NCOFCU Conference Scholarships - It Is Not Too Late! – Scholarships are still available

“Conference Scholarships”  First Time Attending or Just Need A Little Help?

The National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc. (NCOFCU) offers   Conference Scholarships to credit unions wishing to apply for assistance to offset the cost of sending a representative from their credit union to the conference.

By offering these educational conference scholarships, NCOFCU is moving towards their vision to educate, create and maintain a climate of safety, soundness, innovation and unity among firefighter credit unions.

Application can be found at; Conference Scholarships and apply for the one that would encourage your credit union to be represented at our annual educational conference.

• Conference Registration - Based on current registration
• Transportation - $400 towards one round trip airfare
• 3 Room Nights - includes tax based on current hotel rates
• Full Conference Registration - for one (1) attendee which covers, as indicated above:
  • Registration,
  • Transportation
  • Room (3 Nights)

 Conference Scholarships

All scholarships will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and awarded reference to need and availability of funds.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Tobler Chairman of the Board
National Coalition of Firefighter Credit unions

Early Bird Expires July 1St.

NCOFCU Conference Nashville, TN 2015
October 7-10, 2015

Don’t miss out on the Early Bird pricing!

Register On-Line now at http://www.ncofcu.org/2015-Attendee-Registration 

Mail in Registration click HERE or  http://www.ncofcu.org/Resources/Documents/2015%20Conference%20Registration%20Word%206-1.pdf 

If you need more time let us know at info@ncofcu.org

We need our members of Congress to support the Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, and the companion House bill, H.R. 2205.

Good Afternoon Everyone,

We know that as credit union employees and volunteers, you understand the impact of the data breaches at large retailers like Target, Home Depot and Michaels. These breaches have been costly to your credit union and frustrating for your members.

We are writing to share that newly introduced bills in each chamber of Congress will hold merchants accountable when they are responsible for a breach of consumer data. We need our members of Congress to support the Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, and the companion House bill, H.R. 2205.

These bills strengthen merchant security standards to be comparable with those of credit unions and mandate a federal notification requirement for merchants when breaches occur. Additionally, each bill provides a floor for data security standards nationwide and also includes the important provision to exclude financial institutions from the requirements as they are already subject to rigorous standards under the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (GLBA).

NCOFCU is working with Credit Union Leagues to make sure our members of Congress understand just how important this issue is to credit unions and our members. The credit union Leagues are initiating a ten-week grassroots campaign and NCOFCU will participate this week in this statewide grassroots effort.

Please take a moment through links below to send an email today to your members of Congress. The email addresses and a pre-written message are provided through the CUNA’s Grassroots Action Center. There is a sign in process so that the correct Representative is selected. the process is easy and will just take a few minutes.

Take action with members of the US House

Take action with members of the US Senate

Thanks in advance for your participation in this important grassroots campaign!

CO-OP SHARED BRANCH SURPASSES BANK OF AMERICA IN NUMBER OF BRANCHES

Credit Union Shared Branching Network Now Third Among Financial Institutions

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (June 8, 2015) - CO-OP Shared Branch has surpassed Bank of America in number of branch offices, and is now the nation's third largest network of financial institution branches, according to data drawn from the FDIC.

CO-OP Shared Branch comprises 5,341 branches, compared to Bank of America's 5,244 branches. The figures were compiled by CO-OP Financial Services on May 19, 2015, and retrieved from the FDIC's "Find Banks" page at www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main.asp.

"We have achieved a significant milestone by reaching more than 5,300 branches, but the sky is still the limit for our industry's unique shared branching concept," said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services. "There are about 1,800 credit unions participating in shared branching, offering convenient branch access to more than 52 million members wherever they may travel in the United States.

"In addition to member convenience, shared branching offers a means of generating revenue and operational efficiencies for participating institutions," said Hollen. "If all of the nearly 7,000 credit unions in the U.S. were part of shared branching, our locations would number about 21,000."

The credit union industry's shared branch network is also gaining fast on the two remaining networks with more branches. Chase has 5,892 branches and Wells Fargo has 6,392 according to the same FDIC source.

In addition to the more than 5,300 "live teller" branches, CO-OP Shared Branch also includes nearly 1,800 self-service kiosks within select 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

A business unit of CO-OP Financial Services (www.co-opf.org), CO-OP Shared Branch is the credit union movement's national network for extending branch services to members between institutions. Members of participating credit unions can enter the branch of any other participating credit union and transact account-related business as if they were in their own home branch.

To find a CO-OP Shared Branch location, or a CO-OP ATM, visit https://co-opcreditunions.org/locator.

For more information, visit http://www.co-opfs.org/solutions/locations/shared-branching.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the nation's largest credit union service organization in terms of number of credit unions, assets and members. The company helps credit unions thrive by providing products and services that make it more convenient for members to do business with them. With a motto of "Be There. Be More," CO-OP's products fall into three business lines, including "Locations," (ATM, shared branching and call center services); "Card Payments" (debit and credit processing) and "Mobile/Virtual" (mobile, online, check imaging, bill pay services). To learn more visit www.co-opfs.org

IWS Acquisition Corporation Is 2015 Official Conference Sponsor of National Coalition of Firefighter Credit Unions Annual Meeting

 

CONTACT:
Margaret Blankers
MJB Public Relations Group
866.714.7041 · margaret@mjbpr.com

IWS Acquisition Corporation Is 2015 Official Conference Sponsor of National Coalition of Firefighter Credit Unions Annual Meeting

Boca Raton, FL. (June 4, 2015) – IWS Acquisition Corporation (IWS) is pleased to announce it is the Official Conference Sponsor for The National Coalition of Firefighter Credit Unions (NCOFCU) 2015 Annual Conference. The Conference, “By Firefighters for Firefighters, will be held in Nashville Oct. 7-10. NCOFCU is the nation’s premier professional association of credit unions serving firefighters and their families.

“We are thrilled to welcome IWS as this year’s Official Conference Sponsor,” said Grant J. Sheehan, Executive Director & CEO of NCOFCU. “I have firsthand experience with IWS’ dedication and commitment to our brotherhood of credit unions. For five years, we have been pleased to partner with and endorse IWS’ suite of vehicle protection products to our members, and theirs. By stepping up its role at the conference, IWS is further demonstrating its support for firefighters and the credit union community.”

“IWS is proud to be this year’s 2015 Official Conference Sponsor,” said James H. Hawk, President/CEO of IWS. “We share the Coalition’s commitment to providing relevant and constituent-customized financial literacy training, as well growth-oriented auto lending protection products and non-interest income generating programs to our nation’s firefighter credit unions. Structured in a peer-to-peer, roundtable discussion format that resembles IWS’ annual Top Achievers Conference we look forward to an active conversation on the issues and opportunities presented to this important group of executives.”

For more than 20 years, IWS has partnered with credit unions nationwide to deepen their member relationships, offering products such as Vehicle Service Agreement (VSA), Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI), and Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP). “Our desire is to stay focused on what we do best; provide outstanding products and unsurpassed customer service,” said Hawk.

For more information contact Jack Chadam, IWS National Marketing Manager, at (561) 981.7012 or jchadam@iwsgroup.com

About IWS Acquisition Corporation

Based in Boca Raton, FL IWS Acquisition Corporation is a well-known provider of Vehicle Service Agreements (VSA), Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI), and GAP to credit unions nationwide. IWS provides vehicle protection solutions and peace of mind for credit union members that go beyond the actual products to include service after the sale. The company’s proven success in meeting this need is based on its ability to train credit unions to match members with the right product to fit their need. For more information, visit www.iwsgroup.com.

About the National Coalition of Firefighter Credit Unions

The National Coalition of Firefighter Credit Unions (NCOFCU) is a non-profit 501©3 professional association of credit unions serving firefighters and their families. The purpose of the NCOFCU is to provide financial literacy training to firefighters serving as volunteer credit union directors, supervisory and credit committee members; to promote the growth, viability and unity of firefighter credit unions; and to facilitate opportunities for partnerships and collaboration among its membership. For more information, visit http://www.ncofcu.org/ .

# # #

Memorial Day

 

A Memorial Day Observance Speech
by Johnny Q. Gogue III

Memorial Day – For most it is a three-day weekend, filled with bar-b-que’s and picnics . . . A time to get away from the normal humdrum of the week. For other’s it’s the beginning of summer, a time to look towards the long lazy days and a time to plan your summer get-a-ways. Though for some, Memorial Day holds a special significance.

On May 5, 1868, an order issued by General John Logan established a day of remembrance for those soldiers who died during the Civil War. May 30, 1868, was the day designated for this observance and flowers were placed on the graves of the fallen soldiers of both the Union and Confederate Armies. New York was the first state to officially recognize this observance in 1873 and in 1971 with the passage of the National Holiday Act; Memorial Day was designated as the last Monday of May.

Now for many of us, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, and the Korean War are ancient history. The Vietnam War a fading memory. But with the recent Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom we, the American people have once again been thrust into a position of remembering those who are fighting and dying today.

I, like my grandfathers, father, uncles and aunt before me, am a veteran. I am and was proud of serving in the Armed Forces. I served in the Army from 1985 to 1994. I was in Operation Desert Storm/Shield. I know what Memorial Day is about.

I have two brothers who are currently serving. One brother is serving in the Navy in Italy. My youngest brother, who is currently serving in the Army, is right now in Iraq supporting and defending his fellow soldiers. I know what Memorial Day is about.

Memorial Day for all soldiers is embodied in the words of the oath that you first take when you enlist into the service of the country:

I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO HELP ME GOD.

This oath taken by each and every soldier exemplifies the reason why soldiers do what they do each and every day. Soldiers are defenders of the same principles that made this country great. They stand as Patriots to defend and protect the ideals and sentiments espoused in the Constitution of the United States. Soldiers bear true faith and allegiance to that document and they work, and live, within the Codes of Military Justice. Soldiers also obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Officers appointed over them. These truths are self evident in the everyday lives of soldiers.

Now, as we see our fellow citizens arrive back from a foreign land, we should not forget those words that each and every soldier spoke upon enlistment. Because when we look upon a returning soldier from conflict, a disabled veteran, or a grave marker – those words should ring in your conscience.

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic . . . streaming from the eyes of the returning soldier. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the Officers appointed over me . . . sounding from the stumbling gait of the disabled veteran. According to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God . . . blasting from the cold stone face of a grave marker.

Remember those that gave their lives, so that we may continue to live in freedom as spelled out in the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence . . . Lest we forget.

Retirement Notice: Clint Hartmann CEO of Houston Texas Fire Fighters FCU is Retiring!

The Board of Directors of Houston Texas Fire Fighters FCU has announced that Clint Hartmann is retiring in March 2016 as President/CEO after 12 years of distinguished service.

After graduating with his MBA and working several years in finance and accounting, Hartmann began his credit union career at Tropical Telco FCU (now Tropical Financial CU) in 1983 as Assistant Controller. Over the next 25 years, Hartmann served as President and CEO of credit unions with the Martin Marietta and the University of South Florida, where he learned to respect and appreciate the membership aspect of the credit union philosophy. He was named President and CEO of HTFFFCU in 2004.

Hartmann cites that his biggest challenge as CEO was navigating through the recent recession and collapse of the corporate credit union network, a challenge that hurt many credit unions throughout the country.

“I am proud that we managed to work through these challenges while maintaining positive earnings and capital growth. We also did not reduce any employee benefits or lay off staff.”
Under Hartmann’s exceptional direction, the Credit Union has grown in assets from $165 million in 2004 to over $247 million as of March 2015. Under his leadership, the credit union’s technological potential grew from establishing a new updated website to now accepting mobile deposits—technology that rivals the big banks.

In addition to his time at HTFFFCU, Hartmann has been extremely active in the Credit Union industry, currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Corporate America Credit Union. He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Houston Chapter of Credit Unions for 9 years–5 of those years as President. Much of his time with the Houston Chapter centered on fundraising efforts for community charities and political advocacy for the credit union industry in Texas.

“The Houston Chapter has accomplished a great many things while I have been on the Board but there are probably two that I am most proud of,” he stated. “The first is that we won chapter of the year for 4 consecutive years. This demonstrates the overall excellence of the chapter and its many efforts. The second and definitely the one I am most proud of is that the Chapter has donated over $400,000 to Texas Children’s Hospital. In addition, the chapter has a current pledge of $250,000 that will be met next year. Working with the volunteers for the chapter has been a rewarding experience.”

He and his wife will enjoy a pastime they have both looked forward to, seeing the country in their travel trailer.

"Leaving HTFFFCU is bitter sweet,” Hartmann said. “On the one hand I look forward to traveling and spending more time with my grandchildren. On the other I will miss the involvement with the Chapter and my colleagues. I will miss the staff at the credit union, especially the management team. Finally, I will miss the Board of Directors at HTFFFCU. They have been very supportive over the last 12 years. Something I truly appreciate.”

Great Things Happen When Firefighters Get Together

The Face-to-face interaction is the platform where collaboration begins, relationships are forged, and ideas are generated.”

Register NOW  http://www.ncofcu.org/2015-Attendee-Registration

Firefighters First Credit Union, Fire Family Foundation Presents, the 2nd Annual Fire Boot Classic “Chips & Tequila” | Pasadena California,

 

Brookside Golf Club will turn into an evening of Vintage Mexico High Stakes poker tournament and bingo for the 2nd Annual Fire Family Foundation’s Fire Boot Classic on Saturday, May 16, 2015.

The evening consists of a high stakes poker classic, bingo, cigars, tequila tasting, silent auction, food/drink, and a fun photo booth by the students of Room 13 of Eliot Middle School in Pasadena. Adding to this is the equally fun-loving celebrity master of ceremonies Tim Conway Jr. Host of Tim Conway Jr. Show (KFI 640 AM, Actor Roger Mosley calling bingo alongside Pasadena Firefighters. Proceeds benefit the Fire Family Foundation, the charitable hand of Firefighters First Credit Union.

Recent Ways Fire Family Foundation Has Helped:

• Suddenly on Thanksgiving morning, the Fire Captain did not wake up; he left behind 4 devastated kids and a wife to face a changed world; Their December mortgage was paid by the Foundation
• Help with a down-payment for a newer car for a young family with a boy struggling with leukemia, and his granddad worked for LAFD; now the family can get him safely to his therapy
• Matching Red Cross’ donation to bury a 15-year old boy who had just arrived from Bangladesh, but was caught in an apartment fire.
• When a firefighter battled cancer and was unable to work he was about to lose his water service, but at 4 PM on a Friday afternoon the Foundation stepped in to help
• When a young firefighter returned home and died due to smoke in the lungs, the family wanted to come together, but one cousin was thousands of miles away. The Foundation paid to fly her out; she too is a firefighter and she attended her cousin’s funeral on what would have been his 32nd birthday.
• Hardware store gift card for a house fire victim, so she could return to her burnt home and try to clean up.

Pasadena Now » Fire Family Foundation Presents the 2nd Annual Fire Boot Classic “Chips & Tequila” | Pasadena California, Hotels,CA Real Estate,Restaurants,City Guide... - PasadenaNow.com

National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc. - Leadership

 

NCOFCU Leadership
NCOFCU is governed by a 9 member Board of Directors elected by the member credit unions. The Board is comprised of Firefighter credit union executives and volunteers from across the US. The Board meets periodically by phone throughout the year, and twice in person, at the annual planning session and at the annual educational conference.
There are 5 standing committees that are charged with managing various facets of the organization. The Committees are Audit, Conference, Marketing, Membership, Nominating and 3 Associate Directors. Each committee sets their meeting schedule and is comprised of at least one board member and volunteers from the member credit unions. The committee chairmen reports their projects and progress directly to the Board of Directors.

National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc. - Leadership