Project Differentiation

TIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, TIC Federal Credit Union is committed to our members. We will uphold our fundamental responsibility to actively serve people within our field of membership, and as appropriate, the communities they live in. We will treat all members with respect and dignity and we will offer honest, fair deals to all members at all times. We will deliver a range of low cost products and service to the diverse economic and social make-up of our members and potential members. We will look for better ways to reach out to the un- or underserved in our field of membership. And we will continually, in all facets of operations, demonstrate the value of membership in TIC Federal Credit Union.

We will monitor and communicate our service to members in a meaningful way so that members, potential members, legislators, regulators, and the community at large will understand and appreciate the unique role that member-owned financial cooperatives play in their lives.

Throughout TIC Federal Credit Union’s business plan, we will put forth every effort to enable our members to become financially self- sufficient and successful. We will place high importance on consumer education and the teaching of financial thrift.

This Statement of Commitment to Members is consistent with our credit union principles of “Not For Profit, Not For Charity, But For Service” and our philosophy of “People Helping People”. This statement represents good business practices that ensure the financial strength of our credit union on behalf of our members.

Section I: Service to Members

The following programs are designed to improve the economic and social well-being of members and return financial value to our members and potential members.

  1. Scottie Savers – This program is for children 12 years of age or younger. Promotes savings and good money management for youth, offers special education fun in a newsletter called Scottie Savers Chronicle. (Penny, our mascot, is a Scottish Terrier)

  2. Iron Mike – Targets men and women in the military with investment programs, checking, exclusive Iron Mike checks, and other low cost or no cost services such as eBranch where they would have instant access to their accounts from anywhere in the world. Special discounts at select area retailers.

  3. Prime Club/Prime Club Plus – Targets mature adults 50 and older with financial advise, preferential savings rates, free check for checking accounts, unlimited regular traveler’s checks and cashier’s checks, and other low cost or no cost services such as a discounted safe deposit box. Special discounts on health and travel advantages.

  4. TIC began providing free checking accounts to its members in 1983. In 2000 low cost checking accounts with technical services were introduced to our members and have been hugely successful.

  5. Check Card – This service provides our members with the ability to make cash purchases without writing a check. The check card looks and works similar to a credit card, except the money used to pay for purchases comes out of their checking account, so they are never left with a finance charge

  6. e-Branch and Bill Pay – Gives our members internet with real time access to their accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world. Members can conduct all of their financial transactions from the comfort of their home or office.

  7. TIKKI – With a touch-tone telephone, members can access their account(s) 24 hours a day. TIKKI allows them to get account balances, transfer money, apply for a loan, get quotes on savings and loan rates. There is no charge for this service. Members out of our local calling area can use our convenient toll-free number.

  8. FHA and VA Housing Loans – TIC Federal Credit Union offers these types of home loans in addition to conventional mortgages, 5 and 7 year Balloon Loans, Jumbo Loans, Construction Loans and Nonconforming Loans.

  9. Member Financial Services – This is an investment program that offers unique financial and investment services to members such as mutual funds, annuities, stocks, etc.

Section II: Member Educations

  1. Home Buying Seminars – Each year TIC Federal Credit Union sponsors a home buying seminar to assist first-time homebuyers.

  2. Financial Investment Seminars – TIC Federal Credit Union through Members Financial Services provides it members with ongoing investment education such as annuities in retirement, investing fundamentals and mutual funds.

  3. Car Buying Class – Throughout the year TIC will provide members with the tools they need to make an informed purchase of a new or used automobile.

  4. Quarterly Newsletter – Each quarter our newsletter contains valuable education for members related to credit union uniqueness and philosophy, important issues, and other timely topics. We are committed to providing this financial tool to all of our members.

  5. Web site – TIC Federal Credit Union’s web site contains valuable consumer buying information for all major purchases, provides assistance in investment programs, providing valuable links to auto price guides, and current credit union issues.

  6. Employee Orientation – TIC Federal Credit Union provides a comprehensive employee orientation that emphasizes the uniqueness of credit unions compared to other types of financial service providers.

  7. TIC provides employees with training courses in Achieving Service Excellence (ASE) and Coaching Service Excellence (CSE). These courses ensure our employees are provided with the tools and knowledge needed to provide excellent customer service. TIC Federal Credit Union is dedicated to providing its members with predictable positive experiences that consistently meets or exceeds our customers expectations.

Section III: Involvement/Governance

TIC Federal Credit Union will endeavor to preserve the credit union democratic principles, including demographic representation and volunteer participation in the organization.

  1. Make annual meetings more accessible in order to accommodate the majority of members.

  2. Set Board and Committee attendance standards.

  3. Educate the members, staff, Board and the community about the uniqueness of credit union, specifically the importance of volunteer leadership and democratic elections.

  4. Instruct Nominating Committee to actively seek wider member representation on credit union Boards and Committees.

  5. Liaison group made up of SEG representatives.

  6. Provide special training for members on the Board of Directors and other volunteer committees.

Section IV: Diversity

TIC Federal Credit Union conducts random surveys to determine the demographic make up of its members so that products and services may be specifically targeted to meet their needs.

TIC Federal Credit Union actively seeks to fill vacancies by hiring qualified candidates without regard to race, creed, religion, or socio-economic status, seeking to represent the community in which we operate.

TIC Federal Credit Union specifically targets the indirect members for additional products and services to ensure full participation and viability.

Section V: Commitment to the Credit Union Movement and other Cooperative Activities –

TIC Federal Credit Union provides check encoding, microfiche and forwards them to the Federal Reserve for sister credit unions (Tom’s and GEPCO Credit Unions). We also provide cash to these credit unions.

TIC Federal Credit Union participates actively in the Georgia – Polish Credit Union Partnership.

TIC Federal Credit Union’s senior management staff serves on the Boards and Committees for credit union related organization: CUNA Owners Advisory Council, CUNA Mutual SEMD Steering Committee, Georgia Credit Union League, GCUA Legislative Affair Committee, GCUA Executive Committee, Chattahoochee Valley Chapter, GCCU Supervisory Committee, NAFCU Awards Committee, Rotary, Better Business Bureau Board, Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Polish Partnership.

Section VI: Public Service/Corporate Citizenship –

TIC Federal Credit Union will strive to be an active partner in the community and field of membership that will enhance both their economic and social well-being. Each year the credit union supports many organizations in our community, including but not limited to:

  1. United Way Campaign
  2. Children’s Miracle Network
  3. March of Dimes
  4. Cubby Bear Campaign
  5. Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
  6. Combined Federal Campaign
  7. Valley Rescue Mission
  8. House of Mercy
  9. American Heart Association
  10. Better Business Bureau
  11. Chamber of Commerce
  12. Fort Benning Support
Copyright © 2012 Credit Union National Association