NEWS FROM T A Y LORV I L L E C OMMUN I T Y C R ED I T UN I ON

SPRING 2017

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TAYLORVILLE422 W. MAIN CROSS ST.217-824-9658

HILLSBORO138 E. WOOD ST.217-532-5300

LITCHFIELD801 W. UNION AVE.217-324-7496

www.taylorvillecommunitycreditunion.com

TCCU Times is a publication of Taylorville Community Credit Union.422 W. Main Cross Street., Taylorville, IL 62568. 217-824-9658

NCUA accounts federally insured to $250,000.NCUA is an agency of the U.S. government.

Holiday ClosuresAll TCCU offices will be closed

in observance of the upcoming holidays:

Monday, May 29 Memorial Day

Tuesday, July 4 Independence Day

You have 24 / 7 access to your TCCU accounts even when the offices are closed

(holidays, nights, weekends, etc.).

Just use these handy, time-saving services: TCCU VISA Card, ATM or Debit Card, or

online at www.taylorvillecommunitycreditunion.com

Just follow the prompts.

2017 Scholarship Winners Are... 2

TCCU Adds Staff in Hillsboro and Litchfield 2

Mark Your Calendars 2

Identity Theft Can Cost You Big-Time 3

Visa Is the Perfect Travel Partner 3

Travel Safe – Travel Smart 3

Holiday Closures 4 Annual Meeting Highlights 4

Introducing New Extended Warranty Coverages 4

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Taylorville Community Credit Union’s 61st Annual Meeting was celebrated on March 21st. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event another huge success. The event was well attended and we enjoyed great food and a number of prize giveaways. The Annual Meeting is a time to celebrate our accomplishments of the past year as well as to look forward to our exciting future. Your credit union finished 2016 with 13.10% share growth and 2.41% membership growth. When compared to our peer group of credit unions, we ranked in the 93rd and 72nd

percentiles, respectively. Thanks to all of our members, TCCU has enjoyed incredible growth. December 31, 2016 marked the first time our credit union reached $50 million in assets. As of March 31, 2017, our assets are over $53.6 million.

The 2017-2018 Board of Directors was elected at the annual meeting. They are Vance Fraley, Kim Sparks, Tom Bellegante, Doug Ruddock, Jim Harrison, Mike Kennedy, Jim Dowdy, Paul Schmitz, and myself. I would like to thank all of our directors for the time that they spend reviewing loans, performing audits, and attending meetings. Being a director of a credit union consumes a lot of hours, and it is a volunteer position. Our directors do an excellent job and embody the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

Speaking of an excellent job, Kevin Stich has decided to retire from the Board of Directors after more than 40 years of service. Kevin was the longest serving President and Chief Executive Officer our credit union has had. The growth our credit union experienced over his tenure is truly amazing. Kevin has been a huge help to me in my three plus years at the credit union, and I wish him well in retirement. Not a day goes by that I don’t hear a great story about Kevin. In fact, just two days ago a local business owner told me that Kevin Stich is largely responsible for the growth and success of his business. Kevin has made an immense impact on this credit union, but more importantly, on the members of the community. Thank you for all you have done for this credit union and for me personally. I wish you all the best in retirement my friend!

Sincerely, Will Perkins President

INTRODUCING – NEW EXTENDED WARRANTY INSURANCE COVERAGESWe know that any engineered vehicle may eventually break down. Whether we’re talking cars, trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, etc., something’s ‘gonna give.’

And that’s exactly why we’re introducing expanded, extended warranty coverages to our members. In partnership with Route 66 Extended Warranty, you can enjoy increased peace of mind. This expanded line of coverage gives you that, wherever you travel in the U.S. You’re protected against major mechanical expenses – and there is NO DEDUCTIBLE on covered parts and labor. And you get 24 / 7 Emergency Roadside Service.

Sound good? There’s more. You receive towing, flat tire assistance, fluid delivery, minor adjustments, and rental car allowance. PLUS – you enjoy a 30 day money back guarantee and coverages are transferable.

Pick a plan that’s just right for you and your budget. Visit your local TCCU office to learn more, or visit www.taylorvillecommunitycreditunion.com for more details.

THIRD ANNUAL FREEDOM TREE TO TAKE ROOTFor the third consecutive year, all TCCU locations will collect boxed and canned food items – as well as personal items such as soap, shampoo, paper goods, etc. – for donation to local food pantries. This year’s Freedom Tree collection campaign runs from Monday, June 5th, through Friday, July 14th.

“We expect an increase in donations again this year,” says Consuela France, TCCU Vice President of Lending and Marketing. “More people are aware of the effort, after the two previous years, and they know their donations are kept right here in our local communities, benefiting local food pantries and residents in need.”

France points out that cash donations also are accepted, in addition to those of canned and boxed food items. “The pantries use this cash to purchase more of the needed items.

“Residents within the TCCU field of membership – Montgomery, Christian, and Shelby Counties – have been very generous the first two years of the campaign,” France points out. “And it’s not just TCCU members who donate – it’s other community residents, as well. This is a program that anyone can support, and one that directly benefits our local residents in need.”

Donations can be dropped off at any of the three TCCU locations:

422 W. Main Cross St., Taylorville; 138 E. Wood St., Hillsboro; 801 W. Union Ave., Litchfield.

ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTSAttendees at this year’s annual meeting heard TCCU President, Will Perkins, provide both reflections and projections during his report. As noted in the President’s Column on the front page, 2016 was a good year for TCCU and its members.

Total membership, product use and overall loan portfolio continued their upward trends, as TCCU management directs a steady growth. For the first time in history, our assets totaled $50 million, while we also saw growth in both shares (13.10% increase) and membership (2.41% increase).

“These milestones can be attributed to the combined efforts of all staff in our three locations,” Perkins points out, “and the continuing trust our members place with us in meeting their financial service needs.”

2017 Board Directors TCCU’s new Board Directors were elected, all of whom are TCCU members and who serve on the Board on a volunteer basis. Members of the TCCU Board of Directors are: Tom Bellegante, Jim Dowdy, Vance Fraley, James Harrison, Mike Kennedy, Will Perkins, Doug Ruddock, Paul Schmitz, and Kim Sparks.

2.19%*

Get MORE Vehicle For LESS... with a Loan from TCCU!

APR

Rates as LOW as

Payback periods as long as 72 months

Visit your local TCCU office, or

call us today!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Regular credit rules apply. Not all applicants will qualify. The 2.19% APR is for 2015-2017 auto loans with a 36 month term. Payment of $28.74 per $1,000 borrowed.

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TCCU ADDS STAFF IN HILLSBORO AND LITCHFIELDThe staffs at TCCU offices in Hillsboro and Litchfield recently welcomed new personnel to their workforces.

Todd Maxwell joined TCCU-Hillsboro as Loan Officer / Vice President.

His 27-year career in financial services serves him well for his duties at TCCU-Hillsboro. In addition to having served as Vice President / Loan Officer at Hillsboro National Bank for the past 15 years, he also has considerable experience in collections, management and commercial / business lending.

“The credit union is a completely different environment,” Maxwell points out, “because we are not-for-profit. Here, I’m looking for ways to help our members get the loan they need, not looking for ways to turn down their request. TCCU-Hillsboro is really community- and member-based – and it’s a great environment and philosophy.”

Maxwell is a Mt. Zion native; he and his wife reside in Raymond.

In TCCU-Litchfield, Carrigan Watters is quickly learning the steps and processes of her duties as a Teller. She is responsible for account service, assisting members in their day-to-day financial transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, account balances, and more.

“This is my first full-time job,” she admits, “and I’m excited about learning everything I can at TCCU. It is a great environment, with good people to work with as well as to serve. It’s a real pleasure working with the members each day.”

Watters is a life-long resident of Hillsboro.

Todd Maxwell

Carrigan waTTers

to be announced in May! February 28th was the last day to vote in the 3rd Annual TCCU Scholarship program, and a record number of ballots – and total votes – were cast for registered students. Votes are being tabulated by an outside resource – no one at TCCU will know the results until May, when we notify the winning students and place news announcements with the local media.

In the meantime, we again thank all of the businesses that participated in the 2016-17 Scholarship promotion.

2017 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ARE …

Books & MooreBosscoTechChambers Floor CoveringsGianni’s Pizza(The) Hair Gallery(The) Hair ZoneHillsboro Garden Family Restaurant(The) Holiday ShopJohn’s Medical Pharmacy

Hillsboro businesses

Resale StationSage On SageSalvation Army Thrift StoreSullivan’s DrugsSweet AddictionsTan Lines Hair DesignsTattered ThreadsTee-Shirts, Ink

VISA IS THE PERFECT TRAVEL PARTNERWith summer fast approaching, our thoughts naturally go to summer travels: where and when to go, how to get there, how long to stay … and what to take with us.

Regardless of where you go or for how long, there is one thing you MUST take with you: TCCU’s low-interest, VISA Card. It’s the best traveling companion you could ask for.

• LOW interest rate (9.99% APR) SAVES you money!

• Accepted nearly everywhere

• Features ID protection / anti-fraud ‘chip’

• Takes up SO little space in your wallet – yet offers such BIG benefits

• FREE cash advances

Whenever – and wherever – your travels may take you (even if it’s only to go shopping locally!), TCCU’s VISA Card is the one companion you must take along.

MARK YOUR CALENDARSAs good weather approaches and your social calendar begins to fill up, don’t forget these important dates and events:

Taylorville businesses

A Classic BouquetAmenities on MainAnderson JewelersAngelo’sAudrey’s Boutique

& LuxuriesBattery SpecialistsBella AmoreBetty Rose’s FurnitureContemporary CutsCottage RoseDana’s Book

ExchangeDoc’s Home

Appliance / BeddingFlorinda’s Pizza

Litchfield businesses

Briar RoseCreative FlairGianni’s PizzaGlik’sK-9 and Cat SalonLindsay’s RC Hobbies

Petal PushersSullivan’s Drugs(The) Treasure RoomWAM ComputersWernsing’s ApplianceWhiskey River Dry Goods

Wednesday, June 7th Member

Appreciation Day (Taylorville)

Monday, June 5 – Friday, July 14:

Third Annual ‘Freedom Tree’

Food Drive

Friday, May 26th Member

Appreciation Day (Litchfield)

IDENTITY THEFT CAN COST YOU BIG-TIME(This is the fourth in our series of articles highlighting Personal and Financial Safety, and how to help ensure both. This issue, we examine Identity theft.)

Identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes. In America alone, more than 28 million people have become victims in the past five years. They steal your identity, and use it to purchase cars, consumer goods, mortgages and more … all the while, ruining your credit and reputation.

How does this happen – and what can be done to help avoid it?Identity theft is the unauthorized use of another person’s personal identifying information. This includes name, address, date of birth, social security number, mother’s maiden name, access codes, PINs, credit card numbers, passwords, credit reports, etc.

The thieves steal your information without your knowledge, with the goal to spend as much money as possible before you become aware of the theft. And unfortunately, we sometimes make it easy for thieves to gain access to our personal information.• Lost / stolen wallet or purse. • Mail theft, of bank and credit card statements, pre-approved

credit offers, telephone calling cards, tax information and more

• Hacking your internet accounts• Stealing information from your garbage, places where you

do business• Even gaining access by stealing / hacking information

from your employer. Businesses are not immune from identity theft!

• Buy personal information from inside sources: bank, restaurant, and other businesses’ employees

• Mail diversion, by completing a “Change of Address” form, or calling credit card issuers (pretending to be you) asking to change the mailing address on credit card accounts.

The thieves’ next step is to:• Open new credit card accounts (using your stolen

information), use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills. Sometimes, they will pay the minimum amount due just to keep the card active

• Establish phone / wireless phone service in your name• Open bank accounts in your name and write bad checks• Buy cars / homes in your name, based on loans taken out

with your stolen information

If you become a victim of ID theft, take action as soon as possible.Contact the Fraud Departments of the three major credit bureaus:Equifax: 800-685-1111Experian: 888-397-3742Trans-Union: 800-916-8800

Request a “Fraud Alert” on your file; request that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing existing accounts.

Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your credit report if your report is inaccurate due to fraud. If fraudulent accounts are listed, have them removed. (The credit card company or organization that provided the information is responsible for having it removed, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act).

In the next newsletter we will give some simple tips to ensure you don’t fall victim to these practices.

Glik’sHair StudioJMA Pawn Jewelry

& LoanKarmaLittle LuxuriesLos RancherosMathon’s Awning

& UpholsteryRebecca’s AntiquesRene’s Drug StoreRJ’s TreasuresSamurai Sushi(The) Upper CutThe Wooden FlowerWendy’s

TRAVEL SAFE – TRAVEL SMART When you DO travel, make sure you – and your money – are safe. Use your TCCU VISA Card, and couple it with the TCCU Debit Card. Together, they provide guaranteed safety, ease of use and convenience.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: When you do plan a trip out-of-state or out of the country, ALERT TCCU OF YOUR TRAVEL

PLANS IN ADVANCE.

Because of increasing fraud and identity theft, some U.S. states and

numerous countries around the world have instituted automatic blocks on cards. THIS IS FOR YOUR SAFETY.

To avoid any inconvenience when you use your TCCU cards, just give us a

heads up. Visit your local TCCU office or call us – let us know your travel plans. We can

ensure your cards are not blocked and will be available for use.