Project Differentiation

OXFORD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

At Oxford Federal Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, members come first. 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 and fair treatment to all members at all times. We promise to strive to be a trusted financial advisor that our members can count on in achieving their financial dreams. To this end, we promise to deliver a range of low cost products and services to the diverse economic and social makeup of our members and potential members. We will continually demonstrate the value of membership in Oxford Federal Credit Union.

We will monitor and communicate, in a meaningful way, our service to members using a multitude of media, 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.

Through Oxford Federal Credit Union's strategic planning, 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 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

Oxford Federal Credit Union strives to offer services designed to improve the economic and social well being of all members from all socio-economic backgrounds, and return financial value to all those who participate in our member-owned financial cooperative.

Current Services that Help Improve the Economic and Social Well-Being of Members:

Monty Moose Youth Saver's Club - Youth membership club targeted at children ages 0 - 12. Promotes savings and good money management for youth, offers special educational fun activities.
Share Savings - Oxford Federal Credit Union's basic savings account. A $5 minimum balance is required to maintain a savings account. There are no monthly or annual fees, and it pays a dividend that is compounded monthly.
Share Draft - Free Checking is offered membership wide and free checks to members over 60 years old. There are no monthly service charges, no minimum balance and no per check fees.
CU24CARD - The CU24CARD is Oxford Federal Credit Union's ATM card. Members can use their card at Oxford Federal Credit Union's two ATM machines, or at thousands of locations throughout the United States. With this card, you can also check your balance, make deposits, or withdraw funds at In-Store Banking ATM locations at major supermarkets in Maine, surcharge free.
SURF Alliance Network - Oxford Federal Credit Union is part of the SURF Alliance that Maine Credit Unions have formed to help members access funds surcharge-free at ATMs across the state.
IRAs - Oxford Federal Credit Union offers Traditional, Educational, and Roth IRA options that earn attractive dividends and have tax advantages.
SHARE Certificates - Oxford Federal Credit Union offers Share Certificates with terms from 3 months to 5 years at attractive, competitive rates.
Government Insured Student Loans - Oxford Federal Credit Union offers these loans to provide financial assistance to college bound members.
Youth Loan - This loan was designed for young members (14 to 17 years of age) who are in need of funds to pay for items such as sports equipment, athletic or scholastic related projects, car insurance or funds necessary to get ready for college.
Affordable Housing Programs - Oxford Federal Credit Union offers members a variety of mortgage programs designed to serve the needs of first time home buyers, families with moderate income, any member seeking to buy a home.
Interactive Web Site - Oxford Federal Credit Union's web site contains valuable consumer buying information, provides links to auto pricing guides and other financial tools, offers financial rate on financial products and provides up to the minute information on events occurring at the credit union.
Survey - From time to time members are surveyed by Oxford Federal Credit Union's Marketing Department or a professional survey company to ensure products and services are meeting the members needs.
Suggestion Boxes - These receptacles are located throughout the credit union to measure how its staff is providing services and promoting the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People".
Kelley Blue Book Values - Book prices are provided over the phone to aid members with their new and used car purchases.
Pre-approved Loan Drafts - Member can be pre-approved for an auto loan. A "blank check" is given to a member which enables the member to negotiate a car purchase while staying within their afforded price range.

SECTION II: Member Education: Oxford Federal Credit Union is committed to member education and social responsibility, including providing financial education to members and potential members to enhance their lives as well as promote credit union uniqueness, philosophy, and values.

Current Programs:

Home Buyer's Seminar - Each year Oxford Federal Credit Union sponsors a Home Buyers Seminar to assist and educate first time homebuyers in this process. Speakers include a panel of real estate brokers, building inspectors, appraisers, or title insurance company representatives.
Financial Aid Seminar - Each year a seminar is held for students (Juniors and Seniors) and their parents to educate them on the maze they must follow to get financial aid. Speakers include the Registrars from various colleges, guidance counselors from local high school, and a representative from the Finance Authority of Maine.
College Admissions Night - Each year Oxford Federal Credit Union sponsors a college admission night, where students, parents, guidance counselors, and college admission directors come together to talk about admission expectations for college bound students.
High School Workshops - Several times during the year, Oxford Federal Credit Union is invited into the local high schools to conduct sessions on how to handle a checking account and how to establish credit.
Boys Scout, Eagle Scout Requirement Standards - This is a six session course designed and taught by Oxford Federal Credit Union personnel about the financial demands of consumers. Some of the topics covered are credit unions vs. other financial institutions, comparison buying of a product, loan applications, credit reports, handling a check book, credit card instruction, and planning a budget.
K-5 Wellness Fair - This feat involves over 500 elementary school children in our area. Students tour the gymnasium that is set up with various tables and booths teaching them wellness of body, mind, spirit. Oxford Federal Credit Union is invited to promote the importance of youth savings.
Oxford Federal Credit Union Educational Committee - This group provides periodic financial information to the membership such as:

Financial Counseling Seminars

Quarterly Focus Groups

Basic Computer Seminars

High School Senior Class Seminar

Quarterly Newsletter - Each quarter Oxford Federal Credit Union's newsletter, "Connections," contains valuable educational articles or issues for members relating to credit union uniqueness and philosophy, important consumer concerns, and other timely topics. We are committed to more newsletter education and less advertising of products and services.
Member Appreciation Week - Each year one week is set aside to appreciate our members. Prizes are drawn throughout the week and winners are posted in our lobby bulletin board. On "Marvelous Monday" the staff honored the members by writing testimonial about members who made a difference in their work life. "Texas Tuesday" featured a cookout for our members with a Western theme. A volunteer Western band provided the entertainment and music for the day. "Wacky Wednesday" honored Monty Moose's, our youth savers mascot, 4th birthday. Monty's birthday cake covered the top of a picnic table and served over 250 youngsters, who were treated to a magic show and a parting gift. On "Thinking of You Thursday", area medical professionals set up booths in Oxford Federal Credit Union's lobby for members to visit and learn about topics they found interesting or vital to them. Many members had their blood pressure taken or had their spine checked. Participating in this event were Smart Care, Organ Donation Program, Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, St Mary's Counseling Center, Swift River Health Care and River Valley Chiropractic Association. "Formal Friday" consisted of local volunteer pianists who played on a baby grand piano to the delight of members and staff alike.
Employee Orientation - Oxford Federal Credit Union provides an orientation program for new employees, which includes emphasis on credit union uniqueness. In turn, employees convey this information to members.

SECTION III: Involvement/Governance: Oxford Federal Credit Union endeavors to preserve credit union democratic principles including demographic representation and volunteer participation in credit union activities.

Current Programs:

Annual Meeting - Oxford Federal Credit Union invites the entire membership to their annual meeting where elections are held for available positions on the Board of Directors.
Board Nominations - Each year at Oxford Federal Credit Union the nomination process is followed to encourage members to run for any of the vacant positions on the Board of Directors using local newspaper advertisements, statement stuffers and lobby electronic message board.
Supervisory Committee - Oxford Federal Credit Union recruits members to serve on our Supervisory Committee, a committee that attends all Board meetings and takes an active role in credit union management.
Campaign for Consumer Choice - Oxford Federal Credit Union actively participated and monetarily supported the Credit Union Campaign for Consumer Choice. A credit union-wide congressional letter writing campaign was initiated in 1996 and 1998. Many Oxford Federal Credit Union members and employees asked their congressional representatives to support the Credit Union Membership Access Act, H.R. 1151.
Political Involvement - Oxford Federal Credit Union has a representative on staff who is the designated Legislative Liaison, serving on both the Norm Nollette Chapter Legislative Action Committee as well as the Maine Credit Union League's Legislative Liaison Committee. Each year we actively participate in our League's Credit Union Day at the state capitol. Board of Director Member, Norman Ferguson, Jr., has serves as a Maine State Senator representing the interest of Oxford Federal Credit Union members and District 24.

SECTION IV: Diversity: Oxford Federal Credit Union will continue to operate as a democratically controlled member owned co-operative by focusing management, staff, and volunteers on diversity in the leadership of the credit union.

Current Programs:

Board Representation - Oxford Federal Credit Union's strategic goals for the past two years focused upon promoting a concerted effort made by the Board of Directors to bring in more Committee Members and Board Members from the various segments of the membership to ensure all segments have a voice on credit union issues.
Equal Employment Opportunity - Oxford Federal Credit Union actively seeks to fill vacancies by hiring qualified candidates without regard to race, creed, religion, or socio-economic status.

Section V: Commitment to the Credit Union Movement: Oxford Federal Credit Union will work to build and strengthen a unique credit union movement by providing financial and in-kind resources throughout the credit union community, and by actively advocating the credit union differences at all levels of government and in other appropriate public forums.

Current Programs:

Leadership Roles - Oxford Federal Credit Union's employees serve on board and committees for credit union related organizations: Maine Marketing Council, Norm Nolette Chapter, CUSO Board of Directors.
Cooperative Advertising - Oxford Federal Credit Union actively participates in the SURF state-wide advertising program to educate members of the SURF surcharge free alliance.
Development Educator - Oxford Federal Credit Union's Marketing Coordinator, Management Team Members, Supervisors and various staff members do presentations throughout the select employment groups on the philosophy and uniqueness of credit unions.
Continuing Education for Staff - Oxford Federal Credit Union helps pay and promote post high school education so that employees may further their career in the credit union movement. The credit union has introduced an innovative educational institution, CUES Online University, available through the Internet. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, and keeps employees current, capable and confident on job related courses such as accounting, compliance and lending.

Section VI: Public Service/Corporate Citizenship: Oxford 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:

Current Programs:

Relay for Life - This is an eighteen-hour walk around the clock to raise money and awareness in the battle to fight cancer. Each year Oxford Federal Credit Union has a team of walkers.
March of Dimes - This is a walk to promote research in producing healthy babies. Each year Oxford Federal Credit Union has a team of walkers.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk - This is a three (3) to five (5) mile walk which takes place in the fall of the year to raise money to fight against breast cancer. Oxford Federal Credit Union is represented by a team of employees.
G.R.A.M.I Kids - This is a community program to help children in formulating skills necessary to cope with every day life situations.
United Way of Oxford County - The staff of Oxford Federal Credit Union donates money which stays in the community to help underprivileged residents of Oxford County.
Community AIDS Awareness Program - The staff through its Helping Hands Fund donates money to this worthy cause.
Mexico/Rumford/Dixfield Food Cupboards - From time to time Oxford Federal Credit Union donates excess food to four area non-profit organizations: Rumford Group Home, G.R.A.M.P.A., St John's Church Food Pantry, and the Mexico Congregational Church Food Pantry.
Santas Helpers - This year Oxford Federal Credit Union staff and Board donated $500 to the Santa's Helpers.
Big Brother/Big Sister/ Bowl for Kid's Sake - Each year Oxford Federal Credit Union donates $300 to this charity. We also have a team of bowlers who raise money and bowl for this program.
Wellness Fair - This is a program to promote wellness of body, mind, and spirit to which the Credit Union is invited each year to teach youth savings.
Derby Soap Box - Oxford Federal Credit Union co-sponsored a soap box derby car for a handicapped person.
Sponsorship Little League - Each year Oxford Federal Credit Union sponsors a Little League Team providing them with uniforms.
Dr. Seuss Reading to Children - We were invited to participate in this local school program where we took part in being read to by elementary school students.
Christmas Reading Project - Each year Oxford Federal Credit Union promotes the skill of reading by employees and volunteers presenting a program of favorite Christmas stories.
Moon Tide Festival - This summer festival takes place during the week of July 4th. This year Oxford Federal Credit Union sponsored a band which played for members of the community during a Thursday evening.
S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corps of Retired Executives) - Oxford Federal Credit Union provides an office for this non- profit organization which offers business counseling to entrepreneurs and current business owners.
Maternity: Healthy Beginnings - Oxford Federal Credit Union's staff organized and held a maternity clothes and baby good drive, which donated items, along with diapers and books, etc., were given to Western Maine Healthy Beginnings, an organization created to ensure that all parents have support available to raise healthy babies.
University of Maine Basketball Sponsorship - Oxford Federal Credit Union sponsored a Umaine basketball game promoting support and community spirit. Over 100 tickets were given away to the membership and transportation to the game was provided by area business Rowe Ford of Rumford.

Oxford Federal Credit Union also practices good corporate citizenship by:

Providing use of our Training Room to community and civic groups needing a place to meet. During the last year, Many organizations and business have taken advantages of our facilities for their function. Some of these are as follows:

S.C.O.R.E. - (Senior Corp of Retired Executives) -
Holds monthly Board meetings
SAD#21 - Curriculum Study - Workshops
Rumford Elementary School Mentoring Program
Shop & Save Food Store - Staff Meetings
SAD#43 - Computer Studies for Teachers
Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Badge Training