Freedom Personnel Graduate from Harford Leadership Academy

Board and Staff Member in Academy’s Graduating Class

A smiling Rick Gerety, Freedom Board member, poses with Victor Cryan, Director, Corporate and Professional Training at Harford Community College and fellow Harofgraduate Bob Wehland, Freedom Vice President, Business Banking and Business Development. — **Congratulations to Freedom’s 2016 Harford Leadership Academy Graduates!**
Pictured are (L to R); Rick Gerety, Freedom’s Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors; Victor Cryan, Director, Corporate and Professional Training at Harford Community College; and Bob Wehland, Freedom Vice President, Business Banking and Business Development.

The Harford Leadership Academy (HLA) is a Community-Development program, co-sponsored by Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. The Academy is designed to promote the development of existing and emerging leaders and to create a committed, involved, and diverse network of leaders in Harford County.

In addition to this year’s Academy graduates — VP of Business Banking Bob Wehland and Board member Rick Gerety — several other Freedom employees are HLA graduates. These include Mike MacPherson, President/CEO (2000); Dawn Hamilton, Lending Program Manager (2005); Patrice Ricciardi, Business Development Specialist (2013); and Sue Manning, Business Development Specialist (2014). Additional Freedom board members who are HLA graduates include George Heidelmaier (2000); and Ronnie Davis (2009).

More than 700 individuals have completed this outstanding program, including leaders representing the areas of business and industry, education, government and civic organizations. Attendees complete thirteen sessions on the topics how government works; economic development and planning for the future; education and workforce development; agriculture and the environment; ethical leadership; public safety; emergency response; healthcare; Aberdeen Proving Ground-focused social issues; volunteerism and personal vision; leadership; meeting with county administration; and Academy wrap-up.

Congratulations to this year’s Academy graduates!

39th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon

As the Premier Sponsor of the 39^th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon, Freedom understands the importance of honoring those who serve in the United States Armed Forces and the families who support them. Thank you for your devotion and service.

The event expressed gratitude to all veterans, including those who have served in the Vietnam War. This marks the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In honor of the anniversary, Maryland Public Television will be showing “Maryland Vietnam War Stories” premiering in three parts, May 24; 25; and 26 at 8pm. See program details here.

An LZ (landing zone) Maryland event will be held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, June 18-19 in honor of our Vietnam Veterans. The event includes a Tribute Ceremony, Honor Ride, Aircraft and Motor Pool Displays, Veteran Art Gallery, and much more. See full event details.

Freedom has a long history of serving military members and their families, dating to 1953. We are proud to continue that service!

MD/DC Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Competition Concludes

Nine Freedom Members competed, out of almost 500 entries!

The CU Foundation MD/DC has concluded its 2016 Credit Union College Scholarship Competition. Twelve $1,000 scholarships were awarded in three categories; essay, video and photography.

Nearly 500 applications were submitted by members of over 70 MD – and DC – based credit unions. Submissions were scored by a group of 111 volunteer judges. Nine Freedom members entered the essay competition, but with stiff competition none garnered enough points to win a scholarship. Thanks to those members who took the time and effort to enter this year’s Competition!

The Credit Union College Scholarship Competition is a yearly event for the CU Foundation of MD/DC . Look for another Completion with another topic in spring of 2017.

The winning submissions may be viewed on the MD/DC Credit Union Foundation web site.

Charity Calendar Contest Brings Out Artist in Young Members

Kids 2017 Calendar Art Contest

Freedom is having a Kids’ Art Calendar contest to benefit the Greater Excellence in Education Foundation (GEEF)!

Enter your kid’s artwork by June 1, 2016 for a chance to have it published in our 2017 calendar. Each entry chosen for the calendar will win a great prize! To participate, kids must be a Freedom Youth Club Member.

“People Helping People”
Kids are asked to use the theme of “People Helping People” in their artwork. Demonstrate how Freedom achieves its mission of giving back to the community, or how we encourage members to meet their financial goals. Calendars will be available for free at our branches, although members will be asked to make a donation to GEEF in support of their annual school supply drive.

Artists Aged 4 – 17 Are Eligible to Enter
The three age groupings are: 4 – 7, 8 – 12, 13 – 17.
Twelve calendar entries will be chosen, one for each month, and four from each age group. Entries will be judged by a panel of Freedom employees, board members and volunteers. Winning artists chosen from the 4 – 7 age group will win a Nabi tablet; those from the 8 – 12 and 13 – 17 age groups will win a Kindle Fire.

In addition to the prizes for artwork chosen, three $50 drawing prizes will be awarded, one from each age group. Please see Contest Instructions and full Sweepstakes Rules. The Permission to Use Art form must be submitted with artwork, and is available online or in branches.

DID YOU KNOW: Where the idea for Credit Unions comes from?

How and Why Credit Unions Got Started

The idea for CREDIT UNIONS began in Germany in the mid-1800s when peasants were being charged unfair rates to borrow money from their landlords. They got together and pooled their resources to help each other. Then when someone needed to borrow they were able to lend the funds at a very reasonable rate. They got better rates on savings, too. They made enough to continue.

Credit Unions were born — for the benefit of all their members. People Helping People!

Freedom Federal Credit Union began as MATCOM in 1953 in Baltimore. We moved to Harford County in 1956 to what was then Edgewood Arsenal, the Army post, which later merged with Aberdeen Proving Ground. We still have a branch there today, serving the military and civilian employees of APG. Now we also have four additional branches, and a charter to serve all of Harford County.

What has not changed? The CREDIT UNION PHILOSOPHY! People Helping People. Charging fair rates on loans and credit cards, awarding fair dividends on savings. When our members participate fully, bringing all their banking needs to the credit union, we can do the most.

We are not the biggest or most well-known of Maryland’s Credit Unions, but we live in and know about Harford County. We take pride in our community and give back every way we can—through sponsorships, donations, scholarships, and employee volunteerism. If you, too, care about Harford County and helping your community, join us and be a part of something special!

Recap: 2016 Annual Meeting of Members

63rd Annual Meeting of Members Held on April 12, 2016

Freedom held its 63^rd. Annual Meeting of Members on April 12 at the McFaul Center in Bel Air. To begin the evening, attendees received a small gift and mingled over refreshments.

Starting the meeting, cadets from the Maryland National Guard, Freestate ChalleNGe Academy presented the flag. This was followed by employee Jay Jones’ fantastic rendition of the national anthem. Who knew Freedom had such multi-talented employees?

In a Board of Directors overview, Mike Kaiser, Board Chair, briefly touched on the Credit Union’s annual report, “Belong To Something Special”, and reviewed last year’s activities. Mr. Kaiser also thanked members, volunteers and employees for contributing to the Credit Union’s success. Following Mr. Kaiser, Board Director George Heidelmaier, talked about 2015’s sponsorships, donations and employee volunteerism. Nick Pindale, a member of the Supervisory Committee, reported on the Credit Union’s financial condition. Additional Board members Ben Casole, Vice Chairman; Jim Church, Secretary; Tony Belcastro, Director; Ronnie Davis, Director; Lisa Ermatinger, Director; Rick Gerety, Treasurer; and Kirk Kinder, Director also participated.

In his keynote speech, Mike MacPherson, President/CEO, traced the history of Credit Unions to Germany in the mid-1800s. Mr. MacPherson noted Freedom continues to operate by the Credit Union principles of “People Helping People” and “Not-For-Profit, Not-For-Charity, But for Service.” After his presentation, Mr. MacPherson and Mr. Kaiser answered questions from members in attendance.

Following the business at hand, 12 door prize winners were chosen. Prizes consisted of gift cards, ranging from restaurants to Amazon online. In a nod to spring, prize recipients also took home small plants in cheerful ceramic pots.

Board Business Summary:

This year’s Nominating Committee slate of candidates for the Board of Directors was approved–Jim Church, Richard Gerety and Kirk Kinder were each re-elected to a three-year term.
Officers were appointed for the 2016/2017 year. Mike Kaiser returns as Chair. Richard Gerety will serve as Vice Chair. Jim Church will serve as Secretary and Tony Belcastro will serve as Treasurer.

Supporting Financial Literacy Through Hands-On Education

Aberdeen 5th Graders Heading to Biz Town This Month

We’re pleased to once again provide funding for students to participate in Junior Achievement’s Biz Town! A group of fifth-grade students from Aberdeen’s Halls Cross Roads Elementary will be heading to Owings Mills on March 18 to take part in this unique learning opportunity.

Junior Achievement teaches financial literacy through fun, hands-on activities. Biz Town creates a mock city with students filling the role of mayor and other city leaders, giving them the chance to see the financial tasks and responsibilities that come with those roles.

To learn more about Junior Achievement and their role in teaching financial literacy to kids throughout Maryland, check out the Junior Achievement of Central Maryland web site.

Annual Meeting of Members Coming April 12

McFaul Center to Host Annual Meeting April 12

This year’s Annual Meeting of Members will take place at Bel Air’s McFaul Activity Center, on Tuesday April 12th. Doors open at 6 pm, and the meeting is from 7:00 – 8:00.

Please join us for a review of the past year’s activities. You’ll learn more about your credit union and will have the chance to ask questions and voice your opinion.

All our members are welcome! Refreshments, goody bags, and door prizes will be offered. Please RSVP by registering online, visiting a branch, or calling 800-440-4120.

We hope to see you there!