Military Appreciation Month: Honoring our Heroes
JBLM,
Lifestyle
ACU Newsletter: Spring 2025
Spring represents a time of change and renewal, which was represented with our annual meeting in March. CEO Ken Leonard spoke about growth, the future, technology, and the good health of the organization. Since 1954, ACU has evolved to match the ever-changing needs of our members. From offering cryptocurrency purchases in mobile banking, to a new branch in Tumwater, we thrive on innovation.
ACU remains deeply committed and active in our communities. Our support for the Children’s Museum, SPSCC, Saint Martin’s University, Pilot for the Day, and numerous other charities and events showcases our dedication to this region. We look forward to seeing our members at the many events on our calendar this spring and summer, including the grand opening of our Tumwater location.
71st Annual Meeting
America’s Credit Union held its 71st Annual Membership Meeting on March 12, 2025, marking another year of growth and community service. The event was attended by members, board directors, and staff, reflecting the strong engagement and commitment of the ACU community.
The meeting commenced with the call to order and ascertainment of a quorum, followed by the appointment of Doug Schafer as Parliamentarian and Lorraina Julian as Recording Secretary. The Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee, and the ACU Foundation were introduced, highlighting the leadership and oversight that guide ACU’s operations.
Key highlights of the meeting included the election of board members. Thad Collard and Colleen Oczkewicz were elected to three-year terms, reinforcing the board’s dedication to strategic governance and member representation.
Pilot for a Day
ACU is proud to be a supporter of the Pilot for a Day Program, organized by the McChord Air Force Association. This initiative provides children facing health challenges with an unforgettable experience, allowing them to step into the shoes of a pilot for a day.
The event is comprised of a day full of activities revolving around the child’s dream and interest in aviation. Our most recent participant is Benny, a bright 7-year-old boy who regularly visits Madigan Army Hospital’s Pediatric Cardiology Clinic.
Benny’s infectious smile and boundless energy light up every room he enters.
ACU Foundation Donates $15k to Children’s Museum
America’s Credit Union is proud to announce a donation of $15,000 to the JBLM Children’s Museum. This contribution will support military families by providing free access to the museum, ensuring that children and their families can enjoy educational and enriching experiences without financial barriers.
The Children’s Museum operates under a “Pay As You Will” model, which allows any child to make use of the facility regardless of the ability to pay. The donation will allow the museum to underwrite those who may not otherwise be able to pay. Young military families are often at the lower end of the income scale and face challenges such as frequent relocations and deployments. The museum provides a space for them to connect, strengthen relationships, and build a sense of community.
Proctor Branch
After careful study and consideration of branch traffic and membership growth, we have made the difficult decision to close the Proctor Branch. During our analysis, we found that most of our members are utilizing the ACU Mobile App and Online Banking, while only a handful are visiting the branch.
There are many alternatives to a Proctor branch visit, such as:
- Mobile and Online Banking
- Over 30k Surcharge-Free, CO-OP ATMs nationwide
- Over 5k Shared Branching locations nationwide
- ACU Member Contact Center
June 6, 2025, will be the last day of operation. If you have any questions regarding this change, please feel free to call us at 866-968-7128
Debbie Hodous Honored
America’s Credit Union proudly took part in the America’s Service Heroes Scholarship Donor Recognition event at Saint Martin’s University. This gathering celebrated the scholarship fund that provides crucial financial support to military service members and their families.
The ceremony honored the generous contributions of Debbie Hodous and Richard “Doc” Hecker.
John Grossman welcomed attendees, including ACU representatives and scholarship recipient Sean Campbell, who shared how the scholarship has impacted his academic journey.
President Brownsberger and Phil Prothero highlighted the importance of supporting veterans and their families. Pat Geiger spoke on behalf of Debbie Hodous, expressing her pride in helping military families.
Tumwater Branch Update
The Tumwater Branch is reaching the final phases of construction. The design of the branch connects with the heritage of the Craft District. With the brick cladding to the interior finishes, this branch honors the past while connecting with current needs and future growth.
We are excited to serve a wide variety of member needs. From simple transactions or a deposit, to new loans or discussions on savings options, the branch team is focused on helping members get what they need efficiently.
We are also excited to become part of the local culture. For years, we have been supporting Tumwater High School, South Puget Sound Community College, and the City of Tumwater Parks and Recreation, in anticipation of being a neighbor. It’s finally happening!
Cryptocurrency: A Guide
Cryptocurrency has become a buzzword in the financial world, but many people still find it confusing and intimidating. Our goal is to provide you with clear, accurate information about cryptocurrency, so you can make informed decisions about your financial future.
Key Terms to Know
- Blockchain: A digital ledger that records all cryptocurrency transactions across a network of computers. It is secure and unchangeable.
- Cryptography: The practice of secure communication, which is used to protect cryptocurrency transactions.
- Decentralized: A system where control is distributed across a network, rather than being held by a single central authority.
- Miners: Participants in the cryptocurrency network who verify transactions and add them to the blockchain.
- Volatility: The degree to which the price of an asset, such as cryptocurrency, can change rapidly and unpredictably.
New Verification for Out-of-State Shared Branching
Members who use out-of-state Shared Branch locations will need to verify their identity through IDCheck as part of a new CO-OP℠ Shared Branch network policy. This measure is designed to enhance the security of your transactions and protect your accounts from fraud.
How it Works:
- Scan the QR code located in the branch or visit verify.coop.org
- Select America’s Credit Union from the drop-down list.
- Enter your member number and the last four digits of your social security number.
- Upload a photo of your ID.
Farewell Maria
After an amazing career spent serving members, caring for her team and simply being a dedicated co-worker, Branch Operations VP, Maria Meyer, has retired. A lover of dark chocolate, laughter and EastEnders, she left a lasting mark at ACU. We all wish her the very best!
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