Marathon County Employees Credit Union
Wausau, Wisconsin

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO MEMBERS 9-05

Marathon County Employees Credit Union (MCECU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative.

MCECU is a closed charter credit union. That means it cannot solicit members from the general public or community at large. To make our financial services available to as broad a field of membership as regulations allow, MCECU has expanded its charter to make the following people eligible to join:

MCECU makes the following commitment to its members:

MCECU's mission is to serve our members' changing financial needs.

MCECU will uphold its fundamental fiduciary responsibility to actively serve the financial needs of the people within our field of membership and, as appropriate, the communities within which they live.

MCECU will treat each member with respect and dignity. Our financial transactions will always be honest and fair. We will deliver a range of low cost products and services to the diverse economic and social make-up of our membership and potential members. We will strive to improve the ways we reach out to the un-served and underserved in our field of membership. We will continually demonstrate the value of membership in our Credit Union in all facets of our operation.

MCECU will monitor the delivery of our services and communicate about our services to our members in a way that members, potential members, legislators, regulators and the community at large will understand and appreciate the unique role member-owned financial cooperatives have.

It will be the ultimate goal of our strategic plan that our members will be enabled to become financially self-sufficient and successful. We will place high importance on consumer education and teaching thrift.

This statement of commitment is consistent with the Credit Union principle stated as "Not for Profit, Not for Charity, But for Service," and our philosophy of being “people helping people." This statement represents our commitment to sound business practices that will ensure the financial strength of our Credit Union on behalf of our members.

SERVICE TO MEMBERS

MCECU offers a wealth of services designed to improve the economic and social well being of our members without discrimination. The purpose of our services is to provide financial value to those who participate in our member-owned financial cooperative. Our services include:

1. Kirby Kangaroo Club - For members age 0-12 to promote early the value of saving and responsible money management.
2. Student Checking – For members age 14-22, fee-free checking and debit card to help them learn financial management skills and responsibility.
3. 55+ - For members age 55 and older, fee-free checks and checking, document copying, traveler's checks and faxing.
4. Open Deposit Savings - No-fee membership savings account opened with a minimum deposit of $5 that pays a good dividend that is compounded quarterly.
5. Automated Deposit Options – Direct deposit and payroll deduction for County, Health Care Center and Special Education employees, our core membership groups. Direct deposit is also available from any company willing to offer it to their employees. We also provide debit origination service to enable members to transfer to and funds from other financial institutions.
6. Money Market Super Share Savings –an investment account that earns a higher rate of return than a regular share account.
7. Holiday/Vacation/Secondary Savings – Fee-free accounts to save for a specific purpose that can be tailored to meet individual savings and withdrawal needs.
8. Certificates of Deposit – Competitive rates are offered on Share Certificates. A certificate for children can be opened with a minimum amount of $100.
9. IRAs – Fee-free open deposit IRAs and Certificate IRAs of all types: Traditional, Educational, Simplified Employee Pensions, Conversion Roth and Roth.
10. Fee-Free Checking Accounts – Dividend paying accounts with no minimum balance requirement and no monthly or per check fees with direct deposit. The Annual Percentage Yield maintained on this account is among the best in the market.
11. Overdraft Protection – Protection from possible NSF returns; funds are transferred from a designated account or line of credit to cover overdrafts.
12. Traveler's Checks and Money Orders - $1 per $100 for Traveler's checks and $1 per money order.
13. Cashier's Checks – Free of charge to members.
14. Master Money Cash and Check Card – Used as both an ATM and debit card, it provides convenient access to cash at ATMs, and point-of-sale transactions around the world. We have joined an ATM Alliance nationwide so our members have access to surcharge free ATMs.
15. VISA and VISA Gold Credit Cards –11.9% APR, no annual fee and 25-day grace period.
16. Small Signature Loans - Loans as small as $300 to help a member establish credit.
17. Risk Based Lending – Members' determine the interest rates on their loans by their personal financial management practices. An objective assessment determines their credit score and subsequent interest rate.
18. Mortgage Loans – Offered in partnership with Connexus Credit Union, real estate lending for purchase, construction, home equity and home equity lines of credit.
19. Commercial and Agricultural Loans – Offered in partnership with CoVantage Credit Union, offering specialized loans with special rate structures, and insurance products that can benefit those in commercial and agricultural businesses.
20. Home Equity Loans – 100% financing on closed end home equity loans.
21. Consumer Loans – Competitive rates and no pre-payment penalty.
22. Vehicle Loans – Car, truck, motorcycle, boat, RV, motor home, 5th wheel, camper, personal watercraft, snowmobile and ATV loans with flexible terms and payment options.
23. Auto Warranty Service – Less expensive than warranties sold by dealerships with the advantage that the member selects the repair shop.
24. Business Checking – For members who operate small businesses to encourage use of Credit Union services and save money. You will find our fees to be very low.
25. Small Business Accounts – Saving and checking accounts for small businesses, non-profits and clubs including investment clubs, bowling leagues and unions, to name a few.
26. Government Insured Student Loans – To provide financial assistance for post-high school education.
27. Savings Bonds – Sale and redemption of U.S. Savings Bonds; another way for members to save. EE and I Bonds offered.
28. Credit Bureau Reporting – To help members establish a credit rating; monthly reports issued to the Credit Bureau on good and bad loan history.
29. Consumer Credit Counseling – In cooperation with Consumer Credit Counselors, we will refer and pay the fees for a member who chooses to use this service to reorganize her/his financial affairs.
30. Convenient and Easy Access -

    • MCECU member service representatives can be reached through nine telephone lines, four with voice mail, and five email addresses through our Internet web site: www.mcecu.org.
    • MARS - Member Audio Response System - Toll-free telephone teller service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to obtain account information or transfer funds. (1-877-678-1016)
    • CU Online – worldwide Internet access to your account 24 hours a day at www.mcecu.org; several online services available, including account transactions and loan application.

31. Financial Planner – We will refer members to Dan Moericke, Financial Design Group, Inc. for free financial planning services. 715 845-5119.
32. MEMBERS Financial Center – Our Internet online center for all your financial needs.

    • My Financial Center
    • Money Management
    • Insurance and Investments
    • Brokerage Center
    • Education Center

33. Drive Through Teller Line – Mobile convenience of one lane expandable to two.
34. Coin Counter – Bring in the coins off the dresser or from the piggy bank and put them to work earning interest.
35. Notary Service – Free notarizing of documents.
36. Inter-office Mail Delivery – For departments in our membership group served by the Mail Courier; members can have needed documents or checks delivered within hours.

MEMBER EDUCATION

Believing that informed individuals are best able to determine their financial future, MCECU is committed to member and consumer financial education. That education includes providing information about the uniqueness of the credit union philosophy and values.

We currently provide the following programs to support member education and advocacy:

1. Home Buyer Seminar – An annual seminar offered in cooperation with Connexus Credit Union to assist first-time home buyers.
2. Student Loan Seminar - An annual seminar on student loan programs offered in cooperation with Connexus Credit Union.
3. Consumer Credit Counseling Alliance – MCECU is a member of the alliance between the Wisconsin Credit Union League and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service to provide reputable credit counseling to members who would benefit from it. The Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a non-profit community action organization, designed to help people help themselves and solve their debt problems.
4. Annual Meeting – the annual meeting of members provides a forum to discuss services offered and new services members may desire in an educational approach that demonstrates the unique credit union cooperative difference.
5. Credit Union University Program – Of benefit to members ultimately, member service representatives are encouraged to and supported in advancing their financial services skills and knowledge through this formal education program. Comprehensive courses are available to them through a national credit union staff education and development program.
6. Web Site – www.mcecu.org provides members and potential members with a wealth of information about our credit union, products and services, education programs, saving and loan rates, financial calculators, and financial information for kids, and educational resources on investing, insurance and personal finance. The Online Education Center feature provides information that is helpful to members' financial well being.
7. MoneyCents Newsletter – MoneyCents articles provide members with information about our unique qualities and philosophy as well as reminders and updates on services they can benefit from.
8. Lobby Resource Library – A resource center with consumer reports, educational brochures and National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) vehicle information is available to members in the Credit Union lobby.
9. The Rumor Mill – MCECU contributes a page to this Marathon County employee newsletter every other month to convey educational information for members, and potential new members, about the benefits of membership and the services available to them.
10. Take Your Child To Work Day – Annually, employees can bring their children to our office to job shadow their parents for the day.
11. “Financial Strategies throughout Life” – Annually, in participation with Marathon County University of Wisconsin Extension, Financial Professionals, and Attorneys specializing in Money Management and Investments we offer a free five session course in money management. The first two classes are taught by the Credit Union's President on Successful Financial Management & Investing Basics and Finding Money to Invest & Types of Investment Opportunities. This course if offered annually in March and held twice – 12 – 2 pm and 7-9 pm. Each year the class fills up and gets great reviews.

INVOLVEMENT/GOVERNANCE

Since its inception, MCECU has asked its members to volunteer to review of loans, conduct audits, and evaluate the activities of our Credit Union. We will continue to preserve the time-honored democratic credit union principles that encourage broad-based representation and volunteer participation in credit union activities. Our programs that support the concept of Involvement/Governance include:

1. Board of Directors – Members may become directors through nomination and election by the membership. Directors are elected from and by the membership at the annual meeting.
2. Audit Committee – This voluntary member committee is responsible for auditing Credit Union transactions to ensure safety and soundness for members.
3. Committee Involvement – MCECU has had, and establishes as needed, committees comprised of members to accomplish various functions or services for the Credit Union. Examples include audit committee, asset liability management, facilities committee and web site development committee.
4. Member Involvement – MCECU has established a network of liaisons in departments within our field of membership. Through the network we are able to provide information to and receive feedback from members. The network informs new and current employees about the Credit Union and invites non-members to join. We seek member participation in long range planning and, through survey activities, in determining the services we provide.
5. Annual Meeting – We encourage our entire membership to attend, participate and vote on matters of importance to the Credit Union and to elect the directors.
6. Board Training – Members of the Board of Directors review information and receive training on current topics and key issues facing the credit union and the credit union movement. Management as well as outside experts provide this training.
7. Through ongoing monitoring of the federal and state law making processes, we participate in the process to inform our elected representatives and appointed officials of our opinions on matters of importance to us.

DIVERSITY

MCECU believes that there is value in social, cultural and ethnic diversity among our staff, volunteers and membership. It is a goal of ours to bring people of varying backgrounds and experience into roles of leadership within our Credit Union. We promote this value through:

1. Supported Employment Partnership - We have joined with the Supported Employment Agency to employ a person who can benefit from regular and ongoing work experience with increasing levels of responsibility while also receiving assistance from other social and health related services. Our employee performs filing, document handling and marketing duties.
2. Equal Employment Opportunity – MCECU abides by the EEO guidelines and seeks to fill vacancies without regard to race, creed, religion or socio-economic status.
3. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender – MCECU is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

COMMITMENT TO THE CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT AND OTHER COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES

MCECU will work to build and strengthen our unique credit union movement by contributing financial and in-kind assistance to others within the credit union community. We will actively advocate for the credit union difference at all levels of government and in other forums.

MCECU will participate in local, state and national credit union-related activities to build and strengthen relationships with other sectors of the national cooperative financial movement.

We currently demonstrate this commitment in the following ways:

1. Leadership - MCECU's senior management employee serves on boards and committees for credit union related organizations, including Wisconsin Credit Union League Government Affairs Committee, Wisconsin Valley Credit Unions Chapter, Marathon County Employees Retirement Recognition Dinner, Marathon County Employees Association, Solutions Computer User Group and National Product Advisory Committee.
2. Small Credit Union Partnership – MCECU lends assistance to small credit unions.
3. Mentoring – MCECU's President provides training, conducts planning sessions and helps solve service-related problems for other credit unions.
4. Cooperative Advertising – MCECU participates in the State-Wide Advertising Program (SWAP) for the collective advertising of credit unions.
5. Political and Regulatory Advocacy – MCECU actively participates in campaigns to inform and shape political and regulatory outcomes that are important to the Credit Union movement by contributing staff time, hosting fundraisers, and organizing activities that support the effort at hand.
6. Employee Continuing Education – MCECU provides financial support for education that will further our employees' careers in the Credit Union field.
7. Credit Union Nights at The Ballpark – As part of this all-credit unions sponsored annual event, MCECU buys tickets for our members to attend the college league Wausau Woodchucks games, and participate in the prize give-a-ways and fun that go with it.
8. Credit Union Week – Newsletters, celebrations, and posters are used to increase members' awareness of the credit union difference.
9. Wisconsin Credit Union League – MCECU continues to be an active member of the Wisconsin Credit Union League.
10. Wausau's Thomas Jefferson Elementary School – First graders tour the credit union to learn about financial institutions.
11. Children's Miracle Network - MCECU raises funds all year long for the Children's Miracle Network program at Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield.
12. American Cancer Society's “Relay for Life” – MCECU raises funds for the UW Cancer Center in Wausau.

PUBLIC SERVICE/CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

MCECU is an active participant in community improvement activities. We do this because we believe that being good corporate citizens is in keeping with the Credit Union philosophy of being people who help people.

We believe that it is right to raise the overall level of social and economic well being of people in our community, to help to strengthen ties within the community, and to reach out and serve people with the greatest need for affordable financial services.

MCECU demonstrates these beliefs through the following activities:

1. Children's Miracle Network - With St Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield, being the benefactor, we undertake the following year-round sales to raise funds: teller-line candy bars, Christmas music CD's, cookbooks, and coin holders. We sell links to the "Chain of Hearts” in February. All monies that we raise go to help thousands of Wisconsin children treated at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
2. American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” – Since 1995 we have participated in this fundraiser. Over $211,000 has been raised in a single outing. MCECU helps by organizing a team to participate.
3. Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award – MCECU received the First Place National Award for Credit Unions $5-$20 million in Assets for its outstanding Social Responsibility Program from the Credit Union National Association in 2000. MCECU has also received the First Place Dora Maxwell Award for the State of Wisconsin in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.
4. Financial Security in Later Years – MCECU teams up with other local financial experts to teach two sessions of a five session program on financial management. This is offered to all adults in Marathon County annually in March. This program began in 2004. Over 100 adults participate yearly.
5. In 2004 and 2005 we have supported the Red Cross with donations for Tsunami relief and Hurricane Katrina relief.
6. In 2005 we supported the North Central Health Care Facilities walk way by donating a bench for employees to sit on during their breaks.
7. In 2004 our Kirby Kangaroo Club collected an entire van full of supplies for the Humane Society of Wausau.