PARCHMENT, MI During the months of February through May of 2013, local schools and charitable organizations within Southwest Michigan have been receiving visits from representatives of First Community Federal Credit Union providing checks ranging from $100 to $5,000.� This is in connection with First Communitys new Community Advantage Program, developed to speak on behalf of the credit unions member-owners in determining local educational programming and charitable non-profit organizations to receive community give-back dollars.� The program was introduced in 2012, and allows members to select from a list of area schools and charitable organizations within the categories of human services, animal rescue, health and wellness, and culture and humanities. Members earn points based on their participation with the credit union simply by using financial services such as checking, direct deposit, electronic services, savings and loans. Greater relationship participation results in more points each month earned for their favorite local school or charity.� Points are aggregated at year end, and then tallied for payout based on the overall community give allowance determined by First Community FCUs volunteer Board of Directors.
"Our members are the owners of our not-for-profit financial cooperative," said Julie Birman, Board Chair for First Community Federal Credit Union.� "We feel that this program speaks to that by providing our members a direct voice in how we give back to our communities in the form of contributions to important programs such as education and local charities," Birman indicated.� "I am excited to be a part of this program as a volunteer Board representative for First Community Federal Credit Union.� I see this program as a way to say thank you to the community and members who have allowed us to grow and serve them." Julie participated in the delivery of a check in the amount of nearly $5,000 to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. �Katie Meskil, Director of Animal Care & Community Outreach for the local SPCA of Southwest Michigan was extremely thankful for the contribution to their programming, having successfully placed over 12,000 animals to local loving homes since 2002. Over 95% of the income received to SPCA goes directly to the care and placement of homeless animals.
The Community Advantage Program, in addition to other dollars provided by First Community FCU in form of youth scholarships and local event sponsorships, is intended to grow.� "As our membership and participation with the credit union grows, so does our ability to give back," indicated Birman.� "In 2013, weve allotted $75,000 in give back tied to the Community Advantage Program, which is part of our 75
th anniversary celebration."� Earlier in 2013, First Community Federal Credit Union additionally made a very exciting announcement to its membersa $2 million patronage dividend provided back to them.� This special Member Advantage Dividend was made in January to over 60,000 member accounts, up to $500 each.� The dividend equated to nearly half of the credit unions 2012 annual income, and came about as a decision from the Board of Directors as a way to show appreciation to the member-owners for their ongoing loyalty and participation.
PARCHMENT, MI During the months of February through May of 2013, local schools and charitable organizations within Southwest Michigan have been receiving visits from representatives of First Community Federal Credit Union providing checks ranging from $100 to $5,000.� This is in connection with First Communitys new Community Advantage Program, developed to speak on behalf of the credit unions member-owners in determining local educational programming and charitable non-profit organizations to receive community give-back dollars.� The program was introduced in 2012, and allows members to select from a list of area schools and charitable organizations within the categories of human services, animal rescue, health and wellness, and culture and humanities. Members earn points based on their participation with the credit union simply by using financial services such as checking, direct deposit, electronic services, savings and loans. Greater relationship participation results in more points each month earned for their favorite local school or charity.� Points are aggregated at year end, and then tallied for payout based on the overall community give allowance determined by First Community FCUs volunteer Board of Directors.
"Our members are the owners of our not-for-profit financial cooperative," said Julie Birman, Board Chair for First Community Federal Credit Union.� "We feel that this program speaks to that by providing our members a direct voice in how we give back to our communities in the form of contributions to important programs such as education and local charities," Birman indicated.� "I am excited to be a part of this program as a volunteer Board representative for First Community Federal Credit Union.� I see this program as a way to say thank you to the community and members who have allowed us to grow and serve them." Julie participated in the delivery of a check in the amount of nearly $5,000 to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. �Katie Meskil, Director of Animal Care & Community Outreach for the local SPCA of Southwest Michigan was extremely thankful for the contribution to their programming, having successfully placed over 12,000 animals to local loving homes since 2002. Over 95% of the income received to SPCA goes directly to the care and placement of homeless animals.
The Community Advantage Program, in addition to other dollars provided by First Community FCU in form of youth scholarships and local event sponsorships, is intended to grow.� "As our membership and participation with the credit union grows, so does our ability to give back," indicated Birman.� "In 2013, weve allotted $75,000 in give back tied to the Community Advantage Program, which is part of our 75th anniversary celebration."� Earlier in 2013, First Community Federal Credit Union additionally made a very exciting announcement to its membersa $2 million patronage dividend provided back to them.� This special Member Advantage Dividend was made in January to over 60,000 member accounts, up to $500 each.� The dividend equated to nearly half of the credit unions 2012 annual income, and came about as a decision from the Board of Directors as a way to show appreciation to the member-owners for their ongoing loyalty and participation.