EECU's Youth Members Win National Contest!

EECU is pleased to announce that Braxten Boyd and Corenda Eggleston both of Hillsdale are two of the 12 winners in a national contest that promotes environmental awareness and thrift among children. Braxten and Corenda are members of EECU’s Johnny Appleseed Junior Ecology Club, a nationwide program sponsored by financial institutions interested in helping young people to learn more about ecology and smart money management.

Braxten and Corenda created drawings with a theme of recycling and conserving that will be featured in the Johnny Appleseed Club’s 2012 national calendar. Both drawings were chosen from hundreds of entries in the national contest.

“We’re very proud of Braxten and Corenda and all of our Johnny Appleseed Club members,” says Renée Allen, Operations and Marketing Director for EECU. “Through club activities, we are able to foster environmental awareness among youth in the community and also teach values in fiscal management that they need to become responsible adults.”

Braxten and Corenda were honored at EECU’s Hillsdale branch for their status in winning the contest, and they were both awarded a $50.00 check for their outstanding efforts.

EECU Awards Forward Thinking Grant

EECU - A Community Credit Union is pleased to announce that their quarterly Forward Thinking Partnership Program grant has been awarded to the Jackson Civic Art Association. The organization received $1,500.00 to help fund their “Community Life Drawing” Program, which is an opportunity for the Jackson community to experience the time-honored tradition of the human figure as an art form. Life drawing enhances the quality of life through the artistic process, and serves to enrich the lives of post-secondary students/artists and the Jackson community as a whole.

“EECU’s Forward Thinking Partnership Program was developed in recognition of years of support from our local educational community,” said Renée Allen, Operations & Marketing Director of the credit union. “The program helps great educational ideas and projects become reality through financial assistance.” To qualify, projects or ideas must be educationally related and enrich the lives of students/participants. Funding examples include: classroom materials, special educational or enrichment programs, playground or recreational equipment, library or media materials, special speakers or assemblies, etc. Additionally, the project or idea must provide a benefit to a significant portion of EECU’s membership or potential membership and/or the communities in which they live.

For an application or to learn more about EECU’s Forward Thinking Partnership Program, contact our Business Development Department at 517.787.2060, ext. 3731 or e-mail liz@eecu.us. Completed
applications may be returned via e-mail or postal mail. Deadlines for consideration are the end of each fiscal quarter: March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.

We Love Giving Back to our Community!

Nearly 50 employees from EECU – A Community Credit Union are proud to participate in raising funds and giving back to the community in which they live and serve by supporting several charitable organizations throughout 2011.

EECU staff enjoys the privilege of wearing blue jeans on Wednesdays and Fridays in exchange for $1 and $2 donations. EECU raised $9,800 in 2011, and donations were made to: American Stroke Association, Cascades Humane Society, the John George Home, United Way, and Juvenile Diabetes. Additionally, EECU supported American Cancer Society/Relay for Life, Junior Achievement, Child & Family Services, March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Interfaith Shelter, Toys for Tots, Challenge Day, Jackson Legacy Scholarship Fund and the Jackson Friendly Home this past year. “EECU is proud to support such important and worthy causes,” said Kathy Spahr, EECU employee and fundraising coordinator.

Additionally, EECU members and staff raised over $2,600 for Operation Good Cheer in 2011. This amount was $500 more than the annual goal, attained via member and staff donations, jean day funds, employee luncheons/chili cook-offs, book sales, bake sales and more. Together, they were able to provide 16 children with gifts for the holiday season. Operation Good Cheer was started by a group of Ford Motor Company employees in 1971, and the organization celebrated 40 years of providing good
cheer to children in 2011. In the beginning, the group pooled their money and bought gifts for 66 children. Today, Operation Good Cheer has grown and delivers gifts to over 7,000 children, teens and adults with disabilities who are in foster care, residential treatment, and group homes.
Many thanks to the members and staff of EECU for their generosity and support in giving back to the Jackson community in 2011!

EECU ANNOUNCES 75th ANNIVERSARY GRAND PRIZE WINNERS!

For 75 years, EECU has had the honor and privilege of serving the financial needs of their members and community. To reward valued members for their loyalty and support, EECU gave away $50,000 in cash prizes throughout 2011! The Credit Union is pleased to announce that they celebrated the ending of their 75th Anniversary promotion by giving away two $7,500.00 cash grand prizes on Friday, January 13th, signifying a total of 207 credit union winners since the beginning of the promotion in February 2011!

Lisa Hayes of Hillsdale, Michigan became eligible to win $7,500.00 due to her status as a current EECU member since 2009. Lee Jacobs of Jackson, Michigan, an EECU member for 14 years, became eligible to win the $7,500.00 drawing when he opened a new qualifying service during the promotion period. EECU would like to thank Lisa, Lee, and all other members who have participated in their year-long celebration and contest. Congratulations!

In addition to $50,000 in cash prizes, members were able to take advantage of Diamond Anniversary Specials on Term Share Accounts, Green Checking Accounts, VISA Platinum Credit Cards and New and Used Vehicle Loans throughout the year. To further celebrate their 75th Anniversary and reward their loyal members, EECU held a week-long Birthday Bash in July. Daily branch festivities included hot dog day, cake day, ice cream day, kid’s day, and prize day, where more than $600 in cash was given away in the member cash grab. Members could also take advantage of a variety of giveaways each day, as well as enter to win great prizes including: three $175 cash prizes at each branch ($2,100 total), Coleman grill from AAA, hp Office Jet 4500 printer from Rapid Refill, three $50 VISA Gift Cards from CO-OP Financial Services and CUNA Mutual Group, concert tickets from JTV, Cedar Point tickets from K-105.3 FM and many more!

“With today’s economy, it has been both exciting and rewarding to experience the wide range of member reactions when they learn that they won a weekly, monthly or year-end cash prize. We are pleased to be able to give back to our loyal members for their support and dedication over the past 75 years,” said Steve Cobb, President & CEO for EECU. “As always, we welcome anyone interested in joining EECU to stop by one of our convenient branch locations and experience the EECU difference!”

Tired of Being Hit by Bank Fees?

Free Checking!

CHECK out our cool new features!

· When you open a Checking with Debit Card, you will receive one entry to win up to $200 in FREE debit card purchases a month for one year. You will receive a second entry when you use our new free switch service to open your checking.
· NEW Switch Service: EECU has now made it easier than ever for you to move your checking accounts to EECU with our New Switch Service!
· Cash Giveaway: Every member that switches from a bank, shreds their bank’s debit card, and opens an EECU savings, checking and debit card, will receive a $25 deposit to their savings account.
· Green Checking: Earn 2.00% APY with 15 signature-based debit card transactions per month when you sign up for online banking, bill pay, e-statements and direct deposit. New Green Checking members receive a free eco-friendly gift while supplies last.
· Do not need to be a new EECU member to qualify for promotion specials – New Checking and Debit Card ONLY!
· Member Referral Promotion: New and existing members both receive $25 when the new member opens a new savings, checking and debit card.


*All new checking accounts subject to Credit Union approval. To receive one entry
into the drawing, open a new checking account with debit card. Receive a second
entry by using our free switch service. Winner’s checking account must be active and
debit card activated at the time of the drawing. When the promotion ends, there will
be a random drawing held for one winner. Winner will receive up to $200 in FREE
debit card purchases a month for one year. Following each month end, EECU will
deposit up to $200 into winning member’s checking account. Member must make a
minimum of $200 in signature-based debit card transactions per month to receive the
full $200 each month. Winner may receive a 1099-INT tax form at year-end for tax
reporting purposes. **Free to Open. Free to maintain. No minimum balance or
minimum Debit Card transactions required. Excludes Business and Second Chance
Checking Accounts. $25 deposit made to your Savings Account upon approval of
services. ***While supplies last.

Top Ten New Years Resolutions Part 2

Welcome back to our next installment of NYE Resolutions! Let's not waste any time and get to the next 6 New Years Eve resolutions.

5. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Or just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa.

6. Quit Drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. If you know someone who has decided to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available!

7. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

8. Learn Something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep.

9. Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.

10. Get Organized

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.

Top Ten New Years Resolutions Part 1

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Let's see if your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of comaraderie at a favorite

2. Fit in Fitness

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

4. Quit Smoking

Do you know someone who is trying to stamp out their smoking habit? Tons of over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!

Stay tuned for the next 6 NYE resolutions and see if yours made the list!