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!

Freedom’s Susan Manning a 2016 Athena Award Finalist

Freedom Business Development Specialist a 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalist

We are proud to announce that Susan Manning-Bresuciak, Business Development Specialist, is a finalist for this year’s ATHENA Award.

For the past 14 years, Harford County has presented the ATHENA Leadership Award to an exemplary female leader in the community. This year’s award ceremony is on March 4. ATHENA Award nominees must be —

A person who has achieved excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
Someone who has served the community to improve the quality of life of others
A woman who has actively helped other women to achieve their full professional leadership potential

Ms. Manning-Bresuciak, known as Sue, is very active in the community, serving as president of the Southern Harford County Rotary, and recently serving a three-year term as Treasurer for the Women In Defense. She has also been appointed to the Harford County Women’s Commission, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, the Northeastern Maryland Technical Council, and the Foundation for the Arc of Northern Chesapeake.

Sue has been with Freedom since 2012, serving as a Business Development Specialist focusing on the Aberdeen Proving Ground and businesses in the Route 40/I-95 corridor. She has been instrumental in providing Freedom’s financial education programs to military and civilian employees at APG, as well as the Harford County Chamber of Commerce’s military appreciation efforts. Sue has also been key to the development of special programs for Harford County Association of REALTORS.

Join us in congratulating Sue on this tremendous honor!

Honoring Our Fallen Officers

We are making a donation of $1,000 to the Harford County Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Fund, in memory of Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey and Senior Deputy Mark Logsdon, who were killed in the line of duty on February 10. If you wish to contribute, please visit www.hcdsu.org/benevolent-fund.

Sign Up for e-Statements

Sign Up for e-Statements Now, and Avoid the Fee!

When it comes to banking, security and convenience are paramount. Get both with e-statements from Freedom, and avoid the $3.00 monthly paper statement fee.

Faster delivery — Receive an email notification when your statement is ready.
Remain secure — View your account information securely online in Freedom’s home banking service.
Stay organized — No more paper statements to file.
Manage with ease — Access previous statements all in one place, and review whenever it’s convenient.

Go paperless. Enroll today! Log into home banking and click e-Statements tab.

Have questions? Watch our video on how to register for electronic statements, or call us at 800-440-4120.

Bob Wehland: How to Fund a Franchise

Wondering How to Fund a Franchise?

Last year we had some great opportunities to educate our members about common financial plights like buying a home, or buying a first car. What about business quandaries? In July our VP of Business Banking, Bob Wehland, appeared in I95 Business Magazine to answer FAQs about how to fund a franchise. Did you miss the article? Take advantage of Bob’s expertise, and read the I95 Business Magazine article now.