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 In this challenging economy, savings are your ace in the hole – the perfect solution to safeguard your family and finance your future. Choose Choice One Community Credit Union for savings that earn more than ever. Our high-interest accounts will help your money grow faster in 2009. Choose the account(s) that suits you best, then start saving:
Money Market Accounts
- Tiered Dividends – Save More, Earn More
- High Yields Along With Access To Your Funds
- $5,000 Minimum Deposit Earns High Yields
Share Certificates (CDs)
- High Yields Starting At $500
- Earn Higher-Yield Dividends
- Terms From Six To 60 Months
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
- Traditional
- Educational
- Roth
Great Savings For The New Year!
Don’t miss out on these great savings opportunities. Make the most of your tax refund by depositing it in a high-yield Choice One CD! Stop by one of our offices to open an account or contact us for details. But hurry – these great offers end March 7!
Win A Springtime Getaway!
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 If you’d like to consolidate your bills, winterize your home, pay for winter heating or any other goal, the equity you’ve built up in your home can make it all possible. When you need a loan for any reason, use your house to help finance your plans.
Borrow up to $60,000 with a fixed-rate Home Equity Loan and up to $75,000 with a variable-rate Home Equity Line of Credit. The minimum amount of these loans is only $2,500 and you won’t have to disturb your savings or other investments. Best of all, the interest may be tax-deductible (consult your tax advisor).
Cash In On Your Equity!
Apply online at www.choiceone.org or call (866) 851-1658 and use our 24/7 Loan Center service.
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms are subject to change. Other rates and terms available. Our Home Equity Line of Credit is based on the Prime Rate plus zero percent as published in The Wall Street Journal. Consult your tax advisor for tax-deduction eligibility. Contact the credit union for complete loan details.
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April 15 comes faster than you think. Choice One Community CU can help you increase your tax gains through an IRA, get your refund more quickly, and even assist in filing the paperwork.
Increase Your Refund
There’s still time to contribute to your 2008 IRA and see the benefit on your tax return. You get more money back, and the interest is usually deductible! Check with your financial advisor.
Get Your Money Sooner With Direct Deposit
Fill in the credit union’s routing number, 231386878, on your tax form and have the money deposited directly, quickly and securely. Your tax check may never be “in the mail” again!
Start Gaining Tax-Deferred Dividends With An IRA
Depending on when you need to access your savings, you could gain tax advantages by saving your money in a Choice One Traditional IRA, Roth IRA or Coverdell Education Savings Account. Our loan officers will be happy to help you decide which is best for you. Call us at (570) 823-7676 or stop by today!
Traditional IRA
If your goal is long-term retirement planning and you don’t plan to access the funds now, go with a Traditional IRA. You can invest up to $4,000 per year, or $8,000 for married couples, and won’t pay taxes on that income until later, when your income may be lower.
Roth IRA
A Roth IRA offers higher interest on funds that you will need to access in a shorter term, like for a down payment on a house. Withdrawal is penalty free after five years, and the higher interest helps your money grow faster.
Coverdell Educational Savings Account
Saving for your child’s education? This is the account for you. Establish it for a beneficiary under the age of 18 and make nondeductible contributions of up to $2,000 per child each tax year, to be withdrawn before the child reaches 30.
Free Tax Help For Seniors & Others
Our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) community program provides free tax assistance. Volunteers help with basic tax returns for elderly taxpayers, in addition to those with low and limited income and disabilities. (Spanish-speaking volunteers available.) Families earning up to $38,348* may qualify for refunds under the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC). You may be entitled to more money if you’re eligible for the child tax credit, child and dependent care credit, education tax credits, or TAXBACK – a Pennsylvania tax refund. Contact us or visit the free tax preparation sites below.
Choice One Community Federal Credit Union
101 Hazle Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Appointments: (570) 823-7676 Ext. 221 Sue Bat
Commission On Economic Opportunity Office (CEO)
163 Amber Lane, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Appointments: (570) 826-0510 Barbara Ruppert
Wilkes University – Breiseth Hall
137 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
Appointments: (570) 408-4725
*$38,348 if married. Investment income may not exceed $2,800.
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 Thomas Smith has been named to succeed John Kebles. He will assume the duties and responsibilities of President/CEO on January 1, 2009.
Tom’s introduction to credit unions came in 1993 when
he was hired at Wilkes- Barre Postal as a teller. He joined Choice One in December, 1995. He has held the positions of Member Service Representative, Head Bookkeeper and Assistant Vice President of Operations. He was named Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Operations in May of 2003.
He currently serves as the board’s vice president for the Wyoming Valley Chapter of Credit Unions. Along with John, he was instrumental in the formation of Members Business and Financial Services, L.L.C. MBFS is a credit union owned services organization geared to provide member business lending and services throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Tom serves on the board of MBFS and was recently elected its Treasurer.
Tom is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University with a degree in economics and finance. Originally from Philadelphia, Tom resides in Plains with his wife, the former Susan Wasmanski and his three daughters Jennifer, Kelsey and Madison.
It will be business as usual in 2009. Tom wants to assure members that his and the credit union’s main focus will be continuing to be profitable for our members, to become their primary financial institution, and to maintain the safety and soundness of their funds.
With a great staff, a supportive Board and a mentor like John, Tom looks forward to the many challenges facing him in his new position.
EXTRA BONUS!
To thank our members for their loyal patronage, the Board Of Directors have declared a .50% bonus dividend on all regular Share Accounts for the fourth quarter of 2008.
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 John P. Kebles started his credit union career as a volunteer in 1976. He joined (Wilkes-Barre Bellco) in June of 1982 as an assistant manager and was appointed president in March, 1986. At that time, the credit union served 1,615 members from a rented 450-squarefoot office with three employees and $3.3 million in assets. Today the credit union serves nearly 13,000 members at three locations, with a staff of 30 employees and assets of over $60 million dollars.
He guided the credit union through 13 mergers, three office expansions, two building acquisitions, four computer conversions, a name change and a charter change that allows the credit union to serve three counties.
Today, members enjoy and conveniently access the very latest in financial products and services at three locations and can utilize a nationwide Shared Service Center network of over 4,000 credit union locations. They also enjoy 24/7 access through the latest in technology, including an interactive website, audio response and a surcharge-free network of nearly 40,000 ATMs.
Throughout his career, John has been very active in the credit union movement and in the community. He served in various capacities on numerous state and national credit union boards, as well as community boards and committees. Most notably, he helped guide all of Pennsylvania’s credit unions by serving 12 years as a director of the Pennsylvania Credit Union League, and as its Board Chairman from 2001 to 2003.
John credits his dedicated staff, the trust of his Board of Directors and the support and encouragement of his wife for his successful career. While he plans to play more golf and enjoy some leisurely travel, he intends to remain active at the credit union and in the credit union movement.
John’s wife Henrietta, his family and his three super grandkids are priority Number One. The credit union movement is his passion, while his vices are golf and Rolling Rock Beer.
Ed Note: Under John’s leadership the credit union has received many awards and much recognition. Among John’s personal awards and recognition:
- Named Professional of the Year in 1990 by the Pennsylvania Credit Union League
- Named in the Congressional Record in Washington D.C. by the honorable Paul E. Kanjorski in 2003
- Received the 2005 Keystone Award, the highest honor awarded by the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association
- An inaugural inductee named to the national Hall of Leaders in 2008 by the Credit Union House in Washington D.C.
- Named as second recipient of the Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan Leadership Award
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We’re giving away two great Springtime prizes:
- A 3-Day/2-Night Getaway In New York City Plus 2 Tickets For Yankees’ Opening Day Game At The New Yankees Stadium
- A 2-Day/1-Night Getaway In Philadelphia Plus 2 Tickets For The World Champion Phillies’ Opening Day Game At Citizens Bank Park
 How Do I Enter?
You’re invited to enter our Springtime Getaway Drawing by mailing a 3" x 5" card with your name, member number, address and phone number to the credit union by March 7. That’s one entry.
To increase your chances, open a Share Certificate (CD) with $500 or more (new money) between January 7 and March 7, to receive an additional 3 entries to win one of our getaway prizes. Bring in a friend or family member who opens a Certificate for $500 or more (new money) during that time and you will receive 10 additional entries in our drawing, plus your referral will receive four contest entries. In addition to some great savings, you could be there when the umpire yells, “play ball”!
*New York City Getaway includes hotel for 2 nights and New York Yankees opening-day tickets for 2 adults. Philadelphia Getaway includes hotel for 1 night and Phillies opening day tickets for 2 adults.
Other destinations available. Drawing will be held March 10 at noon in the Main Office. No purchase necessary. Chances of winning prize depend on number of entries received. Contact credit union for complete details.
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For everyday financial management, visit our convenient branch locations. You’ll find tellers to help with transactions, loan officers to help with borrowing needs and Member Service Representatives to open new accounts, products and services.
After hours, access your accounts with our on-site ATMs or use our Night Deposit Drops to ensure safe deposits of your funds. We have three convenient locations to accommodate your personal and business needs.
Financial management is as close as your computer – at home, in the car or relaxing in a café – and it never has a “closed” sign on the door! Our free Convenience Services are available 24/7 to suit your life!
Choice One Checking – Your First Step
A Choice One Checking Account is your first step toward all our 24/7 Convenience Services. Our Checking Account includes online check orders plus NO per-check charges, monthly service charge or minimum balance requirement.
Next, sign up for Direct Deposit. Have your pay, pension, government or other regular checks automatically deposited in your credit union account. Funds are available immediately. You can also qualify for a free ATM Card – when you have Direct Deposit.
FREE Virtual Banking
Virtual Branch® Account Access lets you manage your money 24/7 with the click of a mouse. Get balances, review account histories, transfer funds, make loan payments, pay your bills with FREE Bill Payer and more! View your Choice One accounts via online E-Statements. Enroll in our Virtual Branch Services, then log on to your Virtual Branch account and sign up for this service.
Convenient VISA® Check Cards
With a VISA® Check Card, shop without your checkbook or cash. Pay for purchases wherever the VISA logo is displayed – the charge is automatically deducted from your Checking Account. Use your Check Card to verify account balances, make transfers and withdraw cash at ATMs with the VISA or STAR® symbol.
Prevent Overdrafts!
Prevent accidental overdrafts with our Share Draft Overdraft Protection. Designate one of your Share Accounts as a source of funds and your overdraft protection is automatic. There is no fee and only a $5 charge for a funds transfer.
With a Checking Account open at least 90 days and Direct Deposit, take advantage of Sure 2 Pay that deposits up to $500 in your account for checks and automatic withdrawals over your balance. Sure 2 Pay will automatically be applied to any eligible Checking Account. It will be activated only when funds from your other account(s) have been used to cover an overdraft. You will have 30 days to deposit funds and pay a $10 processing fee.
VISA Classic, Gold & Platinum Credit Cards
Our affordable VISA Credit Cards are perfect for shopping, travel and emergency cash. They offer low interest rates, NO annual fees, FREE travel/accident insurance, 25-Day grace period on purchases and cash advances worldwide. Transfer your high-interest credit card balance(s) from another financial institution to our low-interest VISA cards. You could save money instantly!
BARB’s On Call 24/7!
BARB lets you access your accounts via a touch-tone phone. Call (800) 610-2788 to verify account balances and checks cleared and withdraw and transfer funds! BARB is always open!
Get Started Today!
To sign up for a Checking Account or our Convenience Services, call us at
(570) 823-7676 ext. 258, come in or apply online at www.choiceone.org. It’s easy to get started – and you’re going to love all the time, money and gas you’ll save!
The economic melt-down is featured nightly on the news so it’s no surprise that members are concerned about their finances. Fortunately, Choice One has strong answers to your safety concerns.
Like most all credit unions, Choice One is federally insured by a fund backed by the U.S. government. The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund insures credit union deposits to at least $250,000 per account. This fund is administered by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the U.S. government.
So sleep well. Your credit union is safe and sound, even in this turbulent economy. Since our first days, we’ve been completely focused on our members’ financial well-being and conduct our business responsibly. We will continue to provide the best in financial products, services and convenience – and safety!
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Holiday Closings
The credit union will be closed to observe the following holidays:
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday – Monday, January 19, 2009
Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 16, 2009
Good Friday – Friday, April 10, 2009
68th Annual Meeting
The 68th Annual Meeting and election of officers will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at the Choice One Community FCU main office, 101 Hazle Street, Wilkes-Barre, starting at 11:00 a.m. There is no charge to participate in the meeting and election of officers. If you are interested in seeking election to the Board of Directors in 2009, the deadline for nominations is January 30, 2009. Please submit your name along with a brief biography to the Nominating Committee at:
Chairman Nominating Committee
Choice One Community FCU
P.O. Box 1205
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-1205
Terms will expire in 2012. Nominations may also be made by petition. Petitions may be signed by 1% of the adult membership with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 500. Signed petitions must be submitted by January 14, 2009 to:
John Bereznak, Board Secretary
Choice One FCU
P.O. Box 1205
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-1205
Credit union bylaws state that nominations from the floor will only be accepted if there are not sufficient nominations from the nominating committee or by petitions. If an election is needed, it will be by paper ballot at the Annual Meeting ONLY.
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Now you can gain the edgeSM and get the tools you need to manage your money anytime, anywhere. Open a Share Savings and a Share Draft Checking Account, then take advantage of our online Virtual Branch with E-Statements, BARB phone access, and a VISA® Check Card. Apply for a VISA Credit Card, loans and more. Plan for your future with Share Certificates and IRAs.
Your financial success will be a sure thing with the edge from Choice One. You’ll learn to manage your money, avoid expensive mistakes and take steps toward a secure financial future. Get the edge in your life!
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 Teens want independence and the ability to make spending decisions on their own. As a parent, you want them to learn financial responsibility. Now there’s an answer – a savings solution that will make you both smile!
Just For Teens!
With cha-ching!, your teenager will learn the basics of saving, investing, budgeting and more. Savings and Checking Accounts, Check Cards, Online Banking and other services are all theirs.* It’s easy and fun for them to learn how to manage their money the right way with cha-ching!. Plus, it’s free!
We’re Wired Too!
Today’s teens are wired. They’re online, on their phones and plugged into iPods. That’s why we’re wired too – we speak their language! We offer podcasts, videos and downloads that are chock-full of teen-friendly financial information. It just goes to prove…money management doesn’t have to be boring!
Sign Your Teen Up Today!
Stop by or call us at (570) 823-7676 for more information. Teens love to say “cha-ching!” and you will too!
*Accounts and other services may require co-owner over 18.
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The Dollar Dog Kids Club® is a free program for our youngest members (up to age 12) that helps them learn to manage their money and get into the savings habit.
Kids love rewards, so for each deposit made, they’ll receive a Dollar Dog coin. They can redeem their coins for Dollar Dog merchandise such as stickers, Dog House savings banks and plush toys. It’s a win-win for kids and parents – youngsters save money in an insured account and get rewards for their financial investment!
A savings passbook lets kids watch their deposits grow. There is also an interactive website to spark kids’ interest and keep them saving.
Joining Is Easy And Free! Open a Dollar Dog Kids Club account with a $5 or more initial deposit – or just sign-up if you already have a credit union Share Savings account. All members’ children ages 12 and under are eligible. Join today!
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Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Nationwide Insurance Company of America. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, Nationwide is On Your Side, and the Nationwide Framemark are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2007 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All Rights Reserved.
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A Message From The MEMBERS Financial Services Program
- Is your retirement money invested properly?
- Will you have enough income in retirement?
- How will you pay for a child’s education?
- Financially, what would happen to your family if you died?
- How will you pay for long-term care?
 The MEMBERS Financial Services Program located at your credit union has one objective: to help you reach your financial goals. We’re here to help you make sound financial decisions consistent with your risk tolerance, investment time-lines and goals.
The program works in cooperation with your credit union and complements the products and services the credit union makes available to you. Together we can provide a total package to help you realize your full financial potential.
When it comes to insurance and investments, we understand the importance of a trusted partner. Contact Jim Van Wert, the MEMBERS Representative, today at 570-208-4520 for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment.
Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Nondeposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members.
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 Credit or debit? That’s the call of cashiers from coast to coast. When this question comes up, use your Choice One Community FCU VISA® Check Card and answer, “Credit!” You’ll earn one Bonus One RewardsTM point for every $2 you spend. Points can be redeemed for gift certificates, brand-name merchandise, airline tickets and much more! Learn more at www.bonusonerewards.com.
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