Blogging with the CEO

Dear NPCCU Members,

February is the month for Valentine’s Day.  So, it is time for a Sweetheart of a Deal.  As many of you know, NorthPark has the best Visa credit card program in the area.  Believe it.  Call Melissa Strohl or Stephanie Brown, NorthPark loan officers, to get a comparison today.  If you do, you will switch to a NorthPark credit card in a heartbeat.

If you open a new Visa credit card and transfer your bank credit card balance over to NorthPark in February, your name will be placed in a drawing for a dinner and a movie for two!  A $100 value!  Balance transfers on existing NorthPark credit cards are also eligible. 

With low fixed rates, no annual fee and a super low introductory rate, NorthPark’s VISA credit card also protects you from the worse that can happen.  With many bank credit cards, if you pay late…just one day...they raise your interest rate.  NorthPark knows you lead busy lives and sometimes pay a little late.  Tired of being treated poorly?  Switch right away to a credit union where YOU are the Owner! 

NorthPark has opened hundreds of new Extreme Checking accounts in the past few months.  Has your bank started charging monthly fees?  We offer TOTALLY FREE checking while also providing Relationship Rewards.  Believe it.  The more you use your credit union the more you benefit!  Earn interest rate refunds on auto loans, deposited monthly into your savings account.  Also, on certificates of deposit you can earn bonus dividends added monthly to the principal.  Not using your credit union for many of your banking relationships?  Save money on fees just by doing what you do already.  Switch.

Does it sound like we want to earn your business?  Believe it. 

Sincerely,

Dan Robbins, President/CEO

 

Dear NPCCU Members,

Happy New Year!  We hope this letter finds you happy, healthy and having enjoyed your Holiday Season.  We are happy to report that there is some good news about a turnaround in the economy.  Many U.S. auto makers’ sales levels are back to pre-recession levels.  Unemployment rates appear to have stabilized, showing some signs of improvement.  Let’s cross our fingers that improvements occur in the housing market this year!  The past few years have presented economic challenges for many of our members.  The credit union has weathered this difficult storm.  Your credit union is well capitalized and enjoys consistent net income, while having worked closely with many members to help them through tough times.  Though some storm clouds persist, we are optimistic about 2012 and beyond.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

2012 charged out of the starting gate, with the introduction of Texting for Mobile Banking.  Call an office today to find out how you can get this service FREE!  2012 is the “Year of the Checking Account” with our newly designed EXTREME Checking.  EXTREME Checking is better than Totally Free.  Unlike many area banks which have eliminated free checking, we pay you to have a checking account with NPCCU.  Believe it!  After all, you’re the Boss!

We are positioned well for 2012 to continue offering the best rates and terms on consumer loans and Visa credit cards.  If you have a credit card with a bank, you need to compare your card’s rates, fees and features against NPCCU’s.  You’ll switch in a heartbeat!  Have a Big Bank used car loan?  Our loan officers can beat the pants off their rates!  Refinance your used car loan with NPCCU to lower your payments! 

For members who actively use NPCCU’s many services we return loan interest monthly and inflate CD rates, too!  What’s next?  NPCCU’s secret project “Skunk Works Team” is busy concocting more ways to benefit our members….our owners!  Look for new ATM’s coming soon!  Believe it!

Once again, we would like to thank each of you for your loyalty and support of your credit union.  Here is to a healthy, happy and successful 2012!

Sincerely,

Dan Robbins, President/CEO

I would like to thank all of you for being members of NorthPark Community Credit Union. Through your support our credit union continues to grow, currently our assets total over $57 million and members number over 7,200.  We are small enough to know you by name and big enough to satisfy most of your consumer financial product needs.

We strive to provide the highest level of personal service to assist you, our members/owners, in reaching your financial goals. Our membership base has grown, which is a testament to our growing popularity in the community we serve.  As a NorthPark member/owner, know that your credit union is better than other financial institutions; our consumer loan, savings rates and fee structure are among the best.  With the redesign of our EXTEME CHECKING account, NorthPark charges no monthly account fees.  We still offer Totally Free Checking!  Unlike other area for-profit financial institutions who elected to charge to use debit cards, we PAY YOU to use your debit card through our 1.0% CASH BACK program.

These factors are important facts to consider, but I believe what makes NorthPark really different is our guiding principle to “always try to do what is best for the member.”  Emphasizing our belief that we are “Not for Profit, not for Charity, but for Service”, we will make every attempt possible to help you satisfy your consumer financial needs at the lowest possible cost to you.

The other major difference is our set of core values that we believe and practice:

·        Honesty — to be sincere and truthful in all our dealings

·        Integrity — to have high principles and standards

·        Fairness — to always price products and treat members fairly

·        Respect — to listen and always give you consideration

·        Excellence – to provide you with service that goes above and beyond your expectations

We thank you for your belief in us and the loyalty you have shown by using our products and services. NorthPark is more than assets and income.  NorthPark is about people and dreams. We will continue to offer products and services to satisfy your needs and hopefully help your dreams come true.

This time every year, I sit in my chair and warm up to the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”.  My wife thinks I am crazy.  The reason I watch it?  It is to remind myself what NorthPark means to Boone County.  The plot is centered on the struggle between Potter’s bank and the tiny member-owned financial cooperative….a struggle for the town and its people.  Potter considered average people “cattle” ready for the “harvest”.  Recently, we have seen the greed Big Banks (and some local community banks!) have expressed through their attempts to charge for debit card use or by eliminating free checking.  What’s next?  Boone County is fortunate to have a credit union headquartered right here!

We each need to stick together, to help our families flourish.  As members of a credit union we can do what we can to keep our money in our pockets, not in Potter’s.

Happy Holidays,

Dan Robbins, President/CEO

Dear Members,

Giant mega-banks and some community banks are moving to eliminate free checking.  Many ban customers have already received notifications disclosing new fees!  Bank of America had to shut down its website for a time because of the complaints received from customers regarding their new $60 yearly debit card charges. 

Because of meddling by Congress, mega-banks will be earning less on fees associated with debit cards.  To make up for this cut in income, many banks have decided to eliminate free checking.  Many community banks (unaffected by these laws) have decided to follow the mega-bank lead, increasing their own profits.  An Independent Community Bank Association member survey says banks will choose one or more of the following actions:

Action # 1        61% will impose a much higher minimum balance 

Action # 2       50% will impose a debit card use fee (an annual or monthly fee)                              

Action # 3        72% will eliminate free checking altogether                                                      

Action # 4        70% will charge for services that were free

Bank customers need not allow banks to beat them over the head with their “fee stick”.  Bank customers having to pay up to $180 yearly to have a basic checking account is not funny.  Families need every dime they can keep to maintain their households.  Mega-banks and many community banks actually think they “own” their customers.  People have the power to make a choice.  Beginning November 5^th, a nationwide movement, “Bank Transfer Day”, celebrates consumer’s alternative to greedy banks.  You can choose a credit union!

What will you do?  If your account is with a bank, you can win by moving it to NPCCU.  We will help you switch!  Also, beginning November 1st, NPCCU will offer 1.0% Cash Back on debit card purchases!  We will pay you to move your auto loan from a bank to NPCCU!  On top of that, NPCCU has the best Visa credit card in the area, too! 

Aren’t we lucky there is a credit union in town?  As a member-owner, you can even run to be on the volunteer Board of Directors!  How’s that for People Power?

      Sincerely,

Dan Robbins, President/CEO                                                                                                         

NorthPark Community Credit Union

As we prepare for the August Annual Meeting, our members are encouraged to consider volunteering to serve on the Board of Directors or Supervisory Committee.  There is a lot of helpful information on our website that describes opportunities that are unique to financial institutions.

NorthPark Community Credit Union is a co-operative owned and controlled by the people who use its financial services. These people are members, and they all own shares in the credit union. As shareholders, members of many credit unions share in the benefits of membership, as well as its products and services.

As a co-operative, NorthPark is dedicated to the people and community we serve.  As a member-owner of this co-operative, who may be interested in volunteering to serve as one of its leaders, you may be interested in learning about the Seven International Co-operative Principles that guides NorthPark’s leadership values.

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership

Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control

Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operatives. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operatives. They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operatives; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence

Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operatives autonomy.

5th Principle: Education, Training and Information

Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

6th Principle: Co-operation among Co-operatives

Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7th Principle: Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

In today’s world of self-serving big banks and multi-national corporations, it is good to know that there is a “not for profit” organization like NorthPark in our community, a true cooperative guided by real values, that serves its members first and foremost.  As we approach the Annual Meeting, I hope that you can appreciate what was started here in May, 1933 during the depths of the Great Depression.  Call me at 317-733-2200 ext. 138 if you want to know more about volunteer leadership opportunities or what values guide your credit union.

Dan Robbins, President/CEO

NorthPark Community Credit Union

A few months ago I spoke to you about a goal we had "To be Everywhere, All the time" for our members. Beginning in May, we took another step in that direction with Mobile Web Banking. Haven't tried this new free service? It is simple, safe and easy, using your smartphone or other hand held device. You can check balances and transfer funds any time of the day or night, 365 days a year. Updates are "real time" with up to the second account information and no transfer delays. Soon we will have Mobile Text Banking with text messages providing account alerts. Mobile App Banking will take mobile banking to a higher level of access ease and functionality. More on that later! Call a Members Service Rep for more information on how to get started with Mobile Web Banking today.

We are genuinely excited about our new Relationship Rewards program. It rewards members who grow their use of our products and services, with lower rates on new loans, higher rates on new certificates and CASH! That's right! You can earn real cash by just using the valuable products and services of the credit union. You can also select to give your cash to local and national charities in your name. In today's world of higher fees, you can control the fees you pay through an understanding of how to use the Relationship Rewards program to your benefit. There is no difficult, insulting "Peggy In Iceland" to deal with. Our Peggy (and others like her) works for you! Check out the details on our website or inquire with any member service representative.

If you can't get the information you need from Online Banking or Mobile Web Banking, we have expanded our ability to serve your needs through our new Call Center. From 8am-till-8pm, Monday through Friday and from 8am-till-2pm on Saturday you can reach a NPCCU member service representative. What's next?
You tell us! After all, we work for you, our owners. What do you expect from your credit union? We would love to hear from you. We are sending out thousands of emails to members in early-June asking them some simple survey questions. If you get one, answer it, please. If we don't have your email address on our records and you want to be heard, tell us by emailing us at info@northparkccu.org or contact us by phone or letter. Also, we are on Facebook and Twitter. Let us hear from you!

We are here to serve,
Dan Robbins, President/CEO NorthPark Community Credit Union 

Thank you for visiting our new and exciting credit union website! Since converting to our new core processor last November, a goal at NPCCU has been to offer our members a website that is easy to navigate. Needs for information varies from one age group to another. So we have designed the website to provide information that appeals to each phase of our members lives. After all, NPCCU wants your business...all of your business...throughout all of your life! To provide that kind of value we must be our members' trusted source for financial products and services...no matter where they are in life's journey.

Unlike banks and finance companies, which need to generate a profit to satisfy stockholders, we are a not-for-profit financial cooperative operating solely to serve the financial needs of our members-owners. That is our mission. Our sole reason for existing is to serve our members. We do that by staffing our branches with quality trained staff, by offering Online Banking for those who prefer online access 24/7, and by providing Bank by Phone, which allow members access to their accounts by telephone. As of May 1, 2011 you can add Mobile Banking to the list of services offered to access your accounts. We are excited about this important addition. Soon after, we will add Text Message Alerts to Mobile Banking, with our own app (application) to access Online Banking through mobile devices with browsers. Call an MSR for more details! By the way...Mobile Banking is FREE!

On June 1, 2011, another exciting feature that will add real value to being a NPCCU member is our new Relationship Rewards program that will help members control their account fees, loan and deposit rates...all by using more of their own credit union accounts! You can earn and accumulate "relationship points" monthly. Then, redeem your points to earn lower loan rates, higher CD rates and CASH!
On a lesser, more FUN note, you can customize your PIN on ATM and Debit cards. Call an MSR for details. I hope that you will take advantage of our Mobile Banking, Relationship Rewards, Custom PINs and other NPCCU services. Once you start using them, I am confident you will soon find them indispensable...and see the value in your ownership/membership of NPCCU.

Your credit union's sole reason for existing is member-service...easy, quick and accurate. We are experimenting with a call center service that will extend our hours by phone from 8:00am to 8:00pm weekdays and later on Saturdays. The same people that trouble-shoot problems with our employees on behalf of members are successfully helping our members directly! It is working beautifully! Of course we are always available when you need us!

If you ever feel that we are not serving' your needs; please do not hesitate to call me at (317) 733-2200 ext. 138. Thank you again for visiting www.northparkccu.org and for your membership! Tell your friends to join NPCCU!

Sincerely,
Dan Robbins, President & CEO

I can't help but hear that you are tired of low rates on savings, money market accounts and certificates. Some experts are saying that the Federal Reserve's current policy to drive down interest rates to a 50-year low could not come at a worse time for many aging "Baby Boomers" reaching retirement. They find it very difficult to receive any kind of return on their money. What a perplexing decision to have to make! Should I rely on the safety and soundness of my credit union where my savings are guaranteed? Should I risk it in the stock market? Some say "yes" to the stock market, but many people still remember what happened over two years ago. Perhaps I should invest in real estate? Others don't think so.

The Federal Reserve claims they are trying to keep mortgage rates low in order to continue to help the housing industry. And there is some truth to that. The truth is if the Federal Reserve lets interest rates rise, the government would not be able to pay the interest on its crushing debt and deficits would soar. Many economic models are now predicting interest rates lower than they are today, all the way through 2012 and possibly beyond. What is a "saver" to do in the face of historically low rates and of rising inflation? Meanwhile, back at the credit union, we watch these events unfold.

Many companies (and credit unions!) have taken the opportunity of the recent down market to reinvest in their business. NorthPark Community Credit Union is no exception. NPCCU has doubled its membership and assets during the worst of times. We have spent hundreds of dollars in technology investments that drive new and improved member services, as well as delivery systems to better serve our local and long distance members. We expect that these improvements will not only increase productivity, but in time will keep the cost of doing business lower. As we continue to learn more about our new technology, more news is coming. Mobile web banking is coming in May 2011. Perhaps by the end of the year, Mobile Text and Mobile App banking will arrive. NPCCU's past three-year plan, devised during the height of the economic crisis, set lofty goals that dramatically enhanced efficiencies, sought to improve service quality, and guaranteed the continued safety and soundness of its members' money.

The year 2010 was a challenging year for the financial services industry, and for NPCCU. With the onslaught of scores of expensive new rules and regulations handed down by Congress, much of our productive time was spent on compliance issues. A lot of time was spent on our core processing and technology conversions and improvements to our phone system. We had a lot of members in financial trouble who needed our help. It was a very busy year. 2011 looks to be even busier!

Despite these obstacles, our employees accomplished a lot. We are especially proud to report to you that although we were facing a poor economy, we grew our membership dramatically, while maintaining a "well capitalized" position. We would like to thank you for your comments, support and trust as we move our membership forward. It is an honor to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of this superb financial institution. By the way, we need you to tell your friends and family about us!

Sincerely,

Dan Robbins, President/CEO

Have you noticed that NPCCU changed to a new computer operating system November 2, 2010? With all of the efforts made over the past few months to raise levels of awareness with our membership to that fact, the switch to a new operating system may have been a surprise. That is to be expected. With hectic lives, our members have other things to think about. The last thing you may focus on is your credit union's computer system. On behalf of each employee, I want to express our appreciation and thanks for your understanding and cooperation over the past few weeks. Employees of the credit union have worked diligently to make the transition as smooth as possible. Our members have been great to work with as we have solved small "glitches". With today's complex delivery systems, errors are about to happen and they have. We thank you for your understanding and kind support.

Planning that started long ago in May, 2008 has resulted in NPCCU having the most current banking technology. Our goal to "Be Everywhere" with our members is becoming a reality as we learn more over the next few weeks about the features and benefits of our new operating system. It is exciting to think that we will be able to offer more ways to connect with you...and for you to connect with us! There are a few more important things in your life, but having anytime, anywhere access to your cash is one of them.

Of course we have our four full service branches to offer you access to our services, and your cash. Across the U.S. you have access to over 3,500 shared branches, over 4,500 no-charge ATM's, home banking, bill pay, bank-by-phone, and soon, mobile banking. With an upcoming "remodel" of our already excellent website, no "Big Bank" in Indiana provides more access to information and services than NorthPark. Believe it. Check us out against our "Big Bank" competition. On top of all that, we are a bargain! And by the way, we have great people who work here, and are ready to serve you. With great rates and low fees we serve as an important alternative to consumers who may otherwise pay more at the "Big Banks".

Want to let us know what you think or need? On our website we encourage members to email their suggestions or follow NPCCU on Facebook or Twitter. Email us, post on our Facebook site, or send us a tweet. You can even call us on the phone toll free or visit with us in our branch offices. We want to hear from you!

Want to get a consumer or mortgage loan? In addition to phoning in your request or visiting any convenient NPCCU office, or you can apply today online 24/7/365 via our informative website. You get a quick response, too. See how your credit union compares against other lenders in your zip code. Want even more convenience? Get preapproved; get your interest rate, then ask for NPCCU at any area automobile dealership. Close your NPCCU loan at the dealership in the evening or on the weekend.

So you see, NorthPark Community Credit Union will "Be Everywhere" with you, ready to serve.

Sincerely,

Dan Robbins
Your President/CEO

The management and staff of your credit union are excited to be gearing up for the software conversion scheduled for the last weekend of October. That date sounds distant, but there are lots of activities currently underway. It made me think about the reasons we are doing this complex project. NorthPark Community Credit Union wants to "Be Everywhere" with our Members.

Technology is wonderful, but only if it permits Members easy access to their money and account information. If Members want to perform a transaction in the manner they choose, NPCCU should be able to accommodate them. With the technology we have, we can...almost. With the new technology coming in November, NPCCU should have every base covered, both for transactions and for methods of communication between us and our Members. How can NPCCU achieve that? After all, we are not the Big Bank. Let's see.

As many of you know, NPCCU offers four brick and mortar branches where members can perform face-to-face transactions with friendly, caring staff. Did you also know that there are 4,500 Shared Branches all over the U.S.A. where Members can perform transactions on their NPCCU accounts? We also own and offer four ATM's in convenient local locations. Did you know we have over 4,500 Shared ATM's that Members can use without a fee? Of course we offer debit and credit cards with unlimited point of sale access all over the globe. We routinely serve debit and credit card transactions in Europe, South America and the Far East...all over the world! Currently we offer a great website with access to Home Banking and Bill Payment services. Beginning in November, each Member can select the specific color and feel for personalized Home Banking. Look for a fantastic new look to our website in September! It is world class! Did I mention we offer a banking-by-phone service available 24/7/365 for Members with or without a home computer? Want to let us know what you think or need? On our website we encourage Members to email their suggestions or follow NPCCU on Facebook or Twitter. So email us, post on our Facebook site or send us a tweet. You can even call us on the phone toll free or visit with us in our branch.

New in November will be "It'sMe24/7 Mobile Banking"! Do you live on your mobile device? Web-based mobile banking is coming later this year, followed next year by 'Mobile App' and 'Text Banking'. All three of these products will increase the ease in Member usage as you look to do your banking on your mobile device.

Want to get a loan? In addition to phoning in your request, you can visit any convenient NPCCU office, or you can apply today online 24/7/365 via our informative website. You get a quick response, too. Or check us against our competition on MoneyAisle's website. See how your credit union compares against other lenders in your zip code. Want more convenience? Get preapproved; get your interest rate, then ask for NPCCU at any area automobile dealership. Close your NPCCU loan at the dealership in the evening or on the weekend.

So you see, NorthPark Community Credit Union will "Be Everywhere" with you, ready to serve.

Sincerely,

Dan Robbins
Your President/CEO

Why do hard working citizens keep supporting these "too big to fail" financial institutions? Did you know that 92% of all Boone County residents keep their deposits at "BIG" banks who ship most of that money out of state. Do the right thing...move your money to your credit union, NorthPark Community Credit Union! NPCCU exists for the "little guy" supporting a family or small business. When you can't get a loan at the bank or have to pay a high interest rate to get it, NPCCU is here to give our members a fair deal. When times get tough, who do you want in your corner? "Old Man Potter" at the "BIG" bank in Ohio, Michigan or Wisconsin or your friendly neighbors down the street at the credit union?

Over the past three years, NPCCU has doubled the number of members we serve. And there is still room for more...we want you, your friends and your family to move your checking and loan accounts from the "BIG" banks to NPCCU! Our communities need strong member-owned financial cooperatives, like NPCCU, to show "BIG" banks that there does exist a place where hard working people can borrow at reasonable costs and get a decent return on their savings.

So, there is the challenge. If you are reading this, you probably are a member. However, tell your coworkers, family and friends about your credit union, so they can enjoy the benefits of membership, too! If you are not a member, become one today and start to enjoy the credit union difference...a valuable alternative to those "BIG" banks! You won't regret it.

Sincerely,
Dan Robbins, President/CEO
NorthPark CCU