a quarterly publication for the members of Co-op Credit Union

THURSDAY,

October 17th

Brat & Bake SaleALL LOBBY LOCATIONS!

BAKE SALE 9 a.m. until all

items are sold

BRAT SALE from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brat, kraut, chips, beverage (freewill donation)

Benefiting: Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Karner Blue Garden Club, Fall Creek High School Softball Program, Trempealeau County Humane Society, G-E-T Community Food Pantry, Friends of Melrose, Melrose-Mindoro PTO, Onalaska High School Band Booster Club and Eleva-Strum Girl Scouts

PRIZE DRAWINGSwill be held! Four winners per location.

———————————————FREE, SECURE

DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Black River Falls OfficeFREE, SECURE

DOCUMENT COLLECTION11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All other lobby locations

fall 2019 | vol. 31 | no. 4

October is an exciting month – fall is in full swing, and here at the credit union, we celebrate International Credit Union Day and Co-op Month. We always look forward to this time of year because it gives us many opportunities to thank our members, highlight the Credit Union Difference and support and enrich our communities.

This year, the International Credit Union Day theme is, “Local Service. Global Reach.” What exactly does that mean to us, and what does it mean to you, as credit union members? The theme appropriately highlights how each individual credit union, like Co-op Credit Union, serves their members and local communities and also how they contribute to the global credit union movement.

CCU’s more than 20,000 members are part of a movement of 260 million credit union members across the world. Those are 260 million people who benefit from service focused solely on their needs, best interests and dreams.

While each credit union is different in their own unique ways, there is a core purpose across each: To improve the lives of members and communities through the philosophy of “People Helping People.” That’s because they are cooperatives focused not on profit but rather on member service.

It’s appropriate that this year’s Co-op Month theme is, “Co-ops: By the Community, For the Community.” Part of what makes credit unions unique – and substantially different than other financial institutions – is that they live by cooperative principles that all co-ops focus on. One of those is “Concern for Community.”

We care deeply about providing the best products and services possible to you, our members. But, because we’re a cooperative, we also care deeply about supporting and enriching our communities. When all of our community members are supported and thriving, we all benefit.

We hope you’ll join us on Thursday, October 17th for Credit Union Day at any of our lobby locations to enjoy our brat and bake sales, which again will benefit worthy causes in our communities. We’ll look forward to seeing you and sharing in the spirit of the day and the fall season.

Thank you, as always, for the confidence and trust you place in us.

Thanks for Your Business!

Eric L. Chrisinger, President/CEO

President’s Message

Kids CAFÉWe’re holding our second grand prize drawing

for the Kids CAFÉ program on October 17th at our Black River Falls Main Office in conjunction with International Credit Union Day! Kids CAFÉ is our program for youth 17 and under that encourages and teaches the value of saving, community involvement, education and fitness. Each stamp card completed earns a participation reward and serves as an entry into our grand prize drawings, which are held twice yearly!

ReminderAbout UpcomingCCU Hours

Our offices and Member Contact Center will be closed Monday, October 14th on Columbus Day as CCU staff participates in an All-Staff Training Day. We will resume regular hours on Tuesday, October 15th.

CCU Mobile Enhancements

We’ve added two exciting upgrades to our mobile app! You can now:

-Ask Us a Question: You will see our search tool is now available in CCU

Mobile – it’s the first option at the top of the main menu. This is the same tool that is on the homepage of our website, which allows you to search about anything related to CCU. If you do not find the answer to your question in the search results, you can submit a question, and we’ll get you the answer!

-Add a New Payee in Bill Pay: CCU Pay in mobile now allows you to add a new payee directly from the app. Click “Bill Pay” in the main menu and then the small, gray symbol with a person and plus symbol. This will allow you to follow the instructions to add a new payee!

Support for County Fairs in the RegionCCU donated a total of $4,000 to county fairs in the region this summer. We

feel strongly about supporting the longstanding annual events because they place a focus on youth, families, agriculture and 4-H. CCU’s Member Business Lending Manager Jeff Blaken and Branch Managers Rhea Hogden, Jeanne Sternke and Sue Jacobson helped distribute the donations to representatives from the Jackson, Trempealeau, Eau Claire and La Crosse Interstate fairs.

Jackson County Fair DonationLa Crosse Interstate Fair Donation

Trempealeau County Fair DonationEau Claire County Fair Donation

“WOW” CornerWe’d like to share some of the great things

happening at CCU. Our employees work hard to

provide the best service possible to you. Thanks

for providing feedback. Your comments are

important to us!

-Recently, an elderly member came in to our Onalaska

office with a $10,000 check they wanted deposited so

they could wire it to another account. Member Account

Representative Sharlene Becker immediately began

to ask questions and determined she felt the member

was being targeted for fraud. A hold was placed on

the check and the member returned at the end of the

week to find out she was indeed a victim of a scammer.

Through Sharlene’s good questions and care and

concern for the member, she helped prevent the member

from being scammed. Thank you, Sharlene, for your

commitment and dedication to exceptional service!

Random Acts of KindnessWe recently held another day with a random acts of

kindness: Handing out root beer floats in our lobbies! Days like these are meant to wow our members and thank them for their business. We believe simple kindnesses are important, and we hope they made the recipients smile! We hope the kindness and generosity spreads throughout our communities as well.

Giving the Gift of Warmth

We will accept newly purchased or hand-crafted hats, mittens, gloves, snow pants and boots for grade-school children in our area. Please bring your contribution to our lobby locations in Black River Falls, Fall Creek, Galesville, Melrose, Onalaska and Strum November 1st through November 30th. This drive is organized through the 7 Rivers Region Chapter of Credit Unions.

Call For NominationsQualified candidates who wish to serve on the Co-op Credit

Union Board of Directors are welcome to apply for nomination. Three board positions are up for election in 2020. They are the seats held by Steve Hogden, David Overlien and Tim Torkelson.

Those interested may request an Application for Nomination plus other director qualification information by writing or e-mailing: Garrett W. Nix, Nominating Committee Chairman

PO Box 219, Black River Falls, WI 54615 gnix@weldriley.com

Please respond no later than November 1, 2019.

FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARSJoin us for our upcoming Financial Wellness Seminars.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR EACH. CALL CCU AT 800-258-0023 TO SIGN UP!

Fraud Awareness and Prevention: Join CCU Member Account Representative and Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor Sue Wilson on Tuesday, October 22nd at 6 p.m. at Tri-County Communication’s Board Room in Strum. Learn tips, strategies and best practices for identifying and protecting yourself from fraudsters and fraudulent activity.

Holiday Budgets: Join CCU Onalaska Branch Manager and Certified Financial Counselor Sue Jacobson on Tuesday, October 29th at 6 p.m. at our Onalaska office. Holiday gifts, traveling, decorating, parties, food and more can be a strain on your budget. Learn strategies for stretching your dollars and establishing a plan to minimize worry during what should be a joyous time of year!

Money 101: Join CCU Member Service Representative and Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor Laurie Beaulieu on Wednesday, October 30th at 6:30 p.m. at our Fall Creek Office. Learn why budgeting is important, account types and best practices for managing your money.

Budget Basics: Join CCU Loan Officer and Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor Christian Taylor on Wednesday, November 6th at 6 p.m. at the Galesville Public Library. Learn the ins and outs of establishing and maintaining a budget, keeping it balanced and good money management strategies.

Holiday Budgets: Join CCU Loan Officer and Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor Jason Breining on Tuesday, November 12th at 6 p.m. in the Black River Falls Public Library’s Program Room. Holiday gifts, traveling, decorating, parties, food and more can be a strain on your budget. Learn strategies for stretching your dollars and establishing a plan to minimize worry during what should be a joyous time of year!

Sue WilsonChristian TaylorLaurie Beaulieu

Three Employees Receive Financial Counseling Certification

Three more CCU employees recently received their certification to become Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors.

Fall Creek Member Service Representative Laurie Beaulieu, Galesville Loan Officer Christian Taylor and Strum Member Account Representative Sue Wilson completed the Financial Counseling Certification Program through the Credit Union National Association. Beaulieu, Taylor and Wilson now will take referrals to aid members on a variety of financial topics, including budgeting, the importance of saving and a good credit score and reducing debt.

“CCU is committed to providing an environment where our members feel comfortable seeking and receiving financial advice – that may be in a group setting, or through one-on-one counseling,” said Marianne Torkelson, CCU’s Vice President Business Development and Training. “Through this customized support and assistance, members develop and commit to a plan that not only sets them up for financial success but also helps them thrive.”

Beaulieu has worked at CCU for five years, Taylor for four years and Wilson for two years. They join CCU Loan Officer Jason Breining and Onalaska Branch Manager Sue Jacobson in completing the coursework and obtaining the certification.

Goldsmith Retires from CCUPriscilla Goldsmith, a Member Service Representative in

our Black River Falls office, recently retired from CCU after 10 years of service. We celebrated with an open house at our Black River Falls Main Office with cake, refreshments and a special presentation. Many members and employees shared stories and memories of their time with Priscilla! We wish her well in her new life chapter.

HolidayOpen HouseJoin us at all locationsDECEMBER20th, 21st, & 23rd

for FREE treats, coffee and cider as we ring in the holiday season. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be on hand at our Black River Falls Main Office Saturday, December 21st for photos with kids. Join us so the kids get their wish lists shared before the sleigh hits the skies!

Holiday HoursA reminder about upcoming Co-op Credit Union hours over the next few months. •Thursday, November 28th (Thanksgiving): CLOSED•Tuesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve): Close at 1 p.m.•Wednesday, December 25th (Christmas): CLOSED•Tuesday, December 31st (New Year’s Eve): Open regular hours•Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 (New Year’s Day): CLOSED

100 E Main St, PO Box 157, Black River Falls, WI 54615 326 E Lincoln Ave, PO Box 96, Fall Creek, WI 54742 17578 N Main St, PO Box 417, Galesville, WI 54630

409 N Washington St, PO Box 275, Melrose, WI 54642100 French Rd, Onalaska, WI 54650

134 5th Ave N, PO Box 339, Strum, WI 54770

Locations Days Lobby Drive-UpBRF–Main M–Th 9-4:30 7:30-5:30 Fri 9-5:00 7:30-5:30 Sat 9-Noon 7:30-NoonBRF–Hwy A M–F 7:30-5:30 Sat 7:30-NoonFall Creek M–Th 9-4:30 9-5:00 Fri 9-5:00 9-5:00 Sat 9-Noon 9-NoonGalesville M–Th 9-4:30 8-5:00 Fri 9-5:00 8-5:00 Sat 9-Noon 9-NoonMelrose M–Th 9-4:30 9-5:00 Fri 9-5:00 9-5:00 Sat 9-Noon 9-NoonOnalaska M–F 9-5:00 7:30-5:30 Sat 9-Noon 7:30-NoonStrum M–Th 9-4:30 9-5:00 Fri 9-5:00 9-5:00 Sat 9-Noon 9-Noon

This newsletter is published by Co-op Credit Union and serves as a source of general information concerning matters of thrift; services offered; member benefits; product marketing; and changes in policy, legislation or charges that affect members. Information contained in this newsletter does not represent professional legal, accounting, investment or tax advice. Your comments or questions are welcome at Newsletter, Co-op Credit Union, PO Box 157, Black River Falls WI 54615 or ccu@coopcu.com.

President/CEO — Eric L. ChrisingerExecutive Vice President Lending — Tim TranbergBoard of Directors — Tim Torkelson (Chairman), Chuck Torgerson

(Vice Chairman), Dave Overlien (Secretary), Steven Hogden (Treasurer), David Olson, Tim Byom and Sarah Lebakken.

Legal Advisor — Garrett W. NixEditor — Cassie Perenchio

www.coopcu.com(800) 258-0023

ATM Locations: Galesville 17578 N Main St • Melrose 409 N Washington St • Onalaska 100 French Rd BRF Main Office Drive-Up & Hwy A Drive-Up • Fall Creek 326 E Lincoln Ave • Strum Countryside Cenex

In each newsletter, we’re sharing regular fraud types and prevention strategies. In this edition, we highlight tips from the National Credit Union Administration’s Fraud Prevention Center on “Government Imposter Scams.”

• These scammers pretend to be government officials or representatives in an attempt to get the victim to send money. Many times, this involves threats of arrest or legal action to try to frighten the victim into making the quick decision to comply with their request.

• Never send the money. Government officials don’t make requests for money up front in order for the victim to receive prizes. They also will never ask for a pre-paid debit card for payment for anything.

• The best advice is don’t wire money, don’t pay for a prize and don’t give callers any personal information.

Always remember, we, at the credit union, are here as a resource if you have questions about fraud or potential fraud. For more information on this type of scam or other common scammer tactics, visit: www.mycreditunion.gov/fraud-prevention-center/scams

Power of Fraud Prevention

Bunches of Fun at Backyard Bash!We enjoyed hosting our new Backyard Bash events this summer, where

families enjoyed a night of yard games, inflatables, crafts, dancing, concessions and more! We hope our attendees enjoyed spending time together with their families and their fellow community members! A big thank you also goes out to our community partners who assisted with concessions, crafts and games to help make the nights enjoyable and special for all. We strive to support and enrich our communities through these events – it’s part of our commitment to community and our dedication to our cooperative principles!

Co-op Building Sponsorship

CCU was one of the major sponsors of the new Co-op Building at the Trempealeau County Fairgrounds in Galesville! The building, completed and unveiled in July, serves as a venue for fair events and also for community events and gatherings. We were fortunate to use the building for crafts and seating at our Backyard Bash event in Galesville! It’s a wonderful resource for the fair and the community.

Update on New Debit Cards

We continue to work on getting new debit cards, and we anticipate cardholders will have the new cards sometime in early 2020. The new card will have the mastercard logo and will still work everywhere. It also will come with a “contactless” feature – the ability to use programs like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the change! We’ll have details on our website at www.coopcu.com.