Building Up Our Communities

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Humanitarian Highlight 2.11.21

It’s #Humanitarianhighlight day and Oak Tree is so excited to present these amazing #CreditUnions who have all gone above and beyond to make a #CUdifference in building up our communities.

Helping build up our local communities is what the #CUindustry is all about, and these highlighted #CUs are nothing short of amazing! If you know of a #creditunion who has positively impacted their community, tag us and let us know so we can ensure they get recognized!

Wolverine State Credit Union

Wolverine State CU partnered with AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Oscoda, and they generously put together hygiene packs to donate through a Grocery Giveaway. With their care packages, they were able to help over 200 families in their local community who were in need of these basic items.

Parkview Community Federal Credit Union

Parkview Community FCU, with the help of its members, staff, and community, was able to raise $2,092.89 to benefit The McKeesport Agape Center. Their donation goes toward getting packages of food delivered to individuals and families who are in need and without the necessary transportation or are homebound due to medical reasons.

Fergus Federal Credit Union

Wanting to give back to frontline workers, Fergus FCU donated $3,000 to the Hometown Heroes Organization. This donation will help support the delivery of lunches and much-needed coffee to the staff at hospitals and schools in Lewistown, Montana. This generosity was extended in an effort to boost the spirits of frontline workers who have been our backbone during this pandemic.

GCS Credit Union

GCS Credit Union kicked off their 2021 Growing Community Schools jeans program by donating $1,245 to the Triad National Honor Society. The Growing Community Schools program is funded by GCS CU employees who make monthly, monetary donations from their personal funds to a local school organization. Triad NHS was the selected organization for the month of January.

Traid NHS is a service organization that sponsors a number of events to support the school, community charities, and larger charity organizations.

Telcoe Federal Credit Union

Telcoe FCU was honored to provide lunch for staff members at Arkansas Children’s Hospital who continue to work around the clock administering COVID vaccinations at the hospital. Telcoe FCU is proud to contribute to those on the frontlines while they are doing what it takes to provide exceptional healthcare to children all across the state.

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union

Jeanne D’Arc CU presented a gift of $1,500 to the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC), from Jeanne D’Arc’s, We Share a Common Thread Foundation’s quarterly Give-a-Click program put on by the CU.

“The GLFHC is focused on improving the health of people and their families in the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts, and the gifted funds will be used to help renovate and expand its Lawrence, Mass., clinic, which is it’s largest and will account for 33% of annual patient visits.”

Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union

During the holiday season, Carolinas Telco FCU offered a loan program that benefited the borrower, while also supporting local humane societies. Carolinas Telco FCU donated $5 for every loan originated and they were able to gift $1,700 to benefit a total of five humane societies in North and South Carolina.

Thank you for reading this Humanitarian Highlight! Please check out last week’s, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about our products & services through our email or by phone (800) 537-9598. Continue to work on building up our communities!

Credit Unions Climbing Mountains

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Humanitarian Highlight: 2.4.21

Welcome to this week’s Humanitarian Highlight #CUfamily! We have complied a list of Credit Unions Climbing Mountains to help their communities. ⛰️🤝 Oak Tree is forever grateful to be part of making an impact on the #CUway. If you know a credit union that has gone above and beyond in making a #CUdifference, use our hashtag #HumanitarianHighlight to let us know about it, so we can give them a shout-out! 🗣️

Buckeye State Credit Union

Giving back to one of their community partners, the YWCA of Alliance, Buckeye State CU donated a check of $7,500. The donation will go toward supporting their food pantry, homeless initiative, women’s transitional housing, and providing gifts for children of families in need.

Frankenmuth Credit Union

While Frankenmuth CU was closed in honor of MLK day, staff members chose to give back and volunteered at local soup kitchens in the area. The volunteers helped to prepare and serve food, as well as taking care of whatever else needed to be done.

NET Credit Union

Due to the pandemic, NET Credit Union held their 7th Annual Netoberfest Golf Tournament virtually, and all funds raised were donated to the students and staff of The DePaul School. NET CU and Allied Services, which is a NET CU Preferred Partner Group, came up with an amazing $20,000 in donations.

The DePaul School’s mission is to teach students with dyslexia and other related learning disabilities how to learn. Their dedicated staff and specially trained faculty offer a well-structured system of programs aimed at maximizing abilities and compensating for disabilities.

Thrive Credit Union

At Thrive Credit Union, for every member who opened a new checking account in November and December, Thrive CU would donate $25 to the Boys and Girls Club of Muncie. Wanting to take it a step further, Thrive presented a check in the amount of $2,600 to the Boys and Girls Club of Muncie and showed their longstanding support for the organization.

Numerica Credit Union

After generously donating $100,000 to help families and individuals transfer from shelters into stable homes, Numerica CU also took it upon themselves to put together baskets full of essentials to help make the transition that much more comfortable. The items in the baskets ranged from kitchenware to laundry essentials.

Ascentra Credit Union

Given the current circumstances, food insecurity is at an all-time high. Ascentra CU and its members, through an auto loan promotion, were able to come up with $23,350 in donations to gift to River Bend Foodbank. This contribution will provide around 116,750 meals to families in the local communities that they serve.

“It’s especially important that during times like these that we focus on helping our communities. We have been a partner with the River Bend Foodbank in the past and are proud that this effort has generated such a large donation and are excited about the difference it’ll make for families experiencing food insecurity during this pandemic.” Linda Andry, Interim President and CEO of Ascentra Credit Union.

Thank you for reading this Humanitarian Highlight! Please check out last week’s, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about our products & services through our email or by phone (800) 537-9598. Let’s hear it for all the Credit Unions Climbing Mountains!

Soaring to New Heights

Humanitarian Highlight 1.28.21

Press play and see what our #CUfamilies have done to help their communities soar to new heights in this week’s #HumanitarianHighlight!🪁 Is your credit union soaring to new heights?

If you see a #creditunion making a difference, let Oak Tree know so we can give them the recognition they deserve!📣👏 

Chartway Federal Credit Union

Chartway’s charitable arm, We Promise Foundation, and its board of trustees has donated an outstanding $600,000 grant to ensure that children who are facing medical hardship or illness can experience the joy and hope that they deserve.

“2020 was certainly a year like no other,” said Brian Schools, President, and CEO of Chartway FCU. “Every day brought new challenges, which is why we’re more grateful than ever for the support of our sponsors, partners, members, volunteers, and team members who helped us navigate the unprecedented global health pandemic to raise more than $600,000.”

“We are proud to partner with so many charitable organizations who seek to do good and change the world for children facing medical hardship.” Karen Lane, Executive Director of Chartway’s We Promise Foundation.

Skyward Credit Union

Skyward CU lends a helping hand to their community and gives a donation of $9,000 to Consumer Counseling Services of Kansas. This is a locally run non-profit organization, and they offer resources dedicated to providing financial stability to Kansas families in need.

Indiana Members Credit Union

IMCU generously presented a check for $1,500 to their local Cardinal Ritter High School, which participates in an ongoing school spirit debit card program. Since the beginning of the program in 2018, Cardinal Ritter High School has earned $3,000 through this IMCU giveback program. The partnership allows fans of the high school to show their school spirit and support the athletic program by signing up for a Raiders-themed debit card, and every time the card is used as a signature-based transaction, Cardinal Athletics benefits. Truly soaring to new heights!

Maui County Federal Credit Union

Wanting to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Maui County CU held a “virtual day of service” project to give back to people in their community who are struggling. The participants put together bags with needed items including personal hygiene products, and non-perishable food items. These bags were later distributed to those in need in the surrounding areas.

Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Giving back in a big way, Kinecta FCU’s 47th Annual Holiday Food Drive had major success. With the help of their employees, members, local community, sponsors, corporate donors, and individual donors, they collectively raised over $94,200 which aided more than 1,000 local families who are facing food insecurity.

Greater Texas Federal Credit Union

Greater Texas FCU matched $5,000 in donations to Austin Disaster Relief Network as part of ADRN’s Giving Tuesday campaign. Their program partners with churches and volunteers in the Greater Austin area to serve those in crisis by providing immediate monetary, housing, and counseling resources, as well as long-term repairing and rebuilding.

GreenState Credit Union

GreenState CU gifted a check of $100,000 to support a very critical fund within the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The children’s hospital has a fund that has been dwindling due to the strain of COVID-19 cases. The donation is the largest gift to date from this account.

“Thank you to GreenState Credit Union for providing our patients and families with support during these difficult times, made even more challenging with the pandemic.” University of Iowa Center for Advancement President and CEO Lynette Marshall.

Thank you for tuning in to our Humanitarian Highlight! These credit unions are truly soaring to new heights. We’ll be back next week with more generous credit unions! Please check out last week’s post, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about our products & services through our email or by phone (800) 537-9598.

Helping Others Grow

Humanitarian Highlight 1.21.21

Another week, another #HumanitarianHighlight where we showcase all of the amazing efforts put forth by our #CUfamily 🌳🌻 Helping others grow is what the #CUdifference is all about, and Oak Tree is grateful to be a part of this community! If you know a credit union that has gone above and beyond in making a #CUdifference, use our hashtag #HumanitarianHighlight to let us know about it, so we can give them a shout-out! Credit unions are about helping others grow!

1st Community Credit Union

Wanting to help local organizations during these times, all three of 1st Community Credit Union’s branches came together and were able to successfully donate a total of $9,000 to organizations in their local community including the Tomah, West Salem, and Sparta regions. 

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union 

Affinity Plus FCU generously donated a $2,000 Campus Scholarship to a student in their community who is studying music education. This donation came from the Affinity Plus Foundation, where their mission is to “Engage, Educate, and Empower. Supporting students, educators, and community organizations in their pursuit to better themselves and their communities.” Affinity Plus Foundation 

Ascend Federal Credit Union 

The largest CU in Middle Tennessee, Ascend FCU, amazingly came up with a donation of $50,000 to present to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Ascend has always shown its support and admiration for the hospital, and what it stands for. 

“Ascend is committed to supporting organizations that are making a difference in the lives of people in our community and the state of Tennessee. Because of the work being done by the hospital, children receive the care they need regardless of their families ability to pay. We are honored to help fund their team’s pioneering research into finding innovative ways to cure and prevent disease.” Caren Gabriel, Ascend president and CEO 

Visions Federal Credit Union

During these cold winter months, Visions’ Apalachin and Owego offices teamed up and collected donations which included scarves, hats, gloves, and boots to keep those in need warm. They were also able to make a donation of $500 to be used for purchasing children’s coats, which would go to the students of the Apalachin-Owego School District. 

TopLine Federal Credit Union 

This year, TopLine rings in their 22nd Annual Holiday Gift Drive, and a very successful one at that! They were able to fulfill six-holiday wish lists for young families in their community, donate over 540 gifts, donate 185 handmade scarves, and came up with $660 in gift cards as well as over $600 in cash to their charitable partners. All of these amazing gifts truly made for a special holiday for families in their local communities. 

Firefly Credit Union 

During Firefly’s 4 Days of Giving, their Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council was able to donate a total of $10,000 to four deserving organizations, with each organization receiving a donation of $2,500. The organizations included were Youth Link, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Community Bridge, and YMCA. “We are thrilled to donate to four local minority and women-sponsored organizations that make such a positive impact on our communities.” Reyna Staats, Head of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council. 

San Diego County Credit Union 

SDCCU partnered with 103.7 KSON Radio and proudly supported St. Jude’s 33rd Annual Radiothon. Members of the credit union and the local community were encouraged to help raise awareness and contribute, if they could, to the cause. With all the support behind them and a reason to give, they were able to raise $240,582 in donations to help save children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. 

“The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.” St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 

Thank you for reading this Thursday’s Humanitarian Highlight! Please check out last week’s post, and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about our products & services through our email or by phone (800) 537-9598.

Fuel the Light

Humanitarian Highlight 1.14.21: Fuel the Light

Humanitarian Highlight 1.14.21

It is time for this week’s #HumanitarianHighlight you guys! We are so excited to present to you all of these amazing #creditunions and the #CUdifference they have all made in their communities. Let’s get started, shall we?!  Also, if you know of a #creditunion who has positively impacted their community, tag us and let us know so we can ensure they get recognized! Let’s see how they fuel the light!

Volt Credit Union

Giving back to the children in their community, Volt Credit Union presented a check of $10,000 to The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. The amount was donated by Volt’s members, others in their local community, and those donations were matched by the Volt Foundation.

TruStone Financial Federal Credit Union

TruStone Financial FCU, TruStone Home Mortgage, and the TruStone Financial Foundation came together and provided close to 1,000 toys, and were able to donate $1,750 to charity just in time for the holidays. The donations that were gathered from their branches were then given to Toys for Tots, as well as The Salvation Army of Cold Spring.

“TruStone Financial established the TruStone Foundation in 2009 to reinforce its commitment to financial education. With strong ties and a healthy respect for education at all levels, the Foundation funds scholarships and financial literacy programs in the classroom and beyond. We believe by supporting our future leaders, our local communities will become stronger.” TruStone Financial Foundation

Glendale Federal Credit Union

Lending a helping hand, Glendale FCU members and their staff took it upon themselves to donate needed items such as blankets, socks, towels, and stuffed animals for the children to the Glendale Police Officers’ Association and their “Cops for Kids” program.

“The “Cops for Kids” Program targets the needs of the community’s underprivileged, disabled, hospitalized and at-risk children, as well as those who are victims of accidents and/or crimes. Every year, members of the Glendale Police Department adopt families during the holidays, providing Christmas trees, gifts, and holiday meals. The Glendale Police Officers’ Association has distributed over 20,000 toys to children throughout the community as a result of the generosity from Glendale citizens and businesses.” Glendale Police Officers’ Association

Cobalt Credit Union

Helping out our nation’s heroes, Cobalt Credit Union teamed up with the SAC Foundation and collected basic household and food items for donation to the Veterans at Victory Apartment in Omaha and Victory Park Apartment in Lincoln.

“SAC Foundation is the charitable arm of Cobalt Credit Union and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are a separate, independent entity operated by our own Board of Directors comprised of Cobalt Credit Union employees. We have a mission to be a steward of economic and social sustainability in the communities we serve. Our ongoing partnership with Cobalt Credit Union and its employees help further our mission.” Cobalt Credit Union

Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union

With the year 2020 throwing so many unforeseen challenges families’ ways, Cal State L.A. FCU partnered with the Para Los Niño’s Organization and participated in their Adopt-a-Family program, which helps provide gifts for families in need. Cal State L.A. FCU was able to donate a list of items ranging from household items to toys on the children’s wish lists.

“In 1980, Para Los Niños was founded with the simple idea of creating a safe space for the children of Skid Row to “just be a kid.” Building on the importance of a healthy, stable home and idea of education as an equalizer, Para Los Niños has since become a leading organization serving thousands in Los Angeles.” Para Los Niños

Fond du Lac Credit Union

During the holiday season, Fond du Lac CU hosted a canned food drive for the Solutions Center where with the help of their members, staff, and the local community they were able to donate close to 500 needed items to families in need.

“Solutions Center offers a multitude of services to those dealing with domestic abuse and homelessness. Our staff is made up of caring and dedicated professionals, on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to work closely with those in crisis. Our professionals understand that every situation is different, and services are personalized to each individual that is in need of assistance.”

Honor Credit Union

The restaurant industry has been hit hard during this pandemic, and Honor Credit Union went to great lengths to support their local restaurants and small business in their community by providing much-needed relief.  The funds raised went directly to employees in the restaurant business.

Thank you for reading this Humanitarian Highlight! Please check out last week’s, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about our products & services through our email or by phone (800) 537-9598. How has your credit union helped fuel the light?

Help Bankers See the Credit Union Way

How Can You Help Bankers See the Credit Union Way?

Has your credit union recently experienced a merger? With the rise of credit unions becoming part of the community bank-buying trend, it is very possible that your credit union and its members may be experiencing this, or may in the future. To convert bank customers to credit union members it is important to ask “how can you help bankers see the credit union way?”

A handful of banks have sold their branches or whole operations to the credit union industry since United CU started the trend several years ago. Since 2012, there have been 63 more deals involving 51 credit unions in 24 states, according to data from Callahan & Associates. With those numbers, it is clear to see how it has become a steady trend in the industry. This is a common practice, and your main priority as a CU leader is to ensure that your members, as well as the customers of the bank you are acquiring, have a smooth transition.

Keys to a Successful Transition:

Communicating clearly

Ensuring you keep an open line of communication with your members—as well as the new members your credit union will be welcoming—is going to be your most important step in transitioning seamlessly at your CU. Explaining to members how their accounts will be handled, as well as providing information packets, will be helpful and can ease the new transition. The idea of holding a town hall meeting and employee information sessions are great tactics to implement.

Keeping existing staff, if possible

One of the bank’s main concerns will be the relationships their employees have built. A great way to help bank customers–turned–credit union members is to (if possible) keep current staff. Maintaining that constancy will be a great way to make sure the new members feel welcomed to their new “home.” Having that familiar face still there to greet them will make all the difference in the transition. Usually, smaller community banks have the same values as credit unions. They pride themselves on helping their members and being part of the surrounding community’s growth. Making sure your new members understand that you hold those same beliefs and ties within the community should put them at ease with whom they now bank. Also, allowing members access to a “transition team” through the entire merging process would be very beneficial for your credit union and those you serve.

Learning from the experience

As you can imagine, if your credit union is going through a merger or will be going through one in the near future, there is a lot to take away from the experience. Accepting feedback from your members and your customers-converted-to-members would be a great place to start. Asking them if there are any products and services that can be enhanced, or anything they would like to see done differently will give your CU staff a greater insight on changes that would accommodate a better banking experience. As long as your credit union continues to serve its members and community, you’re already on the right track toward success.

Here at Oak Tree, we have over 37 years of experience in the credit union industry. We have dedicated our time and resources to better impact the #CUindustry, and have the tools and knowledge to assist your credit union on the road to success.

Let's Begin

Humanitarian Highlight 1.7.21

Happy #HumanitarianHighlight everyone! How are you all doing? In today’s blog, we highlighted a few #creditunions who have exhibited outstanding work within their communities! Well done #CUfamily! Let’s begin this praise for some great credit unions!

Suffolk Federal Credit Union

Suffolk FCU has donated $2,500 to the Community Housing Innovation’s (CHI) Homeownership Counseling & Education Program!  “The White Plains, N.Y.-based CHI offers a counseling and education program for first-time homeowners, and down payment and closing cost assistance for income-eligible households on Long Island, N.Y., as well as for those in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.” CUTimes

First Capital Federal Credit Union

Making sure everyone in their community is well taken care of, First Capital FCU donated canned food items to help support the West York Area School District Bulldog Pantry! “The Bulldog Pantry supplies needed items to families and students in the school district on the first Thursday of each month. And, Life Skills class students work at the pantry to learn valuable lessons on the value of hard work and supporting those in need.” CUTimes

Gesa Credit Union

Continuing support for their community, Gesa CU’s Turkey Trot is a SIGNATURE Tri-Cities event held every year! Due to COVID-19, the event will be going virtual this year, but don’t let that shy you away from the fun-filled community tradition! Choosing to run either the mile or the 5k, runners can participate between Monday, November 23rd, and Sunday, November 29th. “We are extremely grateful to Gesa Credit Union for their continued support and commitment to still host this virtual event despite not being able to gather in person as a community,” said Michele Roth, Executive Director for our local American Red Cross chapter. “The Turkey Trot has been a long-standing Tri-Cities tradition and although it will look different this year, it is still a great way to celebrate the holiday and support the important work of the Red Cross in our local community.” The quote is taken from NBC 23

Neighbors Federal Credit Union

For the past 12 years, Neighbors FCU has partnered up with WBRZ as a sponsor for [sic] Coats for Kids’ They accepted donations at all 10 locations throughout the Greater Baton Rouge Area! “For 32 years Pat’s Coats for Kids has provided a warm jacket to children in our community. It takes only $20 to give a kid a new coat in the proper size. During the cold months of December through April, we know that there are kids in the Baton Rouge community that do not have coats, whose parents cannot afford coats, kids that start their day at a bus stop shivering, and kids who enter a school needing time to “warm-up” to start their classes.” WBRZ 2

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

First New York Federal Credit Union

Due to COVID-19, this year has been very hard on us all. Now with students going back to school a few times a week while other days are spent at home learning, many don’t have the supplies they need to get through the school week. Knowing this, First New York FCU donated 450 backpacks filled with supplies (1,200 pocket folders, 900 spiral notebooks, and 700 highlighters), to the Schenectady City School District!

Common Trust Federal Credit Union

Supporting their community, Common Trust FCU has once again renewed its support for nonprofit health care as a Platinum Sponsor of the Step Out for Hospice Virtual Wellness Event. “We are grateful for Common Trust’s ongoing generosity as a key sponsor of our annual benefit. All the money raised through Step Out for Hospice will help our healthcare heroes provide care, support, and comfort to people of all ages with a life-limiting illness,” said Laura Wise, Manager of Fund Development.

GAC – We all know that GAC is March 2-4, 2021, who else is excited?!

“Let’s Begin” is a way of life for credit unions. We are always looking for ways to start deeds of greatness in this community.

Since COVID-19 had shaken up our year, it is imperative that we keep our heads up and stay positive during this tough time. We hope to see you all soon! If you have any questions, call us at (949) 548-7601.