Project Differentiation

CCSD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

CCSD Federal Credit Union's management and staff are committed to providing high quality financial services at reasonable cost to all its members regardless of their social or economic standing. Therefore, our commitment to the membership will remain our core focus. At the same time we strive to honor our fiduciary responsibility, ensuring that the credit union remains strong and prosperous.

Since CCSD Federal Credit Union's inception, it has always been very important to build and maintain a relationship with its membership by truly listening to our members. We feel that the relationship we have with our current members is the foundation needed for us to progress into the future. As technology continues to play a very important role in all of our lives, it is important for the credit union to look for new ways to build and maintain these relationships that have proven to be so vital to our success. An introduction of new advancements will only follow the realization of an affordable service or product that will benefit the diverse economic and social make-up of our present and future members.

Another prime directive at CCSD is providing resources for financial education to our members of all ages. Education will include understanding the value of membership in CCSD and the global credit union movement.

Finally, our commitment to civic responsibilities will include our active participation in community activities scheduled throughout our locale. We realize our involvement not only strengthens our presence throughout the Twin Tiers, but also supports efforts of organizations providing additional resources to the community.

Names and faces will change, but the commitment to serve our members to the best of our ability will remain constant. This commitment is declared in CCSD's theme-"the financial institution with a heart"-and that heart beats strong for its members, volunteers, employees, community, and entire credit union movement.

Section 1 - Service to Members

CCSD Federal Credit Union strives to offer services designed to improve the economic and social well being of all members from all socio-economic backgrounds, including our low- and moderate-income members, 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:

  1. Guaranteed Student Loans - Educational loans through the Federal Family Education Loan Program by NYS Higher Education Service Corp for undergraduate and graduate students.
  2. Financial Counseling - Remedial & Preventative - Debt Counseling service for members having financial difficulties. Assists members in rebuilding or strengthening credit position. Educates members on savings and budgetary tools.
  3. Estate Loans - Provides members an opportunity to build a savings account via a low interest loan. For many members this might be the only avenue available to build their own "insurance" fund.
  4. Diverse Checking Account Options - Town & Country Share Draft Accounts and Homestead Checking Accounts offer members the checking account for their needs. Many benefits are associated with any type of checking account CCSD offers for any age group.
  5. Variety of Savings Products - Passbook accounts, Money Market Deposit Accounts, Term Accounts, IRA accounts, and Summer Pay Accounts all offer a specially designed savings vehicle for all members.
  6. Pot 'o Gold Accounts - For members aged 0 - 12; Familiarizes children with a financial institution; Teaches children systematic savings, while rewarding their efforts through saving premiums; Specially designed promotions and newsletters accompany this type of account.
  7. New Age Accounts - For members aged 13 - 22; Educates teens on tools for financial management including share drafts, budgeting, savings, and building a strong credit history; Specially designed promotions, drawings and newsletters are geared specifically for this age group.
  8. Youth Savers Term Share Account - Savings vehicle for youth, under age 18, to encourage savings with a higher rate of interest normally earned with a traditional savings account.
  9. Summer Pay Accounts - A method of savings set up for 10 month (educational and support staff) employees. Allows them to be able to receive money throughout the summer months.
  10. Community Involvement Activities - CCSD participates in a multitude of community-based activities that promote safety, health, and entertainment.
  11. 24-hour Accessible ATM machine - Any-time day or night, a member can access their funds without suffering network user fees.
  12. Retiree Services - "Emeritus Clique" is CCSD's retiree club specially designed for our members over 55 years of age. Special discounts are associated with membership in this club.
  13. Expanded Hours of Service - CCSD's convenient hours of operations include drive-up window service (main office) beginning each weekday at 7:30 a.m., lobby service (at same location) each weekday beginning at 8:00 a.m., and an additional hour of service each Thursday evening. The drive-up also remains open an additional hour each Friday evening. The main office is open each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

New Services Planned for Coming Year:

  1. Web site - During the first quarter of 2000, CCSD's website (www.ccsdfcu.org) will be accessible. Members (and potential members) will be able to receive information about all current services and products CCSD offers and utilize several applications for the processing of a particular service.
  2. Fresh Start Program - Credit rebuilding program. Provides for the reestablishment of positive credit combined with financial counseling and budgeting workshops.
  3. Debit Cards - A method by which CCSD can enhance its current share draft program. A debit card will allow the membership to access their share draft account world-wide without having to write a share draft.
  4. Enhanced Mortgage Programs - Will allow CCSD to provide additional and competitive real estate products to its membership.
  5. Internet Banking - CCSD members would be able to transact their financial business over the Internet.
  6. Business Account Packages - Business account services developed for a small business to have access to low or reasonably priced business services.
  7. Targeted SEG visits and workshops - A minimum of two SEG visits per month will be scheduled during 2000.

Section II - Member Education

CCSD Federal Credit Union is committed to member and consumer financial education; in addition we are committed to educating members and consumers, alike, about credit union uniqueness, philosophy, and values.

Current Programs that Support Member Education and Advocacy:

  1. On-site SEG visits
  2. SEG Spotlights (through buildings and communications) - Chosen SEGs are highlighted through newsletter articles and display areas created in a selected area of the credit union operations.
  3. Quarterly newsletter
  4. Resource library - Materials available in lobby areas include car fact manuals, NADA Auto book, Wall Street Journal, etc.
  5. School and classroom presentations - Members of the management team visit local schools and instruct classes on financial matters relevant to designated age group.
  6. College Day "table" - Representation at annual College Fair at local mall.
  7. Community Involvement Events - CCSD has several ongoing committees and strongly encourages volunteer/member participation. Volunteers are recruited through on-site visits, Sharegram newsletter, and new member packet.
  8. Finger Lake District Activities - including workshops, CULAC/CUPAC fund-raising activities, and advertising.
  9. Youth & Teen activities and communications - Scheduled drawings, promotions and activities are included with on-going Marketing Plan.
  10. Membership Kits - Each new or potential member receives a prepared membership kit that includes information and applications for all CCSD products and services.

New Programs Planned for the Coming Year:

  1. Web site - Will include links to financial education resources, as well as, CCSD's quarterly newsletter.
  2. Utilizing bulletin boards in SEGs
  3. Planned Membership Drive
  4. Expanded consumer education seminars - CCSD will host seminars on a variety of financial issues for members.

Section III - Involvement/Governance

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

Current Programs that support Involvement/Governance:

  1. Volunteer Program - To encourage committee participation.
  2. Quarterly Board of Directors training sessions
  3. Annual meeting (including presence of Board members)
  4. Board, committee, and leadership attendance at and participation in district dinner meetings; league annual convention; and Government Affairs Committee functions.
  5. Board nominations for vacancies solicited from membership through communications with membership.

New Programs Planned for Coming Year:

  1. Developing a volunteer program for "representative" at each SEG.
  2. Enhancement of current volunteer program.

Section IV - Diversity

CCSD Federal Credit Union recognizes the value of demographic diversity in staff as well as in volunteers, and will strive to bring people of diverse backgrounds and experiences into leadership and other roles at the credit union.

Current or Existing Programs:

  1. Equal Employment Opportunity - hiring practices, strategies.
  2. Member Demographics - Participation through CUNA's program to better understand the socio-economic make-up of our serving area. Opportunities exist with this program to develop further surveys and studies.
  3. Internship Program - CCSD will hire college students to work summers and part-time peak period throughout the year. Giving struggling young adults the opportunity to earn extra cash for college expenses and develop business skills for resume preparation.
  4. Board Representation - CCSD strives to attract representation from industry as well as service organization with the field of membership for board representation.

New Programs for the Coming Year:

No new programs planned for 2000.

Section V - Commitment to the CU Movement and other Cooperative Activities

CCSD Federal Credit Union will work to build and strengthen our unique credit union movement by providing financial and in- kind resources to others within the credit union community, and by actively advocating the credit union difference at all levels of government and in other appropriate public forums. In addition, CCSD Federal Credit Union will participate in local, state and national cooperative activities as appropriate, and will strive to build and strengthen relationships with other sectors of the national cooperative movement.

Current Activities that Support the Credit Union Movement:

  1. Political Activity - Culac/Cupac Fund-Raising Events; Credit Union Representative Serves On Government Affairs Committee.
  2. Continuing Education for Employees - In-house training and outside educational opportunities and encouraged, scheduled, and supported. CCSD is dedicated to supporting lifelong learning.
  3. Mentor Program for Employees - Newly developed for staff of CCSD. Allows for increasing intellectual capital and retaining institutional memory, while offering another opportunity for a staff person to develop in their career.
  4. Active participation in Organizations (National, State and Local levels) - CPI, HRATT, SHRM, CUES, CUNA HR Council, FL District Council, FL District P/R, FL District HR Committee, etc.
  5. Cooperation among credit unions - CCSD will assist smaller credit unions with new services/product education. CCSD shares ideas/information on products and services with other credit unions for their general information. Annual new/used auto sale is open for participation to all credit unions within the district.

New Programs Planned for Coming Year:

  1. CUES On-line University - On-line educational resource developed through CUNA for staff development.

Section VI - Public Service/Corporate Citizenship

Through direct financial support or other in-kind contributions to worthwhile local organizations, and by participating in public service activities, CCSD Federal Credit Union strives to be an active partner in our community. We recognize that practicing good Corporate Citizenship supports the Credit Union Philosophy of People Helping People; furthermore, it will help raise the overall level of social and economic well being of those in our community, help to strengthen ties within the community, and better position us to reach out and serve-as only credit unions can-those people in greatest need of affordable financial services.

Community/FOM Groups Currently Receiving Financial or Other In-Kind Support (including the support given) and Current Public Service Activities:

  1. United Way
  2. Children's Miracle Network
  3. Elmira Heights Merchant Association
  4. Southport Merchant Association
  5. American Red Cross - blood drive
  6. Southern Tier Hospice - donations
  7. Horseheads Family Day
  8. American Heart Association
  9. Lee's National Denim Day participation
  10. Several staff members and volunteers serve on an array of church, scouting, school, athletic, and political committees
  11. Support of community fund-raising events such as, American Legion sales, Girl Scout of America fund-raising, Boy Scout of America fund-raising, and Local Food Pantry drives
  12. Sponsorship of area athletic teams and events
  13. Scholarships - CCSD sponsors educational scholarships through State and district programs and also provides one additional scholarship for a CCSD member.

New Public Service Activities Planned for Coming Year:

No new programs planned; however all solicitations are welcomed.

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