Take an active role in your credit union!

We've posted a lot about the credit union difference and why credit unions are a unique financial model.  Now, come witness that difference in action!  Our annual membership luncheon and meeting is being held today, Wednesday February 4th!  Come meet your fellow credit union members and our fabulous staff during lunch from 10:30-2:30.  Then, swing back at 5:15pm to our Voyager Dr. branch to take part in our annual meeting.  You'll learn about some of our initiatives in the coming year, our financial position, and eligible members can vote for candidates to serve on our board of directors!  (Eligible members must be at least 18 years of age, must be a member of HCCU for at least 90 days, and accounts at HCCU must be in good standing.)

Credit unions are unique and different, and they remain a necessary and extremely popular financial alternative for 100 million Americans.
Not-for-profit.  Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives.  We exist to serve our members, not to make a profit.  Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders.  Instead, earnings are returned to our members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees.
Taxation.  Credit unions do pay taxes - payroll taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes.  Congress exempts credit unions from federal income taxes.  The exemption was established in 1937, affirmed by the statute in 1951, and re-affirmed in 1998 in H.R. 1151, the Credit Union Membership Access Act, which states:  "Credit unions, unlike many other participants in the financial services market, are exempt from Federal and most State taxes because credit unions are member-owned, democratically operated, not-for-profit organizations generally managed by volunteer boards of directors and because they have the specific mission of meeting the credit and savings needs of consumers, especially persons of modest means."
Ownership.  Credit unions are economic democracy.  Each credit union member has equal ownership and one vote - regardless of how much money a member has on deposit.  At a credit union, every customer is both a member and an owner.
Volunteer Boards.  Each credit union is governed by a board of directors, elected by and from the credit union's membership.  Board members serve voluntarily.
Membership Eligibility.  By current federal statute, credit unions cannot serve the general public.  People qualify for a credit union membership through their employer, organizational affiliations like churches or social groups, or a community-chartered credit union.
Financial Education for Members.  Credit unions assist members to become better educated consumers of financial services.  Additionally, CUNA is partnering with the National Endowment for Financial Education, a not-for-profit foundation, to expand financial education amount high school students.  A national study shows that just ten hours of personal finance education can positively affect students' spending and savings habits for a lifetime.
Social Purpose: People Helping People.  Credit unions exist to help people, not make a profit.  Our goal is to serve all of our members well, including those of modest means - every member counts.  Our members are fiercely loyal for this reason.  They know their credit union will be there for them in bad times, as well as good.  The same people-first philosophy causes credit unions and our employees to get involved in community charitable activities and worthwhile causes - just ask us!

The CU Difference in Action….Come See the Difference 2/4/15!

You’ve probably heard it before, whether it was from us or some other source, people often talk about the difference between banks and credit unions.  Is there a difference, what is the difference, we all have similar products and services, right? 

It’s true!  We do offer very similar things.  There is a major difference though.  A credit union is a democratic, member-owned cooperative. So when you join a credit union, you’re more than a member; you’re an owner—and that means you have a say in how your credit union is run.  How do you have a say you ask?  By voting! 

Every year on the first Wednesday of February we hold our annual meeting, and ALL members are invited to attend.  Attendees will learn about the credit union’s performance in 2014 and receive information about its impact on members and the community.  All eligible members in attendance will also vote for nominees to fill vacant board of director positions.  (Eligible members must be at least 18 years of age, must be a member of HCCU for at least 90 days, and accounts at HCCU must be in good standing.)

So join us Wednesday, February 4^th when Horizon Community Credit Union will hold its 83^rd annual meeting.  The meeting will be held at our branch at 3139 Voyager Drive, Green Bay.  The meeting will begin at 5:15 P.M.  Hope to see you there!

Post by: Cari J

Seven...definitely more than a number!!!!!!!

Seven. The luckiest number…what do you think?

When rolling two standard dice (six sided), the probability that seven will come up is 1/6. Those are the best odds of any result. On the other hand, there are seven deadly sins (if you believe that), then there is the movie from many years ago, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (now that would be an expensive ceremony!), and the infamous list from when I was younger put together by a comedian, “Seven words you can never say on television”. I won’t repeat those now, but suffice to say I have since heard them on the television, and I’m not happy about it. Then there are the most famous seven: Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey!

So why do I keep on talking about seven? Because there are 7 Cooperative Principles that guide us. These principles date back to some of the earliest co-ops that formed in England in the 1800s. To this day, they still form the foundation on which cooperatives around the world operate. Horizon Community Credit Union is a cooperative and has adapted these principles to the financial needs and goals of our members. These 7 Cooperative Principles guide us in everything we do.

#1 Volunteer: we are open to anyone that is allowed by our membership charter. http://www.horizonccu.com/joinhccu.php

#2 Democratic: we are democratically run, controlled by our members.

#3 Economic: members contribute equally to the capital of the cooperative and recognize benefits in proportion to the extent of their financial transactions and general usage.

#4 Independence: we are controlled by our members, not outside shareholders.

#5 Education: cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers, and employees, so that they can prosper and contribute to the growth and well-being of the cooperative.

#6 Cooperation: cooperatives serve best when working with others in the cooperative movement.

#7 Community: while focusing on member needs, giving back and developing community is something we take very seriously.

We are a cooperative. We are your credit union!

Post by: Pat J