moneywisdom spring 2014
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Hanscom FCU Member Magazine: 60th anniversary edition. See where we came from and the people who shaped our mission.TRANSCRIPT
MoneyWisdomSpring 2014
A COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION FROM HANSCOM FCU
THE HISTORY OF Hanscom FCU 4
8 PEOPLE ON A MISSION: A Charter for Hanscom FCU 6
Two People, One Mission: LEADERS THAT SHAPED OUR FUTURE 3
6 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y E D I T I O N
2 Spring 2014
When Hanscom Federal Credit Union’s founders received a charter from NCUA 60 years ago, they could not have known that their small group dedicated to member thrift would become what it is today.
We grew from eight volunteers to more than 50,000 members. From $40 in shares to more than $1 billion in assets. From one location in Cambridge, Mass. to 16 branches in two states, plus a robust online branch and a 24/7 call center.
Tremendous changes have taken place in the world since our beginnings. Hanscom FCU has changed along with it, but we have retained the same principles held by those men and women. We are democratically controlled and led by volunteers. We focus on the financial well-being of our member-owners. Everything we do, every product we offer, is designed to return value to you, the member.
I hope you take a moment to look through this issue of MoneyWisdom as we look back at yesterday and celebrate today. It has been quite a journey, and we look forward to what comes next. Thank you for your loyal membership.
Chairman’s Corner
60 YEARS OF PROVIDING Responsive Financial Service
Call for VolunteersVolunteers are the backbone of our organization. They provide leadership, inspiration and connection between the credit union and its members. In fact, volunteers from our membership keep the organization fresh and focused on its cooperative principles.
If you would like to become a credit union volunteer, consider joining our Advisory Group. This is a chance to hear the latest news and have input directly to the Chairman of the Board and the CEO/President. The group meets four evenings per year at the main office.
For more information and an application, contact Terri Bellacini at 781-698-2203 or email [email protected].
Everything we do, every product we offer, is designed to return value to you, the member.
Jeremiah Hurley was a founding member of the credit union, joining the board of directors in 1958 and serving until 2003. He spent many of those years as Chairman, and thus had great influence over the path Hanscom FCU was to take.
Jerry, as he was known, pushed for technological advances. He advocated for online record keeping at an early stage, before anyone
knew how important it would become to a mobile world.
When Hanscom FCU installed its first ATM in 1985, Jerry was there to make the first transaction. Not only would members have convenient access to cash, but they also had the option to get a debit card.
Arlene Bellacini, then a newly hired receptionist, joined the cause. “There would be long lines in the lobby that wrapped around the reception area. I often talked with members about the new ‘paperless check’ they could use to make purchases.”
3
Many people have given their time, talents and passion to Hanscom FCU. Two men, each with a 45-year history at the credit union, stand out for their particular passions that remain a strong influence on the credit union.
Two People, One Mission: LEADERS THAT SHAPED OUR FUTURE
60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
Ferdinand “Fred” Fecteau joined Hanscom FCU in 1960, and became Manager/Treasurer in 1966, joining the board of directors at the same time. He retired as CEO in 1992, continuing his director duties until retiring from the board in 2012.
Fred, currently a board member emeritus, is solidly focused on members. Long-time employee Andy Mitzcavich fondly
recalled the early days, when three employees in one small room watched over members’ loans and deposits. “We were in a 12-by-16-foot room. All we had to do was look at each other [to process a loan]. People were known by their reputation.”
Throughout his tenure, Fred could be counted on to consider the members’ well-being at every turn. “He taught all of us how to be great with members,” noted Monique Archambeault, VP of Operations.
Today, we continue to be a member-focused organization committed to seeking out the best technologies to serve members. Whether it’s finding a creative solution to a member’s need, providing access
to accounts from virtually any device at any time, or simply advising a member on good credit habits, Hanscom FCU volunteers and staff have carried these twin ideals into the future.
4 Spring 2014
THE HISTORY o f H a n s c o m F C U
Operations move to L.G. Hanscom Field in Bedford, Mass.
1955
The Air Force Research Federal Credit Union opens to serve employees at the Cambridge, Mass. facility.
1953
The credit union moves to its new 7,000-square-foot headquarters, including a drive-up window and a quick-service section.
1979
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
560TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
First Hanscom FCU ATM installed at the Braintree Service Center.
1982
Members clamor for the first ATM/Visa® Debit Card. More than 500 members request a card when the service is announced.
1985
Hanscom FCU joins the digital age with its first website, offering product and service information, financial calculators and planning tools, and credit union information. Telephone loan applications begin.
1996
Hanscom FCU is named NAFCU CU of the Year, Air Force Credit Union of the Year, and Army Credit Union of the Year, consecutively.
2000-2002
The Bedford Financial Center opens as the first retail branch outside Federal property.
2002
Hanscom FCU reaches $1 billion in assets.
2013
6 Spring 2014
8 People on a Mission: A CHARTER FOR HANSCOM FCU
Hanscom FCU was started on Dec. 15, 1953, when eight men and women signed the charter issued by the National Credit Union Administration. Most of those original eight members are now known to us only through their signatures. We found one family member eager to share his story.
Robert Lalime, a communications engineer at the Cambridge Air Force Research Laboratories, was one of the subscribers on the charter. His son, Paul, recalled his father’s pride in what he did. “My father received a number of commendations for his work at the laboratory, but he never really talked about what he did. There was a high level of security around his job.”
The senior Mr. Lalime was equally proud of the credit union accomplishments, which benefitted his coworkers and their families. “People had a place to go for car loans and such. He knew the other people involved with the credit union and got involved with things.”
“I was 16 or 17 when I joined, and I’m still a member today,” Paul noted. “Most of my loans over the years have been funded through the credit union.”
Years later, Robert Lalime would travel from his home in Florida to visit his son in New Hampshire. “He went to a shared branch run by a different credit union. He always tried to give his original three digit member number to them [even though it changed years ago].”
Below are the signatures of the eight charter members.
Those early credit union pioneers achieved dual goals. They served the needs of co-workers and families then, and they set the stage for future members to access quality, low-cost financial services. We thank them for their efforts.
Through our partnership with the Hanscom FCU Charitable Foundation, Hanscom FCU is committed to the community it serves. In addition to fundraising for Children’s Hospital Boston, we support a number of causes:
• Fundraising for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless• Grants to organizations that serve our member base• Collections for the homeless, VA hospital patients and Toys for Tots• Scholarship program for high school seniors• Volunteer service at veterans’ organizations• Financial education programs and sponsorship of JROTC programs
By serving the organizations that serve our members, we enhance the social and economic well-being of our community.
PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE: Team Andy Wins Again
60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 7
Ray Phillips and Andy Martin, Jr. know a thing or two about partnership and inspiration. For 14 years, they have been partners in Hanscom FCU’s biggest fundraising effort: sponsoring a runner for Children’s Hospital Boston at the Boston Marathon. Each has inspired the other to keep going and reach for their goals.
Ray, a director for Hanscom FCU, was already a devoted marathon runner when 4-year-old Andy and his family were matched with him as a patient partner from Children’s. Andy’s vibrant, positive spirit, and Ray’s dawning realization that he could indeed be a hero to a young boy helped them bond right away.
Over the years, they grew closer. They took to crossing the finish line together. They enjoyed each other’s company and their families grew close. Each time Ray finished, he and Andy rejoiced over another “win.”
Andy’s physical condition requires him to use a wheelchair. When he saw his first wheelchair entrant in the Marathon, he decided that, one day, he would be the racer, and Ray would join him at the finish line.
In 2014, the year Andy turned 18, he earned a spot in the Boston Marathon. Heightened security measures may prevent Ray from joining him at the finish line, but the inspiration Ray has provided over the years will surely propel Andy along the way.
Hanscom FCU members and supporters have played a part over the years, raising close to a quarter million dollars for research and patient support at Children’s. This year, Hanscom FCU made it possible for Andy to compete by purchasing a custom racing chair.
For a glimpse into the relationship Ray and Andy have formed over the years, visit Ray’s Blog, “The Team Andy Project” at bit.ly/GoAndy.
Andy Martin, Jr., at left, and Ray Phillips, Hanscom FCU Director.
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CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
our missionTo provide superior financial service responsive to our members’ needs.
contact usHeadquarters: 1610 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731
800-656-4328
www.hfcu.org
Mobile access: www.hfcu.mobi
Download our free app for iPhone® and AndroidTM
Short code for text access: 40293
www.facebook.com/HanscomFederalCreditUnion
Routing Number (for direct deposits and withdrawals): 2113-8048-3
NMLS# 410771
To report a lost or stolen Visa® card: 800-656-4328 Overseas (24 hr): 701-461-0621 (call collect)
board of directorsPaul J. Marotta, ChairmanMark D. Walsh, Vice ChairmanJohn A. Delcore, SecretaryAlan M. Hart, TreasurerTeresa S. ConradHugh W. McNeilRay T. Phillips Frederick C. RyanLawrence S. RzepeckiFerdinand L. Fecteau, Director Emeritus
statisticsMembers ............................................... 52,877
Assets ...................................... $1,049,200,000
Loans ..........................................$701,500,000
Deposits ......................................$931,900,000
Reserves ....................................... $95,500,000
JAN. 31, 2014
This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Websites not belonging to Hanscom FCU are provided for information only. No endorsement is implied. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©iStock, ©Fotolia. ©2014 Hanscom Federal Credit Union.
1610 Eglin Street Hanscom AFB, MA 01731
It’s our 60th anniversary! We’re celebrating all
year long. Check out our MemberPoints giveaway at www.hfcu.org/60years.
Join us for our 60th Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 3. Get details and order tickets at www.hfcu.org/meeting.
Federally insured by NCUA.
HOW WE GROW: Referrals Make It HappenWord of mouth has always been vital to our growth. Now, you can grow your account balance when you help us gain a new member.
Our referral program will pay you $30 for every qualified new member you refer. Not only that, but the new member will earn $30 after 90 days of active membership. Referrals are made online, so you won’t have to fill out forms or go to a branch.
Make it even easier by using your Facebook or Twitter account. It’s easy – you’ll be notified if someone acts on your referral, and your reward will be automatically deposited to your account.
Whether it’s a co-worker buying a new home, your son opening his first checking account, or a freshly arrived Airman looking for a place to deposit her paycheck, you will find many opportunities to recommend Hanscom FCU. Why not reward yourself?
To get started, visit us at www.hfcu.org/referral.
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