Incentive - August 2008 - (Page 36) America’s First Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., has corporate goals for each branch, to encourage loan and deposit growth. If the branch makes both its loan goals and its deposit goals, financial rewards are involved for both the branch manager and employees. Under the Star Teller program, if they have a balanced cash drawer of customer deposits and withdrawals with no errors, within 15 minutes of the end of the day, tellers qualify for a financial incentive, as do branch managers and other employees. “From time to time, twice yearly, we do a loan promotion,” says Mike Thomas, 22year veteran with America’s First, and assistant vice president for branch operations. “This is in line with the type of promotion that we’re doing. “Those involved are able to receive a certain rate; also, if a branch meets a certain amount of loans for that given time frame, participants receive a four-day, three-night vacation at a destination they can select from 18 different spots around the U.S. Everyone in the branch who has helped reach the goal is eligible for this promotion.” America’s First Federal Credit Union has sponsored a Habitat for Humanity house in its community for each of the last two years. Employees help out with this home’s construction. The homes were built on sites selected in the Birmingham area. There are plans to do another home in spring 2009. America’s First gives a donation for the building supplies. This credit union also sponsors a corporate charity golf tournament each year. Strong Community Ties T he Oregon-based financial institution OSU Federal Credit Union attends various area trade shows where it uses promotional items to get its name out in the community and state. The merchandise can be anything from pens to pizza cutters to unique items appropriate to the particular event. But that’s not the only way the credit union makes a mark in the community. According to Shannon Lynn, director of marketing, OSU Federal provides sponsorship both with cash and employee volunteers for community action. “The very nature of how credit unions are structured means community involvement is very high, as we’re a not-for-profit financial institution. We return profits back to members in the form of additional services, investment in the community and technology, in addition to lower fees as well as better interest rates.” OSU provides financial education seminars presented at high schools, county agencies and employer groups throughout five Oregon counties. “Because we’re focused on serving our members and not stockholders, our perspective is much different,” adds Lynn. “We’re providing products and services in the best interest of our members and are not necessarily looking for the highest return and the most profitable products and services. This also enables us to be more mindful of the community we’re in and then work to meet those needs.” Send comments to feedback@incentivemag.com THE NEW TWEED COLLECTION EVOLUTION OF STYLE Visit us at Booth 1813 Email: businessgifts@hartmann.com www.hartmann.com 800.331.0613 WE H AV E A G I F T FO R B U S I N E S S http://www.hartmann.com http://www.hartmann.com
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