Congratulations McKenzie Wilson Producer of the Year

At the annual Winter Celebration held on December 10, 2016, Wauna Credit Union CEO & President Robert Blumberg handed out 10 awards to outstanding employees. The most coveted award of 2016 Producer of the Year went to McKenzie Wilson, Real Estate Loan Officer at the Warrenton branch.

The reward was a surprise to McKenzie but well deserved. She was sitting with her husband Vince listening to her boss Monica Lauber, VP of the Mortgage Department give the final award of the evening, when she slowly realized Monica was talking about her.

McKenzie started as an intern at WCU during high school. She left for a few years after graduation and decided to come back to WCU. She will celebrate her 5-year anniversary at WCU this year, and knows there will be many more to come.

She said the most satisfying thing about her job is getting first time buyers into a home and helping people consolidate their debt with Home Equity Line of Credit loans. “I grew up in Knappa, so I’m not just getting loans for strangers. The members we work with were my friends growing up and their families. It’s very rewarding to be able to help them realize their dreams.”

This year is already looking to be even better than last. With the expansion of the mortgage team and the continual emphasis on making sure WCU is serving the members McKenzie sees nothing but opportunity and success in the year ahead. “We’re really working well together as a team. We have fun when it’s time to have fun, and work hard when it’s time to work hard. This year is already looking to be even better than last. “The coast is really busy this year,” McKenzie said. “I told my boss this year I want a pink one! “

Wauna Credit Union Exhibiting at the Shore Style Wedding Faire

This Saturday, January 28, Wauna Credit Union will be attending the annual Shore Style Wedding Faire in Astoria. The event hosts vendors from all over the North Coast, from DJs to caterers, all helping couples decide how their wedding will look and feel. We will be there to let people know about our Lifestyle Loans, affordable loans to support specific or unexpected needs that require financial support. The loans cover many different things, including medical bills, household improvement or auto repairs. The Lifestyle Loan is a great option for somebody looking for a little extra money for a wedding ceremony, reception, rings, honeymoon, or even the little miscellaneous costs that always seem to pop up.

In addition to Lifestyle Loans, we offer other solutions for people looking to pay for an upcoming wedding (or other event). For example, a parent with home can use the equity in their home to take out a home equity line of credit, which provides a revolving credit line to use on any life expenses. For those looking for a way to have access to funds instantly a HELOC is a great way to go. You pay interest only on funds used, and they can be used for anything at all.

Another great option is a credit card. Wauna offers both VISA Rewards and VISA Platinum credit cards for our members with established credit, and we also have a First Time VISA to help younger members establish credit.

Stop by the Wauna Credit Union table to get more information. We’ll have somebody there taking applications, and also answering questions on how we can help you finance your reception, honeymoon, or any other expense surrounding your wedding. We’ll also be hosting a raffle in which three lucky entrants will win $50.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Meet Monica Lauber Vice President of Mortgage

Wauna has many talented and amazing people who work for us, including Monica Lauber who recently was promoted to the Vice President of our Mortgage Department. The Wonderful World Of Wauna caught up with Monica to talk about her time here, and find out more about what she does, and what motivates her.

How long have you been at Wauna? I’ve been at Wauna for 13 incredible years. I started in the Warrenton Branch as an MCR and moved over to the Lending Department in 2005.

What is your new position at WCU? I am the now the VP of Mortgage. I’ve been managing the Mortgage department since 2013, and have seen us grow to continue to meet the needs of our members.

What do you like most about your new job? There are so many things I like love about my job. I have an amazing team that I have built over the years. Most of which have been promoted from within. We all believe in Wauna’s mission and vision statements and strive to deliver positive experiences to our members every day. I look forward to continuing to build on that success for the department and the credit union as a whole. We are growing more and more every day!

What do you think makes Wauna Credit Union special? Our Leadership Team and Board of Directors listen to the needs of our members and the communities we serve. They allow me to create and structure products unlike a bank or mortgage broker. The mortgage industry changes every day,

Monica poses with her team at the Wauna CU Mortgage Origination Office groundbreaking last August. Cookies from Pink Poppy Bakery.

and I strive to be ahead of the game for the benefit of our membership. We are not for profit and we truly care about our membership and their financial well being.

What is your favorite memory of working with a member? You saved the best for last. However that’s a very tough question! I have had the pleasure of working in all of our branches over the years and I continue to travel them weekly.

There have been so many memories that I have gained over the years.

I’ve helped our members from buying their first home and then worked with them again to remodel that home to meet their growing needs. I look at each interaction with our members and strive for them to choose us for all their financial needs, not just for a mortgage..

We live by Wauna’s mission statement Wauna Credit Union will be the financial institution that members choose first, use the most, and grow with throughout their lives.  It is important for us to live by those words, because that gives us lots more membership memories. It’s what makes me love what I do, every day!

CONGRATULATIONS! Wauna CU Staff Receive Awards At Annual Winter Celebration!

Every year in December Wauna Credit Union employees get together to celebrate accomplishments and enjoy some social time, we call it our “Winter Celebration”. This year, several employees and departments were recognized with awards for their outstanding efforts to meet and surpass established criterion that assist Wauna Credit Union in achieving operational objectives, production goals, strategic goals and high performance standards.

At our annual Winter Celebration held on December 10, 2016 at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, Wauna Credit Union CEO Robert Blumberg handed out 10 awards to the following employees:

Top Underwriter: Serena Schlosser

Branch Producer: Samantha Wiser

Top Referrer: Rachel Milligan

Exceeded Production Goal: Norm Dufton

Exceeded Production Goal: Tonya Dick

Top Branch: Virtual Branch: Brianna Malcolm

Top Branch: Virtual Branch: Carli Lyon

Top Branch: Virtual Branch: Rachel Milligan

Top Branch: Virtual Branch: Ashleigh Sibley

Top Overall Producer: McKenzie Wilson

 

Congratulations to these well deserving employees!

5 Financial Resolutions for the New Year

A brand new year provides the perfect opportunity to make meaningful life changes, including improved financial wellness. These five financial resolutions can help get your year off to a promising start.

Piggy bank and coins

1. Get on budget

Take charge of your finances by creating a budget. Start by calculating after-tax income and subtracting fixed monthly expenses. Then allocate portions of the remaining income for savings, important goals and a few things that just make you happy. If this sounds complicated, relax; today’s user-friendly budget apps can take a lot of the pain out of the process. To further simplify money matters, consider setting up automatic bill pay, an automatic savings plan and separate savings accounts for specific goals.

2. Build an emergency fund

Without a solid cushion, any unexpected job loss, medical challenge or serious property damage could lead to lasting financial hardship. An emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of expenses can protect your standard of living and offer peace of mind. Commit to making consistent deposits to this fund even if you can only spare a small amount each month. Because you may need to tap into emergency cash at a moment’s notice, choose a vehicle that gives you easy access, such as a savings or money-market account.

3. Prepare for retirement

Retirement may not be on the immediate horizon, but when the time comes it may well last 20 years or more. You’ll probably need somewhere from 70 to 90% of your final-year income for each year of retirement, and it’s unlikely that Social Security will be sufficient. Saving such a sizeable sum takes decades, so it pays to start early. Put as much as you can afford into tax-advantaged Roth or traditional IRAs, and if your job provides a 401(k) plan, contribute the maximum employer-matched amount.

4. Improve your credit

You likely know that credit scores affect financing approval and interest rates. But the influence of those three little numbers actually stretches much further. Prospective employers and landlords frequently check credit, so low scores may mean missing out on the best jobs and apartments. Credit scores also may affect insurance premiums, mobile phone offers, vacation costs, and even whether utility hookups require a cash deposit. For top scores:

  • Pay all bills on time.
  • Keep credit card balances at no more than 20% to 30% of the credit limit.
  • Carry a mix of debt types such as credit cards, auto loans and personal loans.
  • Monitor credit to catch and correct any errors or problems.

5. Knock down debt

Even with a great job, high-interest debt can sabotage financial health. To dig out from under this burden, consider concentrating efforts on your highest interest debt first while continuing to make timely smaller payments on all other obligations. When the first balance is satisfied, focus on the most expensive remaining debt and continue this way until you’re debt-free.

If debt from multiple sources is unmanageable, debt consolidation may help you regain control. This approach streamlines debts into one payment, often with reduced interest and a lower monthly cost. Depending on your individual situation, home equity financing, personal loans or zero interest balance transfer credit cards may be effective debt consolidation choices.

Smart money resolutions boost financial stability not just immediately but over the long haul as well. The bonus takeaway is the confidence that all life’s remarkable milestones and challenges won’t break the bank.

 

Another great blog from our friends at Nerdwallet!

© Copyright 2016 NerdWallet, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Statement Insert: January 2017 – WCU turns 50! 1.5% apr on credit cards!



Wauna CU Turns 50!

Over fifty years ago, several enterprising, local coworkers took the important step to apply for a federal charter to form what was then known as the C.Z. Wauna Federal Credit Union (Crown Zellerbach).

Today, Wauna Credit Union has over 23,000 members – and with over $207 Million in Total Assets, has grown to be the 19th largest credit union in Oregon. Perhaps more important, over $158 Million in loans has been lent to members, business owners, and organizations that provide valuable services to our communities.

In recognition of our founders and our amazing history, a year-long celebration is scheduled – and our members will be the guests of honor!
Please watch for exciting news all year via our immediate notification channels including mobile, online, Internet, and social media, and of course, our nearly 100 employees at our nine facilities!

It’s Time for Member-Owners to Vote for Their Volunteer Board of Directors!

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, the membership elects the volunteer board of directors which guide the strategic direction of Wauna Credit Union. All members 18 or older and in good standing are eligible to cast a ballot. Unlike profit-oriented banks, where maximizing profits for stockholders is most important, a credit union’s board of directors sets policies and ensures decisions are based on the needs of the membership.

We encourage member-owners to be part of the decision-making process for their Wauna Credit Union. Voting begins January 26th by electronic ballot and ends at close of business on February 26, 2017. Election results will be announced during the 50th Annual Meeting, scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the Clatskanie Cultural Center in Clatskanie, Oregon.

VOTE!

January 26-February 26, 2017 (Instructions below)

50th Annual Meeting

When: Saturday, March 4th at 2 pm

Where: Clatskanie Cultural Center Clatskanie, Oregon

Voting Instructions:

Cast your ballot from January 26th thru February 26th.

All ballots, including paper ballots returned by mail, must arrive by the February 26 deadline to be counted in the election. Election results will be announced during the 50th Annual Meeting and in Wauna Credit Union publications.

To Vote by Electronic Ballot:

• Go to the Wauna CU website (waunafcu.org).
• Click the link for the 2017 Board of Directors Elections. (To be added)
• Select the Vote Now button and follow the instructions.

To Vote By Mail:

• Call 877-597-9507
• Select the option to vote by paper ballot; follow instructions.
• Your paper ballot must be received by close of business on
February 26, 2017.
Please contact Wauna Credit Union if you have questions or need assistance. Thank you for voting!

Our Privacy Policy Protects Your Information!

Just as you trust Wauna Credit Union to protect your finances, so, too can you feel assured your personal & confidential information is also secure. The Wauna Credit Union Privacy Policy is now available on our website, at any branch, or by phone at 800-773-3236; it details our commitment to ensuring your account and personal privacy.

Read our Privacy Policy.

Wake Up & Save The Money!

1.5% APR* thru January 31st! And those balances remain at 1.5% thru June 27, 2017!

• 1.5% APR* Promotional Rate!
• For all Wauna CU Credit Card Users!
• On New Purchases & Balance Transfers!
• No Balance Transfer Fees!
• Plus, get Double Reward Points when shopping at stores & Triple Reward Points when shopping online!

*APR: Annual Percentage Rate. During the special promotional period, Wauna Credit Union VISA cardholders will receive a Promotional Interest Rate of 1.50% APR for new purchases and balance transfers posted to their account through January 31, 2017. The promotional 1.50% APR will begin on the credit card transaction date(s) during the promotion period, and remain in effect through the June 27, 2017 credit card billing cycle, at which time the cardholder’s regular Credit Card Account Agreement terms will apply. As of November 14, 2016, the Wauna CU VISA credit card APR range was between 9.40% – 18.00%. Some restrictions apply. All business credit cards are excluded. Cardholders may not transfer balances from other accounts issued by Wauna Credit Union, or any amount of debt to their account that would cause their balance to exceed the account credit limit. VISA Rewards cardholders will earn Double Rewards Points for purchases conducted in person, and Triple Rewards Points for purchases conducted online through January 31, 2017. Promotion details available at waunafcu.org. Membership with Wauna Credit Union is required. This special Promotion ends January 31, 2017.

2017 Scholarship Applications Available in February!

Applications for our 2017 Scholarship program are available beginning in early February on our website or at any branch. Deadline to submit a completed application is 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 14th. Recipients will be notified prior to June 30, 2017, and announced soon after.

Try TurboTax, Save Up to $15 & get a chance to win $25,000!

Wauna Credit Union has teamed up with TurboTax® to save you up to $15 on TurboTax federal products, and a chance to win $25,000 in the $25,000 Payday Sweepstakes. TurboTax® translates taxes into simple questions about your life, so you don’t need tax knowledge – or an appointment – to get your taxes done right.
• Get your maximum refund. TurboTax searches over 350 deductions and credits to make sure you get your biggest possible refund, guaranteed.
• Be sure nothing gets missed. TurboTax CompleteCheck™ reviews every detail in your tax return, walks you through any final changes, and gives you the green light to file.
• You’re never alone. Connect with an expert live, on-screen to get answers when you need them with TurboTax SmartLook™.

2016 Anniversaries

There are a lot of great things about Wauna Credit Union’s employees. One of them is that they are all members too. Another, is that they like working here so much they stay a long time. We caught up with some of the people who had anniversaries in 2016 to find out who they are, and what they like to do.

10 Years

Brianna Malcom

What is your position at WCU? I am a communications center representative III. We answer phones, give balances, help with online banking, take loan applications, take payments, do transfers, help you find the closest shared branching to members, process the returned mail, process verifications for businesses regarding our members accounts, and much more. I started out as a teller, then went to vault teller, then head teller, then new account specialist, then I moved in to the communication center which by far has been my favorite position of all since we do a little bit of everything so every day is different and you never know what to expect.

What do you like most about your job at WCU? How Wauna credit union employees are like family. We are a close knit group of individuals who all love our job. I also love being able to help our community with their personal/business financial institution needs.

What is your favorite memory or testimonial of providing great service to a member? We have a few regular members that call in at least once a day if not more. I have a few instances that I love… I don’t really have one that just stands out to me. We help them with Transfers, getting their balances, inquiries regarding transactions on the account, and some of them just like to chat with us. See how everything is going, how our day is, how the weather is, what plans we have this weekend. I have one specific member who loves to talk to me and she will call in and ask to only speak with me.

5 Years

Kailynn Fischer

What is your current position? I am the Operation Specialist for the Credit Union. As the Operation Specialist, I offer support to all of our front line staff when they have questions or need help. I manage our escrow accounts, audit new accounts, process garnishments, subpoenas and levies and assist with projects such as conversions and rolling out new products and services. I also give second approval for the EFT Clerk and back up Card Services.

What do you like most about your job? The thing I enjoy most about my job at Wauna CU is the sense of accomplishment I feel when I go home at the end of the day. I enjoy taking the lead on projects and seeing them through to completion. And I love being able to help our front line staff offer exceptional member service.

What is your favorite memory of working at WCU? One of my favorite memories from the past five years is helping an elderly gentleman who was a long-time member get a loan for a new battery for his scooter. He was unable to get around without the use of a scooter and had become house bound, and being on a fixed income he was unable to pay cash for a new one. The member’s ratios did not fit our lending guidelines, but after hearing our member’s story Norm, our VP of Consumer Lending, made the exception to approve the loan without hesitation. I drove to the member’s apartment to have him sign the paperwork and after getting the loan disbursed I went and picked up the battery and delivered it to his home to be installed. He was back on the road and was so appreciative of what Wauna had done for him.

Michael Woods

What is your current position? My current position is Lending Support Specialist I (LSSI). Some of my primary duties are underwriting loans, working and maintaining relationships with the dealerships,  assisting the mortgage department, funding loan packets, assisting the branches with their loans and occasionally assisting collections.

What do you like most about your job? I most like the learning that I have experience.  I have learned so much and I believe it has developed me into being a more complete employee. The position I am in has a lot of variety and each situation is unique so it keeps things very interesting.

What is your favorite memory of working at WCU? I enjoy helping any member, anytime, anyplace, but I do have a favorite. There was a member who was having a rough time. He was expecting his seventh child and he had just purchased a van from California. The seller misled him about licensing and title work and he needed to get the issue resolved quickly. I was currently working on an Auto Answers deal and was going to be visiting the that day. I called my contact at the DMV and explained the situation and she told me everything I needed to do to help the member. After getting the necessary documents prepared I called the member and told him to meet me at DMV. After a long wait at the DMV he got everything he needed and left. He then called the communication center and asked to speak with the manager. He explained everything I did and asked that the message be passed on to my supervisor. I still see him around town and he always thanks me and shakes my hand.

Sara Kulp

What is your current position? My current position here at Wauna is the training Manager. I just recently made the switch over from the MSM position. I’m looking forward to my new adventures after spending some time in the branches.

What do you like most about your job? For the MSM I loved the fact that each day was different and crazy busy. I loved the challenges of the day, helping the members grow and work alongside an amazing team.

What is your favorite memory of working at WCU? My favorite memory of great service happened to be with a long member. He came in and was inquiring about some charges on his account. The charges were from Paypal and he wasn’t familiar with them. I pulled him aside and helped him call Paypal. At the time he was in his late 80’s and hard of hearing so he was very appreciative that I was willing to call for him. I was able to get a representative on the phone for him and it seemed that someone had been using his accounts for some time to pull a check out of his Paypal account, which was coming from his checking account. We were able to dispute the charges and receive most of his funds back. He was so appreciative and such a kind and wonderful gentlemen. He passed away this last February and it completely broke my heart. I was glad to have the opportunity to get know him and give him the trust and respect that he deserved.

Others

  • Jeff Parker – 10 Years
  • Teresa Wemmer – 10 Years
  • Mark Silva – 5 years

 

 

Holiday Recipes from our staff! E-book of recipes!

1christmas swirl cookies 007[1]Download: Holiday Recipes from our Staff

It’s the season of baking and cooking for family and friends, of parties and potlucks! A few years back, we gathered favorite recipes from our staff, and we share the link here.

If you are looking for a new recipe to try, take a spin through the PDF above. There’s everything from hot dips to traditional cookies in these pages. Some are from scratch and some have easy shortcuts, try a new one out this year.

You might find a new family tradition!

Happy Holidays from Everyone at Wauna Credit Union!

Congratulations Stephanie Sievers! 20 Years at WaunaCU!

SSievers-20year

Wauna Credit Union is proud to celebrate Stephanie Sievers 20 year anniversary at Wauna CU!

Stephanie was initially hired in 1996 in preparation to fill a front line vacancy of the employees who were transferring to the new Warrenton Branch scheduled to open in January of 1997.  She started as a teller at the Astoria Branch and then was promoted to Head Teller and then to Loan Officer.  She was then transferred to serve as the Warrenton Teller Supervisor and then promoted to the Warrenton Branch Manager.  She then transferred back to serve as the Astoria Branch Manager.  At that point, Stephanie realized that her heart was in branch operations and went back to serve as the Astoria Branch Operations Manager and Jeff Parker took on the Branch Manager role.

In 2006, Stephanie stepped up and helped to prepare for WCU’s core conversion to CU Answers (WCU’s Core system 2006 – 2013).  She assisted with the in house account cleanup process and the setup of the new core account structure.  This led her to her next promotion of Operations Support Manager which included core support and employee operational training responsibilities.  To better oversee these new responsibilities, she was relocated to the Main Office in Clatskanie.  Since that appointment, the back office operations department she oversees has grown from a one person department to a department of seven which includes, back office operations, compliance, card services, and lending admin.  In 2015, Stephanie was given the title of SVP Operations.

Stephanie shared with me that when she started there was a lot a lot of carbon, paper, and manual processing.  There was micro fiche, fax machines, and you used a machine to manually imprint the dollar amount on the money orders and cashier’s check.  The front line often assisted with checkbook register balancing and everything was recorded through paper statements.  They even used an electric typewriter to fill out account cards, certificates of deposits, and other legal documentation.  My how things have changed and Stephanie has had the privilege of being a part of these exciting changes.

Stephanie is a dedicated and committed employee who truly cares about the members, the employees, and the credit union.  I have enjoyed working side by side with her and wish her many more great memories and exciting successes.

Thank you Stephanie for all that you have contributed!

Please join me once again in congratulating Stephanie on this milestone anniversary!

Sincerely,

Debi Smiley, CMO

 

Clatskanie Grand Re-Opening is December 7th! See YOU There!

new-wauna-signOur Clatskanie “Financial Center” is nearly complete and we are ready to show it off!

The remodel of our 1980s Clatskanie branch is a big change, not just with the added space and modern design, but with the way our branch works. Our service style in Clatskanie is now on the cutting edge of financial service, with what is called “hip-to-hip” transactions.

To celebrate Wauna Credit Union is hosting a Grand Re-Opening Celebration. The big event happens on Wednesday, December 7th starting with an early ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:15 am with the local Chamber of Commerce, and then an open house from 10 am – 4 pm, with guided tours of our entire facility (even the secret spots) from 11 am – 2 pm.

Gina Dines 2-16The Wonderful World Of Wauna caught up with Gina Dines, the manager of our new Financial Service Center, to get some information on the changes.

“I am so excited to have the new building open for business and to be able to share it with all of our members. I love the names of the offices – Tigers and Eagles… nothing is more Clatskanie!” Gina says.

The new name “Financial Center” instead of simply a “branch” is more than just a name change, as Gina explains, it completely changes the way we do transactions. “A Financial Center is a place where when you walk in, and any of the ‘Member Consultants’ can help you with all of your financial needs.  You no longer need to make an appointment to visit with a ‘loan officer’, we are all ‘loan officers’, same with ‘new account people’. We are financial helpers and all around consultants that are able to help you understand your complete financial picture and future.”

eagles-room tigers-roomInside the new Financial Center, Wauna Credit Union has launched our new way of helping members, it’s called “hip-to-hip”. The new “hip-to-hip” service changes the way the branch works. The traditional “teller lines” are gone, replaced by a variety of pods for simple transactions, or smaller semi-private offices for new accounts and loans, but no matter which, the same person that deposits your check can also assist with account opening or other transactions that would have previously gone to a loan or Member Service Officer. Now everyone in the branch is a “Member Consultant” and all have been given vast additional training.

What exactly is “hip-to-hip”?

“Hip-to-hip concept is where the member sits next to us instead of having a desk or barrier between us.  All staff is trained in all aspects of member service from doing deposits to processing loans to setting up transfers to pay loans as well as payroll splits to pay loans directly from your direct deposit and most definitely opening up new memberships”, says Gina.

Clatskanie is a place not known for being on the cutting edge (unless we are talking about lumber), so how are members dealing with the new system and space?

Most members have commented that they love the new look, but not everyone likes change. Gina admits, one member voiced to her that they did not like the new “hip-to-hip”, she said it made them “uncomfortable”. She adds, “I feel once the members see how the open concept will allow them to be more involved, they will appreciate the changes and realize we are moving into the 21st century and becoming a flagship institution.”

outside-CFCCome and see for yourself just what is happening at Wauna Credit Union’s improved Clatskanie location, enjoy a cupcake, some cookies, take the tour, and you might even win a cash prize!