. It is with sincere appreciation that the Board of Directors recognizes Frank for his service with MHV and is pleased to appoint him Director Emeritus. Mid-Hudson Valley FCU Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents 2011 $ Time deposits in other financial institutions 2010 45,945 $ 32,349 - 500 Securities available for sale Loans held for sale 180,002 4,523 168,116 6,692 Loans, net of allowance of $4,189 and $4,621 457,760 455,299 Accrued interest receivable Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost Loan servicing rights 2,377 650 1,585 2,426 638 1,801 Company owned life insurance 5,136 - 558 1,750 24,236 6,255 2,306 21,422 5,953 1,915 Real estate owned, net Premises and equipment, net NCUSIF deposit Other assets TOTAL Assets $ 731,333 $ 698,861 $ 78,696 $ 574,872 10,258 663,826 65,371 561,105 7,706 634,182 Liabilities and Members' Equity Liabilities Members’ share accounts Non-interest bearing Interest bearing Borrowed funds Accrued expenses and other liabilities TOTAL Liabilities Members’ Equity Statutory reserve, restricted Undivided earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) TOTAL Members’ Equity TOTAL Liabilities and Members’ Equity $ 12,446 56,107 12,446 52,940 (1,046) (707) 67,507 64,679 731,333 $ 698,861 Mid-Hudson Valley FCU Consolidated Statements of Operations For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Interest Income Loans, including fees Securities 2011 $ 2010 26,618 $ 4,313 28,544 4,110 32 30,963 36 32,690 5,482 5,482 25,481 6,771 2 6,773 25,917 2,014 3,739 23,467 22,178 5,665 5,883 Net gains on sale of loans 829 1,058 Net gains (losses) on sale of securities 201 117 (1,334) 666 6,812 6,273 12,082 11,438 Occupancy and equipment 5,924 5,257 Outside services 4,576 1,723 4,409 Other TOTAL Interest Income Interest Expense Members' share accounts Borrowed funds TOTAL Interest Expense Net interest income Provision for loan losses Net interest income after provision for loan losses Non-Interest Income Service fees and charges Other TOTAL Non-Interest Income Non-Interest Expense Compensation and employee benefits NCUSIF assessments Other TOTAL Non-Interest Expense Net Income $ 2,807 1,671 2,808 27,112 25,583 3,167 $ 2,868 Mid-Hudson Valley FCU Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Cash Flows From Operating Activities Net Income 2011 $ 2010 3,167 $ 2,868 Provision for loan losses 2,014 3,739 Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment 1,757 1,583 319 241 (201) 1,334 148 - (136) - 594 (25) (829) (1,058) Origination of loans held for sale (34,220) (46,966) Proceeds from loans held for sale 37,218 46,580 Deferred loan origination fees 223 123 Accrued interest receivable and other assets (70) 2,808 Accrued interest payable and other liabilities 579 1,139 10,563 12,366 500 - 6,106 17,963 101,577 93,645 (118,053) (141,612) Loan originations and payments, net (5,205) (7,762) Purchase of company owned life insurance (5,000) - 889 546 (4,571) (6,327) (302) (245) (24,059) (43,792) 27,092 32,751 - (2,000) 27,092 30,751 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 13,596 (675) Beginning cash and cash equivalents 32,349 33,024 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Net amortization (accretion) of securities Net realized (gain) loss on sale of securities Impairment of mortgage servicing rights Increase in cash surrender value of company owned life insurance Net (gain) loss on sale of real estate owned Net gain on sale of loans Net change in: Net cash from operating activities Cash Flows From Investing Activities Net decrease in time deposits Available-for-sale securities: Sales Maturities, prepayments and calls Purchases Proceeds from sale of real estate owned Additions to premises and equipment Increase in NCUSIF deposit Net cash from investing activities Cash Flows From Financing Activities Net change in members’ shares Repayments on borrowed funds Net cash from financing activities Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 45,945 $ 32,349 Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Noncash Disclosures: Interest paid Transfers from loans to real estate owned $ 5,483 $ 6,789 507 2,151 Mid-Hudson Valley FCU Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Regular Reserve Balance, January 1, 2010 Comprehensive income Net income Other comprehensive income: $ Accumulated Other Undivided Comprehensive Earnings Income (Loss) 12,446 $ 50,072 $ (2,890) $ Total 59,628 - 2,868 2,868 available-for-sale, net of reclassification - - 1,566 1,566 Change in funded status of pension plan Total comprehensive income (loss) Balance, December 31, 2010 Comprehensive income Net income Other comprehensive income: Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale, net of reclassification Change in funded status of pension plan - - 617 12,446 52,940 (707) 617 5,051 64,679 - 3,167 - 3,167 - - 1,634 (1,973) 1,634 (1,973) $ (1,046) $ 2,828 67,507 Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities Total comprehensive income (loss) Balance, December 31, 2011 $ 12,446 $ 56,107 Retirement Announcement | Gordon Craw Gordon Craw, MHV Board Member and Vice Chairman will officially retire as of April 12, 2012 after 37 years of volunteer service. Gordon was appointed as Secretary to the Supervisory Committee in 1975. In 1977 he progressed to Chair of the Supervisory Committee and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1988. Gordon was elected Treasurer in 1993 and remained in that position through 1996. In 2009 he was elected Vice Chairman of the Board and will serve in that position until his retirement. He also served on the CUSO Board and the Planning Committee. It is with sincere appreciation that the Board of Directors recognizes Gordon for his service. Compliance & Confidentiality Supervisory Committee Pictured Left: Stephen M. Swanson Chairman, Elizabeth Carr, John Kelly (Not Pictured): Cynthia Herb Supervisory Report The Supervisory Committee is an essential part of the credit union and is comprised of four volunteers appointed by the Board of Directors. The committee provides an independent assessment of the operations performed by the credit union’s management and staff. It is responsible for ensuring that the credit union’s policies and practices protect the assets of the membership, remain compliant with all applicable regulations, and maintain accurate financial reporting. The committee also provides members with assistance for any concerns they might have. areas were examined twice during the year. The outcomes of these audits were utilized to help the credit union comply with regulatory requirements as well as operational policies and procedures. The committee meets regularly with both management and an independent accounting firm an internal audit program. These regular to conduct cond meetings ensure that controls are in place to protect member assets. Based upon the examination by the NCUA, the results of our internal audit program, and the independent audit of our financial statements, it is the opinion of the members of the Supervisory Committee that the Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union remains a strong and well managed financial institution that is safe and sound. Committee internal audit In 2011 Supervisory Com programs examined over forty different areas of the credit union. It also improved its operating operational function by consolidating con activities into larger operating functions, thereby streamlining the internal streamlinin auditing process. TThirteen different operational areas were audited and five Stephen M. Swan Swanson Chairman The Supervisory Committee also worked closely with a team of examiners from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) who conducted an examination of the credit union’s operations. In 2011 the committee engaged the accounting firm of Crowe Horwath LLP to perform the audit of the credit union’s financial statements. I would like to thank the Board of Directors, management, and staff for their support of our mission, and also my fellow committee members for their continued dedication and service to our members. “INCOMPARABLE” John Zacharia, owner of the Alexis Diner in Newburgh, New York, offered this bold, one word endorsement of his relationship with MHV… “Incomparable.” “They know my business and give me what I need, when I need it, better than any financial institution I have ever dealt with.” Member Experience & Convenience Pictured Right: Courtney Conklin Loan Servicing, Kyle Peterson MIS, Ellen Iversen PT Operations, Jose Dross Collections, Loretta Humes Mortgage Lending, Theresa Higgins Member Service Lisa Perry, Personal Teller Member Service At MHV, Our Employees Have Heart! We worked hard and increased training in 2011 to serve you better! Trained for a new Data Processing System Our staff was hard at work preparing for MHV’s Technology Upgrade taking place March 2012. When MHV’s Technology Upgrade is complete members will enjoy new and improved services like Home Banking, Bill Payer, Faster New Account Opening Process, and a Mobile App for Smartphones. Improved Member Service To be the best, you have to learn from the best. The Disney Institute shared their best practices with MHV staff during workshops conducted in February. Our staff learned how Disney executes their quality service and how we can incorporate their best practices into the MHV member experience. MHV Increased Employee Spirit Initiative The Culture Committee was formed to develop fresh and fun ways to motivate and recognize employees who go above and beyond. The group consists of employees throughout the organization. The committee members “Prowl” different branches to surprise them with snacks and refreshments as a way to thank fellow employees for providing outstanding member service. Awarded Employees for Going Above & Beyond In addition to the quarterly Chairman’s Award, a new peer-to-peer recognition award was launched in August called the “WOW Award.” Nominations are sent to the Culture Committee who select the best example of service excellence each month. Expanded Branches Increased Convenience For You in 2011! Port Ewen & Middletown Branch Grand Openings MHV opened two new, environmentally friendly branches during the spring of 2011. Both branches are LEED Certified and are heated and cooled using Geothermal technology. Both branches feature 24/7 Personal Teller service virtually eliminating traditional branch hours. Newburgh Branch Groundbreaking We’re moving our old Newburgh Branch to a more prominent location on Rt. 300 in front of the Home Depot Plaza. The new branch will be constructed similar to our Port Ewen and Middletown locations. World’s First Drive-up 24/7 Personal Teller Now you don’t have to leave the comfort of your vehicle to bank face-to-face with one of our tellers. The latest in banking innovation, the Drive-up 24/7 Personal Teller was installed at our newest locations in Port Ewen and Middletown. Another will be built with our new Newburgh location. MHV will receive the 2012 Dora Maxwell Award on behalf of the Credit Union Association of New York (CUANY) for the credit union’s efforts in helping our local community rebuild after Hurricane Irene. Staff reached out to the local American Red Cross chapter to establish our 11 branches as official donation centers. Donations were collected from September 2 through September 30, 2011. Through MHV members and staff, a total of $2017.42 was raised. The credit union staff also worked directly with members facing financial hardship as a result of Hurricane Irene by providing extended flexible repayment terms on loans. Efficiency Systems & Processes Sr. Management Team Automation Human Resources Pictured Left: David Perry VP/Branch Operations, Christopher Corallo, CCE Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Carle VP/Mortgage Lending, Jill Hall VP/Accounting and Deposit Services, David Kellogg Chief Technology Officer, Judy Hamilton VP/Human Resources, Richard DiLorenzo VP/Consumer Lending, William Spearman, CCE President and CEO, Robert Michaud Chief Marketing Officer, Patti Osterhoudt, CCE Chief Operations Officer, Wayne Winkler, CCE Executive Vice President, John Dwyer VP/Business Services, Jessica Fox VP/Risk Management “They treat me like FAMILY” Patty Heins , owner of Perfezione Painting, Inc., came to MHV for her first Small Business Administration loan. “I owe the success of my business to MHV. They had confidence in me and with their help my company has been able to grow. It’s like they are part of my family.” “They know my BUSINESS” Firehouse Productions in Red Hook, New York, is an award-winning, world-class sound production company for concerts, awards shows, television, and corporate events. Its portfolio includes the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Tony Awards, Neil Diamond, Radio Head, Sesame Street, Pepsi, and Target. Owner Brian Olsen appreciates his relationship with MHV, saying “Whenever we need financing, they are there. They know us.” As we close another successful year at the Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union I want to announce to our members that Bill Spearman will retire on August 1, 2012. Bill’s dedication and leadership will be greatly missed by all, but his legacy will carry on at the credit union. Bill has served the credit union for 40 years, beginning his career at Mid-Hudson Valley in 1972 and rose through the ranks to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, where he has served for the past 15 years. Under Bill’s stewardship, MHV has grown from $203 million in assets with three offices in 1995, to over $730 million in assets and 11 locations today. Bill’s many contributions to the credit union and the community will be shared with you throughout 2012. On behalf of the Board of Directors, management team, and employees of the credit union, I congratulate Bill and wish him all the best! Gary E. Anderson Chairman of the Board MHV’s First In The World Drive-Up Personal Teller had the entire industry stand up and take notice. See us making headlines on the Times Square Jumbotron. Our Heritage: The Middle Years, 1980-2002 It was a time of transition for the credit union. The 1980’s brought the first opportunity for expansion beyond the IBM Kingston site with the opening of the first full service branch on Ulster Avenue. The branch included all the services you would expect from a financial institution including a drive-up and safe deposit boxes. Opening a new branch also provided the opportunity to extend hours and acted as a gateway to expand the membership to families of IBM employees and eventually even further. A few years later, IBM Headquarters announced that they would be closing the Kingston plant in 1995. 7,500 people were going to lose their jobs or be transferred to another location. The future of the credit union was in jeopardy. As Bill Spearman, MHV President and CEO recalls, “We saw, over time, people bringing in the keys to their car, the keys to their home and apologizing for not being in any financial position to make payments.” To maintain strong capital and assets, MHV sought out to expand the membership as a multi-occupational credit union. An aggressive business development and business services effort was launched to recruit Select Employee Groups (SEGs). SEGs were other businesses that could sign up to be a partner of MHV and their employees could join as members. At the height of the SEG membership drive, there were 400 SEGs spanning a great distance from New York City through Albany, NY. While the SEG effort was a success, it didn’t align with the long term vision for the credit union. As the IBM Kingston Plant closed, serving SEGs alone would not be a sustainable strategy. Around that time Paul Pavlovich, former Board Chairman, proposed a solution to transition to a community charter. This would give the credit union the opportunity to expand beyond IBM and serve anyone in the local community that wanted to join. To develop the community charter the Board Members and Senior Management had to set a clear path for the credit union, developing a mission, vision and branch plan. On going through a time of transition and uncertainty Pavlovich reflects, “It was unfortunate that the plant closed but that was the beginning of a new world as we know it today. We managed through it and I think we are better as an organization for that experience and will be in the future.” In July 2002, the National Credit Union Administration approved the community charter and MHV was granted the ability to serve the tri-county area of Ulster, Orange and Dutchess Counties. Having originated at IBM, the credit union has a unique ability to leverage new technology, while understanding the importance of the human element in service delivery. With the installation of the first ATM in the 1980s to the 24/7 Personal Teller today, the organization’s foremost goal is to always provide the highest quality and convenient service to the membership. On the future of MHV, Spearman comments, “We demonstrated early on that we are capable of providing quality service and value, but we are capable of doing a lot more. ”We are going to continue raising the bar.”