Ray FCU held its 60th annual meeting on Jan. 27, 2015 at the Kearny Elks Lodge. 70 members attended the meeting, representing a 40 percent increase from last year, illustrating the meeting’s general theme, our credit union growth. Not only have the last two years been a period of tremendous growth, but also, a period of change. Over the last two years,
• Membership grew 30 percent; 30 businesses became members
• The number of checking accounts increased 94 percent
• Deposits grew 50 percent and loans grew 94 percent
In 2014,
• Membership grew 13 percent
• The number of checking accounts increased 34 percent
• Deposits grew 25 percent and loans grew 40 percent
In addition to growth, the other theme was change. During 2014, 11 of the current 14 employees were hired, two employees (previous year hires) were promoted to new positions. Our new staff faced many challenges and stresses but have come together, working cohesively as a team. Employees received education through webinars, on-site training and by attending conferences. The membership has been understanding during this transition period and has seen service steadily improve. Embracing a process of continual improvement, Ray FCU is committed to improving our service and infrastructure,
• Office hours increased; Monday to Friday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Saturdays (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
• A new logo was adopted and the web site was updated.
• The parking lot was expanded to accommodate more vehicles.
• Additional ATM’s were placed in Hayden (Town Hall) and Kearny (La Cantina).
• The teller line was relocated and a member service area was cordoned off in the lobby.
• Coin counting services are now offered.
• Internet access capacity was doubled.
• A new security system was installed.
Whitney Fry from first investors spoke about their full suite of financial planning options and the upcoming social security planning seminar in February.
2015 will be another exciting year for Ray Federal Credit Union. An ATM will be placed in Superior and branch services are expected there before the end of the year.
More interest than ever was shown in the board positions. The Board of Directors is democratically elected from the membership and is responsible for the general direction and control of the credit union. We thank Darrell Wallace Jr. for volunteering his time as a board member for two years and the insight he brought to the meetings. Darrell decided not to run again. Four positions on the board were open for elections. Seven members ran for board positions. Congratulations to Mike Dinwiddie, Jim McGrane, and Ann Swaim on their re-election to the board. Congratulations to Robert Boatman on his election to the board of directors. The board of directors for Ray Federal Credit Union is now:
President – Ralph “Button” DuBois
Vice President – Charles Warren
Secretary – Chris Postel
Treasurer – Michael Dinwiddie
Director – Robert Boatman
Director – Jim McGrane
Director – Ann Swaim
Ray Federal Credit Union concluded the 60th annual meeting with the traditional raffle, donuts and beverages. Congratulations to Jennifer Sims on winning the $250 Visa gift card, Roy Smith on winning the Apple TV (donated by First Mortgages), Kim Guyton on winning the coffee basket (donated by First Investors), and the many members that also won prizes.
I’d like to thank our staff, board of directors, and our members that have welcomed me into the community and contribute to the success of our local, non-profit, financial institution, Ray Federal Credit Union.
Information submitted by Adam Perlman, MBA, AAP