Kelsey Olson – Page 11 – The Wonderful World Of Wauna

Member Spotlight: Anthony Krueger

Anthony Krueger’s photography is treasured art here in Columbia County. Many of Anthony’s photographs are of the local landmarks we all know and love: the Columbia River, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the truss bridge spanning the Nehalem River. His 26 years as a member of our community truly shines through in his work.

In those 26 years, Anthony has built a family, tenured his art, and grown his career at the Wauna Mill. The best part of Anthony’s career? Flexibility to spend time with his children. “My family comes first before anything,” he says.

Like so many of us, Anthony also loves the outdoors. His UTV, pictured below, was financed right here at Wauna Credit Union. You too can enjoy the outdoors with a toy of your own. Now, through the end of July, Wauna Credit Union is offering special financing for motor homes, travel trailers, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and water craft. Get started today and receive a gift card of up to $250* with rates starting as low as 4.75% APR*.

Anthony’s breathtaking art truly illustrates a deep respect for the place we call home, and Wauna Credit Union is honored to feature his talent.

*APR: Annual Percentage Rate. Promotional financing terms offered through July 31, 2019, and available for New and Used Purchase loans, and qualifying loans Refinanced from elsewhere to Wauna CU. Qualifying loan types include motor home, travel trailer, boat, motorcycle, ATV, and watercraft. Special terms are subject to change without notice. The loan range to qualify for the promotional terms is $2,000 to $49,999. Approved loans qualify for 60-Days No Payments (interest will continue to accrue during the 60-Days period) plus a VISA Gift Card based on the loan amount: $50 (loan $2,000-$4,999), $100 (loan $5,000-$14,999), $150 ($15,000-$24,999), and $250 (loan $25,000-$49,999). Rates & terms offered based on applicant’s credit worthiness and term of loan. RV-Toy Loan rates start at 4.75% APR for up to 48-months; other rates and terms are also available. Membership with Wauna CU required.

May 2019 Statement Insert

Get the card that plays!
3.49% Intro APR*
For VISA Rewards so you can play and get paid

10,000 Bonus Points**
After registering at scorecardrewards.com

20,000 Bonus Points**
After account balance exceeds $999.99

* APR: Annual Percentage Rate. This special offer is exclusive to new VISA
Platinum or Rewards credit card accounts opened on or before July 31, 2019.
The special 6-Month Introductory Rate periods (Platinum 2. 99% APR; Rewards
3.49% APR) apply to purchase balances for a maximum of 6 billing cycles
following the account opening date, after which time the cardholder’s regular
Credit Card Account Agreement terms will apply; some restrictions may apply.
Qualifying Rewards credit card accounts are eligible to earn up to 30,000
Bonus Reward Points: 20,000 **Bonus Points if their account balance exceeds
$999.99 on or before August 31, 2019; and/ or 10,000 **Bonus Points when
the account holder creates logon credentials and accesses the Scorecard
Rewards website on or before August 31, 2019. Some restrictions apply;
Membership with Wauna Credit Union is required. This promotional offer ends
July 31, 2019. Promotional details available at waunafcu.org.

Individual Adventures Welcome
This could be yours for $173 per month*
This listed monthly payment is an estimate based on a loan amount
of $7,500 at 4.99% APR* for 48 months. Monthly payments may
vary based on individual credit worthiness and other factors

60-days no payments
Gift Card of up to $250
Finance new or used toys
Move your loan from elsewhere for same terms

Grow Your Business in 2019 Seminar
Presented by Cascade Crest Insurance and Wauna Credit Union
Learn and apply marketing techniques,
commercial lending practices, and business
insurance strategy at this FREE event!
WHEN: June 17th 4PM-5:30PM
WHERE: St. Helens Public Library
WHO: Open to the public
Contact Cascade Crest Insurance at 503.543.5636 or
WCU at 800.773.3236 to learn more

Individuals Welcome at our Long Beach Location
Wauna Credit Union
24/7 Lending | waunafcu.org | 800-773-3236
Federally insured by the NCUA
We’re now a full-service branch at:
910 Pacific Ave • Long Beach, WA

$417
The Average Amount Drivers are Overpaying Each Year for Car Insurance. Source Nerdwallet.com
Should you be paying less for auto insurance? Start a free quote and we’ll help you save.
Cascade Crest Insurance
Save today, get a free quote at www.cascadecrestinsruance.com

May Anniversaries

Wauna Credit Union has been serving members of the towns and cities surrounding the Columbia River for 52 years. We’re continuing to grow (if you want to join us check out our careers page). May I introduce you to the employees who celebrated anniversaries in May?

Debi Smiley – 31 years
As Chief Marketing Officer, I oversee and direct the marketing efforts and facility design of WCU. My responsibilities include planning, developing, implementing and monitoring the overall business marketing strategy. Some of the duties include market research, pricing, product marketing, marketing communications, advertising and public relations. I also participate as a member of the Leadership Team.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to innovate and provide services and products to the members of the communities we serve and be the financial partner choice that can help them achieve their dreams. The lesson that I take away from my 31 years of service is that making a difference in people lives is very important to Debi on ATV me. WCU has provided me with the channel to help people and make a positive difference. This has come in many forms such as counseling, volunteerism, providing tools to friends and co-employees that helps them achieve their goals. All of these are so rewarding and fulfilling.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
My new hobby would be sports related in some fashion. One thought would to be to coach a team or lead an exercise class. It would involve fun, motivation, physical challenge and lead to improved health.

Laura Wells – 7 years
My position is Accountant. A lot of what I do is make sure yesterday’s activity from our members and employees balances and makes sense today. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make sure the credit union is financially sound, and all the transactions happened as they should. I balance our ATMs and ITMs, debit and credit card activity, as well as all of the checks that get deposited in the branches. Our members may not really think about us in Accounting-land, but I love being able to help them behind the scenes.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me about teamwork and communication. We all have a common goal and everybody is important to successfully keeping the credit union running and our members happy, but we have to work together to achieve those goals! Laura in front of waterfall If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I think it would be fun to pick up travel writing. If I had all the time and money in the world, my new hobby would be to just travel around the world meeting people, eating food, and writing about my experiences. I’m headed to London in June, which will be country #23 for me.

Jennifer Clark – 3 years
What is your current position?
I’m a real estate loan officer based out of the St. Helens branch. My job is to assist members with financing their “forever home” or tapping into the equity in their current home to meet their financial goals. Jen at her desk

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
That taking initiative is essential. There is always room for improvement; work that could be completed more efficiently. I look at the processes that I use throughout my day and enjoy coming up with ways to improve them. The fact that my Wauna family has given me great support, well, it’s meant a lot.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I had to choose just one new hobby it would have to be geocaching. It’s a grown-up scavenger hunt!

Devyn Osborne – 2 years
I started as an MC in our Astoria branch. I really enjoyed all of the knowledge I obtained. It was great to get experience all the way from handling large amounts of cash to processing loans and more. I also had the opportunity to work in the Safeway Branch as well as the Warrenton Branch a handful of times, which was great training for my current role as a Virtual Consultant. I have always really enjoyed working with members and it’s a great feeling that I can be the smile on the other side of the phone. It was definitely a process learning how to give the members the same experience without being directly in front of them.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
I have obviously learned a lot about finances and lending as well as how the Devyn internal side of Wauna works. Since I’ve been at the Virtual Branch, I’ve learned a lot more about what happens behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. I have also had much more opportunity to help our members get loans, for cars, recreation vehicles, or even to help go on the trip they’ve always dreamed. The other thing working at the credit union has taught me is to never let one person’s bad day cause you to have a bad day. Sometimes I can cheer somebody up by keeping a positive attitude, but even if I can’t, I want to be sure that the next person I talk to is getting me at my absolute best.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I love my little family and the outdoors so I would absolutely love to travel more. I want to experience the world with my family.

Others

Loren Ames – 10 Years

What does a fraudulent email look like?

There’s spam, phishing, skimming, advanced fee, 419 Fraud, redemption fraud, and so much more. It can seem overwhelming to stay on top of. Wauna Credit Union does a lot behind the scenes to help make our financial platforms as secure as possible with technology like VISA 3-D Secure, and two-factor authentication, as well as continual staff education and awareness. We’ve provided tips on how to help keep your information, and your money, safe, but we’re always looking for new opportunities to help.

Recently we were alerted to a series of threatening emails one of our members received claiming to be from WCU. Luckily the member contacted a branch before providing information. We want to provide you a glimpse at what one of these scams actually looks like.

As you can see, the scammer did everything they could to get the member to make a quick decision. The top thing you can do when faced with any request for information, is to contact the credit union, either by calling our Virtual Branch at 1-800-773-3236, contacting us via our online chat or by visiting the nearest branch. If there’s an issue with your account, the person you contact will know about it, and be able to help.

scam email to member — A series of emails a member recently received

What to Look For

Non-standard from addresses; Anything that comes from the credit union will come from waunafcu.org. You can see this email actually comes from a Gmail account. Sometimes scammers will get tricky and try to spoof company’s names, for example waumafcu.org or waunafuc.org. Other times the company name is correct, but the actual domain, that’s the part after the @ symbol, is misleading, for example waunafcu.creditunion.org.
Threats; The scammer in this example relied heavily on the fear of going to jail. Wauna Credit Union will never threaten you. Our job is to help you, especially if you’ve fallen behind in your payments. In general, most reputable companies will always be respectful of you as a person, and threats of jail time are completely unfounded.
Overly long and changing subject lines; Scammers don’t want you thinking about what they say, and that includes doing everything to get you to avoid opening the email.
Grammar and punctuation errors; This series of emails is full of them. From not capitalizing the ‘c’ in Wauna Credit Union, to improper verb and noun agreement and simple misspellings, you can tell that our member was one of 100 the scammer was trying to fool.
Rushing you into action; Some of these emails came a minute or two after the previous one. The scammer claimed an initial payment must be made within days. All these actions were done to keep the member from evaluating what was actually happening.

Hopefully, seeing one of these scams in action will help you better recognize one if it comes your way.

April 2019 Statement Insert – Mortgages, Credit Cards, Long Beach Branch, Insurance

VISA
Contact us today for a new credit card or for a limit increase!
Wauna Credit Union
24/7 Lending waunafcu.org 800-773-3236
Federally Insured by the NCUA

Individuals Welcome at our Long Beach branch
We’re now a full-service branch at:
910 Pacific Ave Long Beach, WA

$417*
The average amount drivers are overpaying each year for car insurance.
Should you be paying less for auto insurance?
Start a free quote and we’ll help you save.

Cascade Crest Insurance
Save today, get a free quote at
www.cascadecrestinsurance.com
*source Nerdwallet.com

Individual Homeowners Welcome
Home Equity Lines of Credit First-Time Homebuyers Manufactured Homes Investment Property New Construction Primary Residence FHA and VA Loans Bare Land

Wauna Credit Union
24/7 banking waunafcu.org 800-773-3236 NMLS#421867
Federally insured by the NCUA
Equal Housing Opportunity

April Anniversaries

No foolin’ Wauna Credit Union has some great employees celebrating anniversaries in April.

If you want to be one of the people celebrating next year, check out our careers page.

Waunaversary Celebrants

Hannah Woodbury – 1 year

What is your current position?
I am an MC at the Saint Helens branch. I am on the front line and able to assist members with any basic transactions, helping them get loans, or even answering some financial questions and helping learn all the features in our new online and app banking platform U-Banking. Now that I’ve been at the credit union for a year, I’m also getting the opportunity to work with my colleagues to update the way we do some things to help our members.

Hannah and her dog — Hannah named her dog Rebeus after her love of Sailor Moon

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Learning to teach other people how to build their financial well-being, teaches you a lot about your own finances too! I spend a lot of time using the tools the credit union provides everybody – if you haven’t checked out Money Management within U-Banking give it a shot, and understanding the little things that cause your credit to go up and down has made me a resource for many of my friends and family that may have questions on finances.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I could pick any hobby it would be archery, cause girls that shoot arrows are cool… I would also choose to travel all over the world with my friends and family, and maybe a few solo trips as an adventure.

Hannah also sat down to record an episode of WaunaTalk. Give it a listen.

Others

McKenzie Wilson
Heather Dixson

Marci Szlavich
Ashleigh Sibley
Charles Dennis

A Letter From CEO Robert Blumberg

Last week, you may have received a letter indicating the interest rate on your Wauna Credit Union VISA would be increasing due to three consecutively missed payments. The letter was inaccurately and inadvertently generated to all Rewards VISA account holders by our vendor.

Our employees have worked tirelessly to confirm that the payment history of every account is correct. Rest-assured that your rate is not increasing. Wauna Credit Union has never increased the rate on a card because of missed payments, and we do not plan on starting now. It is also important to note that your information was not compromised in any way.

I apologize for any distress the error may have caused – this is not how I want to treat our members and can confirm that this was a processing mistake on our vendor’s side. I am planning on meeting with leadership at our vendor to demand procedures and a written plan to ensure only accurate information is sent to you moving forward.

If you have questions about your account status or otherwise, please contact us at 800-773-3236.

Sincerely,

Robert Blumberg Signature

Robert Blumberg CEO & President Wauna Credit Union

March Anniversaries

Whether you march to the beat of your own drum, or march in step, everybody can appreciate the Wauna Credit Union employees who are celebrating an anniversary in March.

If you want to be one of the people celebrating next year, check out our careers page.

Waunaversary Celebrants

Norm Dufton– 9 years

What is your current position?
I am the VP of Consumer Loans. I oversee underwriting, indirect lending and administrate mortgage support. I get to assist in developing underwriters, help the branches with sales techniques and do some data reporting. I develop loan products and with ALCO on loan pricing.

I have had this position for the last 9 years, though have had some parts added and done some things to help WCU grow. At one time WCU had a dealer’s license and I oversaw the operation. At one point I did my current job and oversaw the call center. We got loans started and I handed it over.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
While working at WCU I have learned much about our area and our members. Being born and raised in urban environments, I have come to appreciate the small town feel here. It has been mind expanding to learn about logging and fishing and how close knit the communities are. Norm chess. Not a link

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I were to choose one hobby it would be to play poker. It is a lot like underwriting and sales as you have to measure odds and sell your opponents on why to call or fold, depending on what you have or don’t have. I’ve played in a few tournaments and done well, and had a blast.

Sarah Bilyeu – 2 years

What is your current position?
I’m a Virtual Teller, working upstairs in the Astoria branch. I assist members on the ITMs, where I get to talk to people from all over our footprint, face-to-face. I also respond to member requests through online chat, email, and phones. However you want to contact us, we’re here to help. Sarah and Family

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Something that working here has taught me is the benefits in learning how to finally stabilize myself financially. In turn I can now happily help members with all their options they have in order to help them be financially successful.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
A hobby that I would love to try is scuba diving! 😊 I love the water, and being able to see what is below the surface would be so much fun.

Nik Nurkowski – 2 years

What is your current position?
My current position is a Virtual Consultant within the Virtual Branch of Wauna Credit Union. My cohorts and I are charged with service our membership though the various technical services Wauna provides. This is important as we provide customer support with questions and complications that can arise while they peruse our online services, conduct transactions with BillPay or POPMoney, and utilize our fabulous new ITM’s. Our job requires the use of well over a dozen different programs that allow us to access the multi-faceted array of services we offer to our members and assist with their myriad needs Picture of Nik. Not a link. with precision and care.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna has taught me much about finance and credit, important aspects of modern life in this world. However, I never expected it to teach me so much about interpersonal relationships. The shear variety of people I’ve worked with has forced me to learn very quick how to find common ground and blend with folks of radically different backgrounds and beliefs. I used to be a very socially awkward, introverted person, this was quelled for my last job, but my employment here (particularly my training with TMA) has taught me how to better interface with my fellow man. Especially when I share differing beliefs or opinions then the people in question, which was something I had lacking experience with remarkably enough.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
It’s not a new hobby, but if I had endless time and finances available; I would pursue hiking/exploring in more extreme or esoteric locales. I enjoy my local woodlands immensely, but a chance to explore the deep, truly arcane, forests of Washington and Oregon would be amazing. To take that exploration to similar places across the world would be even better.

Michael Swanson – 1 year

What is your current position?
I am a Lending Support Specialist. My main role in the lending department is to process and fund auto loans and HELOCs. I really enjoy working in this team because I am able to advocate for our membership and make improvements to our lending processes to make the borrowing experience easier for everyone!

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
In my first year with Wauna, I have learned so much about how car dealerships and auto financing work. This knowledge definitely makes the car buying process less intimidating!

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
My favorite hobby is playing electronic music. If time and money were not an issue, I’d buy a lot more synthesizers and play a lot more shows.

Kirsten Thompson – 1 year

What is your current position?
I am a Member Consultant in the Warrenton branch. Many people don’t know that we are so much more than tellers. We do credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, we help people understand credit and how important it is to establish.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me how to build and work on my own credit. When I first started here, I knew my credit wasn’t the best but I didn’t know the core factors on how to “fix” or build it. I have learned so much in this short period of time with Wauna and have since then been able to really understand what builds your score and what hurts it.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I had more time on my hands, I would definitely pick up traveling as a hobby. I love seeing new places but have never been out of the country, I mean hey even traveling around the states, or even more places in Oregon would be good with me. I definitely haven’t explored my home state enough!

Others

David Merrell
Janice Hanes
Nichole Klopp
Amanda Wehrley-Hazen
Christina Eaton
Darla Wickre

March Statement Insert

Open a Jump Start
Youth Savings Account
For a Chance to Win $$$

Wauna Credit Union
Federally insured by the NCUA
24/7 banking
waunafcu.org

Cascade Crest Insurance
Explore and Discover Your World
We’ve Got you Covered
www.cascadecrestinsurance.com
The Freedom to Enjoy Life Doesn’t
Mean Compromising on Protection
Auto/Home/Life/Business/Specialty
503-728-4397

Roll Into Rebates
Refinance Get 1% cash back 60 days no payments*
All vehicles, watercrafts, off road, unsecured loans, and more can be refinanced!

24/7 Lending, waunafcu.org, 800-773-3236
*Upon loan approval, current and new Wauna CU members who refinance a loan currently financed elsewhere to Wauna Credit Union qualify to receive: 1. an immediate Cash Rebate equal to 1% of the approved loan value; 2. 60-Days No Payments (interest will continue to accrue during the 60-day period); and, 3. Wauna CU will pay the vehicle title transfer fee up to $100 (member is responsible to pay any additional amount). Qualifying Loans: Auto, Truck, SUV, Van, Motor home, trailer, boat, watercraft, motorcycles, side-by-sides, quads, and unsecured loans such as home furnishings, tuition, personal loans, etc.). Minimum loan amount to qualify for special terms: $2,000; Maximum rebate allowed is $500 per qualifying loan. Interest will continue to accrue during the 60-Day No Payment period. These special, promotional financing terms end at close of business April 30, 2019. Rates & financing are offered based on applicant’s credit worthiness and term of the loan. Note: the promotional cash rebate paid to a member may be forfeit if the loan balance is paid in full within 180-days of the loan funding date. Membership with Wauna CU required to be eligible for this special offer.

WaunaCar Roll Into Rebates
1% cash rebate & 60 days no payments* Visit www.waunafcu.groovecar.com today!
*Special “Roll into Rebates” Auto Loan promotion: Wauna Credit Union members (current or new) who finance a qualifying loan (New or Used Auto, Truck, SUV, Van, Hybrid, Electric) using the GrooveCar service are eligible to receive: 1. an immediate Cash Rebate equal to 1% of the approved loan value; and, 2. 60-Days No Payments. Applicants must redeem the “Roll into Rebates” Coupon to Wauna Credit Union during the loan funding period to qualify for the special terms. This Coupon is available only on the Wauna Credit Union page of GrooveCar.com. Interest will continue to accrue during the 60-Day No Payment period. The promotional cash rebate paid to a member may be forfeit if the loan balance is paid in full within 180-days of the loan funding date. This special offer ends April 30, 2019. Membership with Wauna CU required to qualify for this special offer.

Invest In Yourself
Open or contribute to your IRA with WCU. Save for your future.

February Statement Insert

Roll into Rebates
Refinance
Get 1% cash back
60 days no payments
All vehicles, watercrafts,
off road, unsecured loans,
and more can be
refinanced!
24/7 Lending l waunafcu.org l 800-773-3236
Upon loan approval, current and new Wauna CU members who refinance a loan currently financed elsewhere to Wauna Credit Union qualify to receive: 1. an immediate Cash Rebate equal to 1% of the approved loan value; 2. 60-Days No Payments (interest will continue to accrue during the 60-day period); and, 3. Wauna CU will pay the vehicle title transfer fee up to $100 (member is responsible to pay any additional amount). Qualifying Loans: Auto, Truck, SUV, Van, Motor home, trailer, boat, watercraft, motorcycles, side-by-sides, quads, and
unsecured loans such as home furnishings, tuition, personal loans, etc.). Minimum loan amount to qualify for special terms: $2,000; Maximum rebate allowed is $500 per qualifying loan. Interest will continue to accrue during the 60-Day No Payment period. These special, promotional financing terms end at close of business April 30, 2019. Rates & financing are offered based on applicant’s credit worthiness and term of the loan. Note: the promotional cash
rebate paid to a member may be forfeit if the loan balance is paid in full within 180-days of the loan funding date. Membership with Wauna CU required to be eligible for this special offer. *Special “Roll into Rebates” Auto Loan promotion: Wauna Credit Union members (current or new) who finance a qualifying loan (New or Used Auto, Truck, SUV, Van, Hybrid, Electric) using the GrooveCar service are eligible to receive: 1. an immediate Cash Rebate equal to 1% of the
approved loan value; and, 2. 60-Days No Payments. Applicants must redeem the “Roll into Rebates” Coupon to Wauna Credit Union during the loan funding period to qualify for the special terms. This Coupon is available only on the Wauna Credit Union page of GrooveCar.com. Interest will continue to accrue during the 60-Day No Payment period. The promotional cash rebate paid to a member may be forfeit if the loan balance is paid in full within 180-days of the
loan funding date. This special offer ends April 30, 2019. Membership with Wauna CU required to qualify for this special offer.

ANNUAL MEETING REMINDER
52nd Annual Meeting is 03/12/2019 at 6:30 PM
Erlene Darby Learning Center
49249 HWY 30 Westport, Oregon
Doors open at 6 PM

Apply for a Wauna Credit Union Scholarship!
Learn more at waunafcu.org

Wauna Credit Union
Federally insured by the NCUA
24/7 Lending l waunafcu.org l 800-773-3236

INVEST IN YOURSELF
Open or contribute to your IRA with
WCU. Save for your future.

Reminder: Call Cascade Crest Insurance
To Compare My Insurance Rates
503-728-4391
Auto/Home/Life/Business
email: info@cascadecrestins.com
www.cascadecrestinsurance.com