Hi Folks,

Al here. And with 2009 just a day or so away… I’ve been looking at different ways to help you make your resolution to be fiscally fit in 09′. And I came across what I feel, is exciting news…

You know how we like to keep you updated with what’s going on with credit unions. This is an important year for CU’s all over America…why? Because we’re celebrating 100 years! That’s right, from sidewalks to side streets our nation’s not-for-profit, cooperatively-owned credit unions have been helping American families thrive for 100 years.

Every day Americans from all walks of life count on credit unions to provide high quality, affordable financial services. From heartland farms to city neighborhoods, credit union services have helped deliver a stronger financial future to more than 90 million member borrowers and savers.

 And now… a CNBC columnist is predicting that in 2009, there will be a RUSH to JOIN CREDIT UNIONS… For more click on the following link:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/28367388

I hope that his prediction is right, it certainly underlines, the important things that I have shared with our members and the Licking County community for years.

So, if you’re look ing for a resolution you can keep this year-I recommend if you’re a member, to share the credit union difference with someone you know. A friend or family member, and you could get rewarded with our referral program. OR…if you’ve been thinking about joining, make your New Year’s Resolution to come visit us and see what we’re all about. After all, just about anyone can be a member of Hopewell Federal Credit Union, you don’t have to work at a certain company to join us!

If you live, work, worship, go to school or volunteer in Licking County-you can be a member at Hopewell Federal Credit Union!

Happy New Year everyone!

-Al

Let’s face it, saving for retirement used to be simple.  You got a job, your company gave you a pension when you retired. But in today’s economy, pensions have all but dried up, so what’s a person to do?

Folks, as we look ahead to 2009, we promise to continually look for ways to help you get ahead financially. So I’d like to talk to you about IRA’s today. 

I’m here to tell you that in these uncertain economic times, a safe step that you can take to living the retirement you’ve always dreamed of , is to contribute to an IRA. Practically everyone is eligible to have an IRA, you just need to have earned income to qualify. And there’s plenty of investment options for your money. We can help!

Maybe you’re having a hard time saving money, how about using your upcoming incoming tax refund to begin investing. Or, you can open an IRA Club at HFCU and take a little out each pay, by signing up for Direct Deposit.

For more information on what IRA would work best for you, visit us on-line at www.hopewellfcu.org. or stop in and see us in Newark and Heath.

Hi Folks,

Al here, and I’d like to take this opportunity to talk to you about Invest in America. By now, you may have seen or read that credit union leagues in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and eight other additional states along with CUNA, have partnered to offer our members an exclusive discount program on General Motors and Chrysler vehicles.

You’ve seen and read how troubled our economy is, the news is all doom and gloom. That’s why when we saw an opportunity to make a positive impact and Invest in America, we jumped at the chance.

Here’s the rundown of how it works.

The GM Discount

The credit union member discount from GM will provide a double value to members who use credit unions’ best-in-class laon rates for financing while also taking advantage of the credit union member discount from GM.

The program provides all CURRENT and NEW credit union members with the GM Supplier Discount, PLUS an additional $250 bonus cash on most new GM vehicles through January 5, 2009. Beginning January 6, 2009, credit union members will still enjoy the GM Supplier Discount just because they belong to a credit union!

Credit Union Member CASH Program

Chrysler has joined the Invest in America program as well. The program started Tuesday, December 16, 2008, and runs through June 30, 2009. Credit union members receive up to $1,000 in bonus cash incentives, depending on which model you choose. Plus, the Credit Union Member Cash Program can be combined with most current incentives to add to your savings.

And, when you finance your vehicle at Hopewell Federal, you’ll save even more with our low auto loan rates. Remember, to take advantage of this program, members must secure auto financing through participating credit unions.

Folks, I know that times are tough, that’s why programs like Invest in America are so important, because they help boost our economy. So what are you waiting for? If you’ve been thinking about a new vehicle I encourage you to visit www.lovemycreditunion.com and learn more about the Invest in America program.

And remember, simply let your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or GM dealer know that you’re financing your NEW vehicle through Hopewell Federal or the CU of your choice!

Happy Holidays-

Al

Don’t miss out on the big guy! He and his helper elf will be visiting Hopewell Federal’s Heath Office…this Saturday from 9 a.m. until Noon! Take home a free keepsake photo and frame of your visit with Santa! Plus, we’ll have a FREE gift-for all the kids who attend.

We hope to see you there-Saturday, December 13th in Heath!

Let’s face it, in this day and age-when it comes to keeping up with the latest social media tools to get our messages across to members-I thought I was doing pretty good by blogging.

It’s been over a year now, and we’ve had a pretty good response with our blog. That being said, I was curious how many of you Twitter? We’re exploring the option as a way to communicate with our members-in real time. But I will say, I feel educated on the subject now, thanks to Common Craft’s video short on how to use Twitter in Plain English.

If you have a Twitter account or would be interested in receiving communication from Hopewell FCU using Twitter, let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

Personally, I think it’s an interesting concept. So, drop me a line. I would say Twitter me-but I haven’t registered just yet-I’m still exploring the option!

Al

Okay, so it’s been a little over week since I posted anything new…I apologize and will try not to stray again. But we’ve been very, very busy! I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s cell phone drive!

We did better than last year by far… We received 174 cell phones. 174! Simply Outstanding Folks! We’re so appreciative of your efforts, but more importantly, so are the women and families in need at New Beginnings, the Licking County Shelter for victims of Domestic Violence.

Thanks again for all your efforts. We really appreciate it and hope to keep the tradition going for next year! As we get ready to kick off the holiday season, it’s moments like these, that make you feel really, really special.

Thanks again!

Hi Folks,

Veteran’s Day is so important, to those who have served, are serving, and those who have given their lives for the greatest gift of all, our freedom. In honor of the very brave men and women across our country, we will be observing a day of blog silence on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.

Feel free to always post your comments, especially if you want to recognize a local resident who has served our country, those are always welcome.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all veterans and to the families who’s loved ones have lost their lives protecting our freedoms, to whom we will always be grateful.

We will resume blogging on Wednesday, November 12th.

-Al

Please remember, Hopewell Federal Credit Union will NEVER call, e-mail or text to ask you for sensitive information. We are dedicated to protecting your privacy and security!

Our credit union, affiliates or regulatory agency, (NCUA) will also never ask for your personal information. If you receive such an attempt it’s called PHISHING! It’s fraud, with the purpose to gain access to your accounts and withdraw funds!

Hi Friends,

Have you heard the news? Now finding a convenient shared branching location just got easier. Members of Shared Branching credit unions, like Hopewell FCU can now download the 3,450 locations to their global-positioning, personal navigation devices.

This new option joins Shared Branching’s existing telephone and Web locator services. Go to this website www.SharedBranching.com and click on Find a Shared Branch, then select the Dowloads tab to export the information to your Garmin, Tom-Tom or other system, in just a few quick and easy steps. It’s never been easier or more convenient to now take your credit union with you, no matter where the road may take you.

Members can also call 1-800-919-2872 for turn-by-turn directions in English or Spanish. You can also always visit our website, to find the closest shared branching credit union before you travel.

So it really is like we have a branch on every corner in the cities where you travel. I know we’re very excited about this new added convenience and hope that you are too!

Have a great day-

-Al

Attention all Hopewell Federal Members

As you can see from our previous post, fraudsters are everywhere and they have been targeting credit unions across Ohio over the past few weeks, including another local credit union in Licking County.  Unfortunately we have received several inquires from our members, on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, that leads us to believe that we now may be the target of a phone scam.

Several members have received messages or automated phone calls stating that their Hopewell Federal Credit Union credit cards have been compromised. Recipients are then asked to push 1, to re-instate their accounts by submitting their account information. By doing so, this is how the fraudsters steal your account information and potentially withdraw funds from your account.

All members who receive this phone call or text message should immediately disregard it. We do ask that you report these calls to us. Based on the information we have received, we are not aware that any personal information has been compromised. 

More importantly, if you have already fallen victim to this phone scam, you need to immediately notify us to let us know that your account information has been compromised. At this point, it seems that members are being targeted at random. This is not the result of  a data breach at Hopewell Federal Credit Union.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us immediately.

Al Smith
President & CEO
Hopewell Federal Credit Union