Blogging with the CEO - 2010

Dear Members,

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

Dear Members,

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

jDear Members,

NorthPark Community Credit Union's staff, management and volunteer leadership is pleased to announce construction is underway on our next service upgrade. We will be converting to an entirely new computer operating system on November 1st, 2010. Over the past three years our membership has doubled in size, as has our staff and branch network. Our members deserve the best service and products, and we aim to deliver on our service commitments! The staff could use better tools to deliver those services and perform the transactions in the most efficient, safest methods possible. As President/CEO, according to my staff, I do not perform any "real work". In many ways, that is true. Members using our products and staff delivering services and performing transactions need the best tools. I see my role, with our volunteer member leadership, as making this operating system available for the benefit of all members and staff.

Our new system will be able to perform transactions faster, with less key strokes and greater flexibility, with enhanced security and expanded options. We have been working for months on selecting the best vendors and systems. We are under contract now and are seeking to manage all of the decisions to setup the system infrastructure. Your management team is energized by this process. However, if you see managers pulling their hair out, give them a gentle pat on the back to reassure them that all the work will be worthwhile. Over the next several months you will be learning more details about the features and benefits of our new operating system.

Other news is not so good. You have heard me rant in this column about the evil of Big Banks. Recent news is that the Security & Exchange Commission has charged Goldman Sachs Bank with possible fraud, betting against products being sold to their own customers to make huge sums of money at their customers' expense. Because other Big Banks and hedge fund managers may also be guilty, they are hoping that the Goldman Sachs CEO can "sell" Congress on the positive reasons why they did what they did. It boggles my mind why people still do business with these soul-less institutions. Keep your personal and business accounts local, with your neighbors who work for you...our owners. Stay with or move to a local financial institution, like NorthPark Community Credit Union. You and your community will be better for it.

Sincerely,

Dan Robbins
President/CEO

I have a challenge for our members who have their main deposit accounts at "BIG" banks: Move Your Money! The people of this country...those who do most of the working and living in this great nation...continue to be treated poorly by "BIG" banks. "BIG" banks who have gotten bailed out by Washington continue to foreclose on unemployed people...good people. "BIG" banks get free money from the Federal Reserve in Washington and then use that money to buy their smaller competitors, invest in credit default swaps and derivative instruments, instead of making loans to big and small businesses on Main Street USA. "BIG" banks dramatically raise rates and fees on credit cards and can not be stopped by a knowing Congress who changed the rules; however, that same Congress left truck-sized "loop holes" in the rules for the "BIG" banks to use in their favor! In contrast, your credit union has a 5-Star Credit Card program. Just ask Suze Orman!

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