News Archives

 

More files than you know what to do with?

On Saturday, August 2^nd Fort Erie Credit Union is hosting a Community Shred Day. From 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM members may bring their files to be shredded and from 11:00Am until 2:00 PM the public is invited to participate. This event will be held at the Garrison Road Branch only (1201 Garrison Road, Fort Erie, ON). Clean out your file cabinets on Community Shred Day.

Your Chance to be Rewarded for Being a Good Member

By the time you read this you will have received a Member Referral card in the mail with the request that you pass it along to a colleague, friend or family member.  Should they decide to join, our new member will be rewarded with one of the following fantastic gifts:

§       Hamilton Beach Deluxe 12 cup coffee maker

§       Dynex Digital picture frame

§         One year CAA membership

You may be asking yourself, “why should I get involved, nobody ever wins these things?”   It is in every member’s best interest to make our credit union grow to be strong and your effort will help assure that happens. 

But there’s more:  should your referral become a member of the credit union, you too will be rewarded just for making the referral.  You will receive a $25 gift card of your choice from a variety of your favorite retail outlets.  Ask for a copy of the list when you visit your branch. 

Many of you became members of the Fort Erie Credit Union because a trusted friend took the time to tell you about us and encouraged you to consider joining.  Now it’s your turn to take the time to pass along your positive experiences to your colleagues, friends and family and invite them to join our “family”.  Be part of our “people helping people” motto, help our membership grow stronger and get rewarded for your much appreciated effort.  Don’t wait, this program ends June 30, 2008.  Pick up more referral cards at either branch or click this link to print your own.

Karen Robbins Memorial BBQ

Come out on Friday, June 20th and help the staff celebrate the memory of former staff member Karen Robbins for the 1st Annual Karen Robbins Memorial BBQ - 11am to 2pm at both branches. Hot dog & pop combo $3. All proceeds to benefit W.A.R.M.


Income Tax Preparation Service
We offer Income Tax preparation and E-file every year, March 1^st through April 30^th for just $40 single or $70 per couple.  Just drop off your personal tax information at either our Garrison Road Branch or at our Jarvis Street Branch and we will contact you when your taxes have been completed and are ready to be signed.

Member Referral Program Is Launched
Check out our new Member Referral Program. If you love the way we treat you... Tell everyone about us. We are proud to be your community financial institution. All members will be rewarded with a special gift for any referral that generates new business for our credit union. Click this link to view the ad. Click this link to view the form.

 

March is Fraud Prevention Month

The right information can help you avoid fraud.  Call PhoneBusters, the Canadian anti-fraud call centre coordinated by OPP, RCMP and Industry Canada Competition Bureau at 1-888-495-8501 to report suspected fraud.  To learn more about how to protect yourself, check out www.phonebusters.com.  Right click this link to down load your PhoneBusters Anti-Fraud bookmark. Print and keep it handy for future reference.

Annual General Meeting Notice
Our 57^th Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18^th, 2008 at Bridgewater Golf & Country Club on Gilmore Road in Fort Erie. Please note the new location. The doors will open at 6:30pm, and the meeting will start at 7:00pm. Come and celebrate our financial success for 2007. Everyone is welcome!

The meeting will consist of a brief review of the financial reports for 2007. Also, there will be an election to fill the vacant positions on the board and any new business arising from the floor.

The Board of Directors, Audit Committee members and the staff eagerly look forward to greeting the membership at this annual event. Door prize draws will be held throughout the evening and refreshments will be served following the meeting.

Notice to the Fort Erie Community Credit Union Limited Membership

The Board of Directors of Fort Erie Community Credit Union Limited will be putting forth a resolution to repeal the credit union’s existing By-Laws and replace them with the proposed By-Laws as presented at our Annual General Meeting, to be held at Bridgewater Country Club at 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 18^th, 2008.

Members may pick up a copy of the proposed By-Law changes and the new By-Laws at either of our two locations, our Jarvis Street branch or our Garrison Road branch.  Copies will also be available at the AGM. 

It's RRSP Time Again
Consider reducing your Income Taxes by contributing to an RRSP on or before February 29, 2008. Contributions can be made automatically to your registered retirement account at the credit union on a weekly, biweekly or monthly schedule with no minimum deposit required. 

Alternatively, RRSP loans are available until February 29, 2008 with rates as low as Prime rate (currently 5.75%).

2008 RRSP Options

S&P/TSX 60 Index Linked Term Deposit
- 3 & 5 Year Non-Cashable Terms
- 60 Blue Chip Canadian Companies
- Principal guaranteed
- returns based on performance of S&P/TSX 60 index 

All rates subject to change without notice.
Each contract is insured up to $100,000 by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario (D.I.C.O.)  

What does investing in an RRSP mean to you?
For the average person, a $1,000 contribution to an RRSP saves approximately $250 - $300 in income taxes.  Not only are you investing money that would otherwise be paid in taxes, the earnings are not taxed until you withdraw them, allowing your money to grow rapidly, tax sheltered, until you retire. Pick up the most recent copy of ‘Understanding All the Basics’, a booklet providing clear and understandable information on RRSPs and other retirement income options, today.

Fun for all on Credit Union Day
The staff and board of directors celebrated Credit Union Day with the membership on Thursday, October 18^th.  This year’s Grand Prize winners of free Package Plus service charges were Steve & Tracy Richer and Darwyn Sumbler.  Congratulations to the Leggett Family – Leighton & Wendy Leggett and daughter, Sadie Hall were a few of the lucky recipients of our $50 ATM winfall; an annual tradition that many of our members eagerly look forward to.     

Our 4^th Annual Coloring contest collected a record 102 entries, more than double from last year.  All the children received a prize and were recognized with a certificate for their efforts.    

Thanks to all our members who joined us on credit union day, making the festivities fun for everyone. Check out some of our winners.

Help Us Decorate Our Christmas Tree

During your next visit to your branch, purchase an ornament for $1 to decorate our Christmas tree.  Help us to make a difference in our community.  All proceeds to benefit C.O.P.E.

Visit Santa’s Fantasy Land
 ~ Nov. 28th - Dec. 2 at the Optimist Hall
Enjoy a whimsical Christmas for all ages when you visit Santa in his workshop at the Optimist Hall on Gilmore Road. Brought to you by the Optimist/Opti-Mrs and the Fort Erie Credit Union.

Be sure to bring the kids to visit with Santa:
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5:00PM – 8:00PM,
Saturday 10:00AM – Noon, 1:00PM – 3:00PM, 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Sunday Noon – 4:00PM

Hey kids – Shop for Mom and Dad in Santa’s Store. Photos with Santa just $5.00. Also featured: baked goods and craft sale. Admission is free.

Breast Cancer BBQ & Bake Sale

Our members helped to make a difference!  On Friday, October 5^th, we sponsored a BBQ & Bake Sale in aid of Breast Cancer awareness & research and raised over $1,700 through the sale of hot dogs & home made baked goods.  Event organizers, Patti Carpenter, Beth Fowler & Donna Brennan did a great job coordinating the event & rallying the staff to the occasion; great teamwork made this event a huge success.

Coupled with the donations, the Board of Directors has made a corporate donation of $500 to make our total donation $2,220.97.


What if you could get a 5 year mortgage at 6.0%
If you don't think you can afford a home, get ready to change your mind. Call today. We want to help. This offer is for a limited time and based on credit approval.

Some Credit Union Day Winners

Colouring Contest winners, Alexandra & James Hall

Colouring Contest winner, Campbell LaRoche

Colouring Contest winner, Hailey Gagnon

Colouring Contest winners, Noah and Seth Wade

Colouring Contest winners, Tommy, Matthew and Johnny Brown

Winfall winner Becky Thomas with Chandler and baby Evan Colgan

Winfall winner Wendy Leggett

Winfall winner, Chandra LaRoche

Great Rates On Certificates

What if your money could work harder for you? Before you know it, your money could be growing with Fort Erie Credit Union. Lock in today at 3.50% and guarantee your return on a 1 year cashable certificate (cashable after January 1, 2008) or lock in at 4.35% on a 3 year certificate (cashable on anniversary date). For a limited time only you can take advantage of this great offer. Don't hesitate as rates are subject to change. Available through November 7, 2007. Ask our branch staff for more details. 

International Credit Union Day ~ Oct. 18^th
Everyone is welcome to join in on Thursday, October 18^th when we celebrate International Credit Union Day.  Bring a friend & stop by all day long to enjoy the refreshments with the staff & board members.  Enter the draw for free Package Plus service charges for 1 year & gift certificates to local restaurants. Kids can enter the colouring contest where everyone wins a prize. Click the link for the picture choices, Picture 1, Picture 2 or Picture 3.

Amy's Retirement Openhouse
Please join the staff and Board of Directors in celebrating Amy Lainson's retirement on Thursday, May 31^st at the Jarvis Street Branch all day long.
Refreshments will be served all day - Pizza & Wings between 11am- 2pm.

Annual General Meeting Notice  
Our 56^th Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 20^th, 2007 at the Holiday Inn on Garrison Road in Fort Erie. Please note the new location. The doors will open at 6:30pm, and the meeting will start at 7:00pm. Come and celebrate our financial success in 2006. Everyone is welcome!

The meeting will consist of a brief review of the financial reports for 2006. Also on the agenda will be the election of any board or audit committee vacancies and any new business arising from the floor.

The Board of Directors, Audit Committee members and the staff eagerly look forward to greeting the membership at this annual get-together. Door prize draws will be held throughout the evening and refreshments will be served following the meeting.

If you would like to preview the 2006 Annual Report, click here.

It's RRSP Time Again
Consider reducing your 2006 Income Taxes by contributing to an RRSP on or before March 1, 2007. Contributions can be made automatically to your registered retirement account at the credit union on a weekly, biweekly or monthly schedule with no minimum deposit required. Alternatively, RRSP loans are available until March 1, 2007 with rates as low as prime (currently 6.0%).
See examples below -

Please contact the loans department at either branch for more information or to discover how we can tailor a plan to help you. 

What does investing in an RRSP mean to you?
For the average person, a $1,000 contribution to an RRSP saves approximately $250 - $300 in income taxes.  Not only are you investing money that would otherwise be paid in taxes, the earnings are not taxed until you withdraw them, allowing your money to grow rapidly, tax sheltered, until you retire. Pick up the most recent copy of ‘Understanding All the Basics’, a booklet providing clear and understandable information on RRSPs and other retirement income options, today.

RRSP Options

S&P/TSX 60 Index Linked Term Deposit
- 3 & 5 Year Non-Cashable Terms
- 60 Blue Chip Canadian Companies
- Principal guaranteed
- returns based on performance of S&P/TSX 60 index 

All rates subject to change without notice.
Each contract is insured up to $100,000 by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario (D.I.C.O.)  

CU Day Update - Thank you to all our members for another successful Credit Union day this year. Grand Prize winners of free service charges for 1 year were: Nathan McWhirter for the Garrison Road Branch and Dan Colgan for the Jarvis Street Branch. The winner of our new member draw for a gift certificate to Ridgeways Restaurant was Jackie Swalm.

We were happy to continue our new tradition of supplying both our ATMs with $50 bills, providing some lucky members with an unexpected winfall when they withdrew cash all day long and into the night. Congratulations to Michelle Gray, our first $50 winner of the day!

Our 3rd Annual Coloring Contest brought in over 50 entries this year from our ‘junior’ members. All the children received a certificate and a prize for their efforts. 

Great Rates On Certificates - What if your money could work harder for you? Before you know it, your money could be growing with Fort Erie Credit Union. Lock in today at 3.5% and guarantee your return on a 1 year cashable certificate (one year cashable after January 1, 2007) or lock in at 4% on a 3 year certificate (3 year cashable on anniversary date). For a limited time only you can take advantage of this great offer. Don't hesitate as rates are subject to change. Available through November 7, 2006. Ask our branch staff for more details. 

Direct Play and Win Sweepstakes^TM
You could be one of 36 members from across Canada to share the $18,000.00
jackpot  in the Credit Union DIRECTPLAY AND WIN!^TM Sweepstakes. Nine winners 
will be picked every week for the month of November. Pay Direct with you Member 
Card^® Debit Card at any one of over 250,00 locations and you are automatically 
entered for the weekly prize every time you complete an Interac^† Direct Payment 
transaction. Please see branch staff for official rules and regulations.

Credit Union Day Observed
October 19th is International Credit Union Day. Stop by and enjoy some light refreshments with us. There will be draws for the adults, and kids, be sure to check out the colouring contest. You may click on the picture links below and bring your pictures in completed or do it at the branch .

Good News for Debit Card Users!
Our participation in The Exchange Network allows point of sale (POS) transactions at over 340,000 retail outlets in the United States. The ACCEL network works the same way POS purchases work in Canada with your Membercard. Funds are immediately withdrawn from your Canadian savings or chequing account and the foreign exchange is calculated simultaneously.  As an added value, a cash back option is also available at the majority of participating merchants.

Only a nominal fee of 25¢ per transaction is charged at monthend. However, if you have the Package Plus or the 50 Plus account, this fee is included at no cost, in your package.  Look for the new logo when you shop across the border.

For a list of participating US retailers, visit the website at www.accelexchange.com or click here.

Sylvie's a stay-at-home Mom
This week it was announced that Sylvie Snelgrove will not be returning to her position as Head Teller at the Jarvis Street branch in favour of continuing her full-time roll as 'Mom' to 12 and a half month old Emily. Sylvie started as a Member Service Representative with our credit union in January of 1997. We wish her, and her family all the very best. We will miss you Sylvie, and your smile! 

Happy Retirement Karen!
The Board of Directors and fellow staff members would like to offer our 'Best Wishes' to Karen Robbins on her retirement. Karen has been with the Credit Union for over 30 years and most recently held the position of Senior Member Service Representative at the Garrison Road Branch. We will still be seeing Karen regularly as she has agreed to serve as a part-time teller. She is currently taking some time off with her husband Wray. 

New Fee Schedule Announced (October 2005) 

Effective October 1st, 2005, please be aware of the following monthly maintenance fees:

   Current Account, $5.00

   Package Plus, $12.00 *no longer includes money orders

In addition, cheques returned NSF (non-sufficient funds) will incur a $25.00 charge.

2005 AGM Highlights
Our 55^th Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at the Fort Erie LeisurePlex.  Attended by 100 members and 9 guests, the evening was a great success.  The meeting progressed through the reports and presentations after observing those members who passed away during 2005.  Net Income was reported at an all time high of $280,186 and Assets grew to $42.2 million.  Many door prizes were won by members and a light buffet was enjoyed following the adjournment.  Copies of the 2005 Annual Report are available at both the Jarvis Street and the Garrison Road locations.
Elections
Board of Directors:  Barrie Golding, Robert Mann & Robert Spratt were re-elected for 3 year terms and Robert Smith was elected to serve the remainder of a 3 year term expiring in 2006.     
Audit Committee:  Robert Brooke was re-elected for a 3 year term.
New Business
The Nominating Committee proposed a By-law 7:12 amendment to have applicants for the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee submit resumes 60 days before the AGM, thereby removing nominations from the floor.  The motion was defeated with a vote of 64 to 33 against the motion.
Staff Recognition
Perfect Attendance:  Fran Gagnon, Denice Green & Heather Lorking.
Years of Service:  Doreen Barnes & Jane Freeman for 5 years and Karen O’Connor for 10 years.
Announcements
Retirement:  Karen Robbins, after 31 years of service, retired but will continue to work part-time at the Garrison Road branch.

Annual General Meeting Announced (February 2006)
The Secretary of the Board of Directors of Fort Erie Community Credit Union Limited announces that the 55th Annual General Meeting will take place at 7:00PM on March 21, 2006, in the Banquet Hall at the Fort Erie LeisurePlex on Garrison Road. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact 905-994-1201. 

Can you help?  We are looking for nominations for Directors and Audit Committee members. These positions require a substantial commitment of time and energy. The credit union needs the assistance of its members to maintain its status and credibility in the community.

For a more detailed explanation of responsibilities, or if you would like additional information, please contact the President, Pat Sparling at 905.382.3239. If you believe that you or a fellow member would be an asset to our Board or Audit Committee, please submit the name and  resume to:
Mr. Barrie Golding - Nominating Committee Chairman
770 Kraft Rd., Fort Erie, ON L2A 4M9
Fax: 905.871.4013       email: barrieg@bjgolding.ca

Elections for both the Board of Directors and Audit Committee will be held during our Annual Meeting beginning at 7:00PM on Tuesday, March 21, 2005 at the Fort Erie LeisurePlex.

RRSP Time Again (January 2006)
Consider reducing your 2005 Income Taxes by contributing to an RRSP before March 1, 2006. Contributions can be made automatically to your registered retirement account at the credit union on a weekly, biweekly or monthly schedule with no minimum deposit required. Alternatively, RRSP loans are available until March 1, 2006 with rates as low as prime (currently 5.25%).
See examples below -

Please contact the loans department at either branch for more information or to discover how we can tailor a plan to help you. 

What does investing in an RRSP mean to you? (January 2006)
For the average person, a $1,000 contribution to an RRSP saves approximately $250 - $300 in income taxes.  Not only are you investing money that would otherwise be paid in taxes, the earnings are not taxed until you withdraw them, allowing your money to grow rapidly, tax sheltered, until you retire. Pick up the most recent copy of ‘Understanding All the Basics’, a booklet providing clear and understandable information on RRSPs and other retirement income options, today.

RRSP Options 2006 (January 2006)

S&P/TSX 60 Index Linked Term Deposit
- 3 & 5 Year Non-Cashable Terms
- 60 Blue Chip Canadian Companies
- Principal guaranteed
- returns based on performance of S&P/TSX 60 index 

All rates subject to change without notice.
Each contract is insured up to $100,000 by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario (D.I.C.O.)

A Letter from the President (November 2005)
November 1, 2005

Dear Members:
After considerable reflection, the Board of Directors would again like to bring a motion at the Annual General Meeting to change the method of electing members to the Board and to the Audit Committee.

Election to the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee carries with it a considerable commitment of time and responsibility.  Both the Board and the Audit Committee have regularly scheduled meetings, periodic credit union functions and training seminars to attend.  In addition, Board members must also attend committee meetings, as each member of the Board is required to serve on at least two (2) committees.  In order to be eligible to stand for election, it is advisable that candidates have been active members of FECCU for at least one year.  

Any member may nominate a candidate by submitting an application to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee.  The Nominating Committee will contact all nominees inquiring as to their interest in becoming a member of the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee.  Willing candidates will be asked to submit a resume along with a short letter detailing the reasons why he or she would be an asset to the Board or the Audit Committee.  All candidates will then have the opportunity to meet with either the Board or the Audit Committee to discuss any questions or concerns before making a firm commitment to stand for election.  

In today’s business climate, it is imperative that the Board of Directors represents a cross section of our General Membership.  By receiving applications early, the Nominating Committee will have the opportunity to ensure that potential candidates will not encounter any significant conflicts or problems should they decide to stand for election.  All members of the Board and the Audit Committee are required to be bonded, a legal procedure that can take a few weeks to complete.  

The Board truly believes that all parties, the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee and the General Membership would benefit from this change.  It will also give the Nominating Committee the opportunity to present at the AGM, a list of candidates who appear to have the best skills, along with life and work experience, to pursue the objectives and goals of our credit union.  

Therefore, it is the Board’s intention to present the following motion at the 2005 Annual General Meeting on March 21, 2006.                                            

Moved by ______________________   seconded by ___________________.

“Any FECCU member who stands for election to the Board of Directors or to the Audit Committee must submit a written resume to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee at least sixty (60) days before the Annual General Meeting.  Nominations for the positions on the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the FECCU will no longer be accepted from the floor on the night of the AGM.”

If this motion passes, the above procedure will be in effect for the 2006 Annual General Meeting to be hel