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ACU Newsletter: Fall 2024
Fall in the Northwest can be suspenseful. Will we get an extended mild patch of weather and squeeze in a few more outside activities, or will we see early rains and say goodbye to the sun for a while? It seems the harsher the winter, the more we expect from the other seasons.
While we are willing to make trade-offs in seasonal weather, we can never take the eye off the ball when it comes to security. October is Cyber-Security month, so it’s a good time to make sure that we are following best practices protecting our finances.
- Use Strong Passwords and Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Create unique, complex passwords for your accounts and change them regularly. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
- Be Cautious of Phishing Scams: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information in response to unsolicited emails or messages. Always verify the source before sharing sensitive information.
- Monitor Account Activity Regularly: Keep an eye on your account transactions and set up alerts for any unusual activity. This helps you detect and respond to potential fraud quickly.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and keep your accounts safe.
Upgrades Coming!
We are thrilled to announce that some significant updates are coming to ACU’s Mobile and Desktop Banking platforms. They are designed to enhance your banking experience and provide you with more flexibility and control over your finances. Look for this upgrade towards the end of the year.
Leveraging Advanced Features
Our platform will include several advanced features to make your banking experience even better:
- Real-Time Fraud Alerts: Stay protected with real-time alerts that notify you of any suspicious activity on your account.
- Biometric Authentication: Enjoy enhanced security with biometric authentication, ensuring that only you can access your account.
- KEN-Bot: Get quick answers and perform transactions through our conversational banking feature, making your interactions with us more efficient and user-friendly.
24th Annual Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament
ACU is once again excited to announce that the 24th Annual Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament Fundraiser will be played at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course on November 1, 2024. Join us to play golf, raise funds and have some fun with JBLM soldiers! All proceeds go to help JBLM service members and their families during the holidays.
Veterans Day Pizza Giveaway*
America’s Credit Union and Farrelli’s Pizza have again teamed up to say “Thank You” to our Veterans and military members with a free personal pizza this Veterans Day.
On Monday 11/11/24, Veterans and military members visiting any Farrelli’s Pizza locations are welcome to a free personal pizza*. Farrelli’s and ACU are proud to be part of the South Puget Sound, the home of every-day heroes that have protected our country yesterday, today and tomorrow. It’s a small way for us to let them know how much they mean to us.
Discover the Benefits of Affinity Plus Checking at America’s Credit Union
Are you looking for a checking account that not only meets your everyday banking needs but also rewards you for your spending? Look no further than the Affinity Plus Checking account. This account is designed to offer you convenience, flexibility, and fantastic rewards, making it the perfect choice for savvy consumers.
One of the standout features of the Affinity Plus Checking account is the cash back rewards you earn every time you use your debit card. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, dining out, or making online purchases, you can enjoy the benefit of earning cash back on your everyday transactions. It’s a simple and effective way to put money back in your pocket just by using your debit card for purchases you already make.
ACU Recognized as Best-In-state Credit Union!
We are proud to announce that ACU has been recognized as Washington’s Best-In-State Credit Union of 2024 by Forbes. This prestigious accolade underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service, innovative financial solutions, and a member-first approach.
Forbes, in collaboration with market research firm Statista, conducted an extensive survey involving approximately 26,000 U.S. residents to identify the top credit unions in each state. Participants evaluated their financial institutions based on several key criteria, including customer service, quality of financial advice, fee structures, ease of navigating digital and in-person services, and overall trust.
“We are honored to be recognized by Forbes as the best credit union in Washington,” said Phil Prothero, President of America’s Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything that we do. It’s nice to be recognized that our focus on innovation, integrity, and relationship-building has set us apart in the industry.”
Tumwater Branch Update
As the Tumwater Craft District continues to develop, construction on the new Tumwater branch is now in progress.
The Tumwater Craft District Market Building is becoming a popular destination for family dinners, drinks with friends, pop-up vendor markets, seasonal events, and soon, outdoor concerts. The market building features craft brews and ciders, food trucks, live music, and art, making it a vibrant community hub.
Olympia Seafood, Sweetlee’s Ice Cream, Finnriver Farm and Cidery, Kluh Art Gallery, Test Patch Studio, Mount Olympus Brewing, Nana’s Pattaya Thai Express, Bastard Pies, and Tumwater Taco Co. are all open.
We have seen solid growth in Thurston County with our Lacey and Yelm branches, and the new location will provide convenience and growth for our South Sound members. Located at 4200 Capitol Blvd., just off I-5 near Heritage Distillery, the branch will focus on serving general banking needs and providing for the business and mortgage needs in the area.
Business Member Spotlight – Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar
We are excited to highlight one of our remarkable partners, Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar. More than just a restaurant, Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar is a shining example of community, sustainability, and dedication to local traditions. Located at 222 Capitol Way in Downtown Olympia, it has become a fun and original staple of south sound dining.
Shina Wysocki and Kyle Lentz, owners of Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar, are second-generation shellfish farmers continuing the mission of sustainable farming established by their parents, John and Linda Lentz. Chelsea Farms was built on the foundation of sustainability, with a focus on responsible farming practices that protect our natural resources.
October is Cyber-Security Month!
If you think about it, the financial services sector has gone through significant changes since horse-drawn wagons delivered money to banks. Long after that, in-person visits to your local branch gave way to online banking on devices, both mobile and at home. But a more recent event, the start of the pandemic in 2020, left its mark on financial services and their customers. The risks of e-banking have been a very real concern ever since bad actors switched from cracking safes to cracking online accounts instead.
The American Bankers Association released statistics for online banking since the start of the pandemic. Mobile banking app usage increased to 44%, up from 33%; internet/online laptop or computer usage increased to 26%, up from 24%; walk-in bank usage decreased to 10%, down from 21%; and ATM usage at 8%, down from 11%.
Deciding When to Take Social Security**
If you think about it, the financial services sector has gone through significant changes since horse-drawn wagons delivered money to banks. Long after that, in-person visits to your local branch gave way to online banking on devices, both mobile and at home. But a more recent event, the start of the pandemic in 2020, left its mark on financial services and their customers. The risks of e-banking have been a very real concern ever since bad actors switched from cracking safes to cracking online accounts instead.
The American Bankers Association released statistics for online banking since the start of the pandemic. Mobile banking app usage increased to 44%, up from 33%; internet/online laptop or computer usage increased to 26%, up from 24%; walk-in bank usage decreased to 10%, down from 21%; and ATM usage at 8%, down from 11%.
Board Nominations
The following names have been nominated to serve on the ACU Board of Directors. They will be voted on during the ACU Annual Meeting this Spring.
Position #1: Thad Collard (3 Year Term)
Thad Collard is a Brigadier General with the U.S. Army Reserve and a Supervisory Health System Administrator for Madigan Army Medical Center.
He graduated with a BS in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California and was commissioned as an Army Medical Service Corps Officer. While serving on active duty at Fort Carson, Colorado, he also earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He attended the resident Army War College and earned a Master’s in Strategic Studies.
Thad has served in the Army and Army Reserve for more than 28 years and has held command and staff positions at every level. He has been mobilized in the U.S. and deployed to Afghanistan. Thad has held numerous positions in property, business and healthcare management for more than 20 years.
Thad served on the ACU Supervisory Committee for over 10 years and has served on the Board of Directors since 2023.
Position #2: Colleen Oczkewicz (3 Year Term)
Colleen Oczkewicz is a Board-Certified Public Accountant. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Saint Martin’s College and MBA from Seattle University.
Currently, Colleen holds the position of Chief Financial Officer of the South Sound YMCA where she has served in that role since 2012. Prior to joining the YMCA, her experience was primarily in the manufacturing setting. She held a variety of positions with PACCAR, including acting as the Assistant Plant Controller for Kenworth Truck Company’s Renton factory. She also served as the Plant Controller for Spring Air Northwest.
She is a Washington native and proud parent of a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet.
* Offer has a $0.00 cash value and is valid on 11/11/2024 for veterans and active-duty military personnel only. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Limit one per qualified persons.
**Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC a Broker/Dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera Advisor Networks and America’s Credit Union are not affiliated companies • Not NCUSIF insured •No Credit Union Guarantee • Not a deposit • May lose value • Not insured by any federal government agency.