How Do We Thrive?

You may wonder why we are so committed to our philanthropic endeavors. Why we focus on outreach and the good we can do for our members and in the community. Why our strategic focus is about experience and doing what’s right. Why our goals are set to generate the financial stability and income necessary to support our philosophy of people helping people. Well, I was recently watching a program on Netflix called, David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet. In it was a quote I found quite poignant and an applicable answer to those very questions.

“A species can only thrive when everything else around it thrives too. We can solve the problems we now face by embracing this reality. If we take care of nature, nature will take care of us. It’s now time for our species to stop simply growing, to establish a life on our planet in balance with nature. To start to thrive.” – Sir David Attenborough

Change a few words and…

We can only thrive when everyone else around us thrives too. We can solve the problems we now face by embracing this reality. If we take care of others, others will take care of us. It’s now time for us to stop simply growing, to be something bigger not just something big, to establish a balance with our community and start to thrive.

What Seems Unimportant

I made the most important mistake at the most unimportant time. That was the phrase I uttered in a dream a few weeks ago. I was apologizing for something and said, “I’m sorry I made the most important mistake at the most unimportant time.” It’s a phrase I have not been able to shake. I kept thinking about it over and over trying to gain some insight as to what it might mean. I think I figured it out.

There are no unimportant times and there are no unimportant actions. Everything we say and do matters, on some level, in every moment. Even if it seems a trivial or mundane act, even the simplest thing, can have a major impact. What I think my subconscious mind was trying to tell me is that you can’t take anything for granted; a smile at a passerby, the door you don’t hold, the stranger you help, the person you judge, you never know what that will mean or do to someone else. We all have a responsibility to think about the messages we send, the values we convey and the world we help influence because too many today place personal desire or want above the greater good.

I know nobody’s perfect. We just need to remember that actions/words have consequences and, even when you think something is unimportant, it could be the most important mistake you make.

Benjamin Franklin offered a poetic perspective:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost,
For want of a shoe the horse was lost,
For want of a horse the rider was lost,
For want of a rider the battle was lost,
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Best of Harford County

Vote Freedom for Best Credit Union in Harford County!

VOTE HERE!

Here at Freedom we appreciate and value all our members and local partners. We are a community-chartered credit union offering financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford County. Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has six locations throughout Harford and Baltimore County.

If you’re happy with your experience at Freedom, we need your vote to win best Bank/Credit Union in the Harford’s Best Readers Poll. With your help, we would like to be voted Harford’s Best Credit Union in 2021!

Votes are being collected now until 5pm on December 5th. Please click on the link to easily vote or select Freedom Federal Credit Union in the Personal Services Category, Best Bank/Credit Union!

YOU CAN VOTE EVERYDAY!

VOTE HERE!

Shred Day Coming Nov 13

Freedom's Community Shred Day Honeygo Branch November 13 — Dispose of your sensitive documents safely and securely at our Honeygo branch on November 13 from 9A -12P

Stop by Freedom’s Honeygo Branch on November 13th, for our community Shred Day event!

Bring up to four boxes of sensitive documents and let us safely destroy them for you. The shred truck will be available from 9 am to Noon or until it has reached capacity.

Special New Member Incentives will be available on site.

Your financial wellness starts with securing your personal information. We are here to help keep your information safe.

When: Saturday, November 13 from 9 AM – Noon (Or Until Truck is full)
Where: 5000 Honeygo Center Dr. Perry Hall, MD 21128

This event is open to the community.

Maximum number of bags/boxes to shred = 4

#FreedomToHelpChallenge 2021

Win $1,000 for your favorite local charity!

Freedom Federal Credit Union believes in people helping people and we are challenging Harford and Baltimore County volunteers, companies, and non-profits to participate in the award-winning 4th annual #FreedomToHelpChallenge photo contest this holiday season. Showcase volunteerism in Harford or Baltimore County for the chance to win a $1,000 charitable donation for your local non-profit of choice and other weekly prizes.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Like or Follow Freedom Federal Credit Union on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

2. Post public photos showcasing volunteerism in Harford or Baltimore County from November 1^st through December 9^th, 2021

3. Include a description of the volunteer effort along with the searchable hashtag, #FreedomToHelpChallenge on every post

4. Visit us on Facebook every Friday to participate in public voting to increase your chances to win! (Every like equals a vote!)

On Instagram? Tag Freedom @FreedomFedCU or DM us to follow you if your account is private.

IN 2021, The #FreedomToHelpChallenge was recognized by THE MARKETING ASSOCIATION OF CREDIT UNIONS WITH THEIR TOP CAMPAIGN AWARD AND RECEIVED A TRAILBLAZER AWARD IN SOCIAL MEDIA BY THE MD|DC CREDIT UNION ASSOCIATION. THE CHALLENGE IS ALSO A PAST RECIPIENT OF The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award by THE CREDIT UNION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

Read Full Contest Rules and Details Here.

Grand Prize Info: The Final Showdown

Public Voting for finalists will be available on Freedom’s Facebook page on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 10:00 am for 24 hours from the start of the voting period. Every like equals a vote. Share with your friends to increase your votes. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced via Freedom’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page on or before December 16^th, 2021. The Grand Prize is a $1,000 charitable donation.*

*Selected charity must be a registered 501(C)3 with a proven focus in Harford or Baltimore County.

Freedom Opens New Branch in Perry Hall

The New Location in Honeygo Village Center Officially Opened on August 21

Freedom Federal Credit Union opened a new full-service branch in the Perry Hall/White Marsh area on Saturday, August 21. The Credit Union marked the occasion with a community-wide grand opening celebration. The event was held at its new location, 5000 Honeygo Center Drive in the Honeygo Village Center, and featured music, food, games, and giveaways. This is the Credit Union’s first branch in Baltimore County, and sixth branch in Northeastern Maryland.

The branch features a full-service lobby, two drive-thru lanes, a 24/7 ATM, a free coin machine, provides ample parking, and allows for easy traffic flow and access. Financial Service Representatives are in-person, and onsite, to support all business and individual banking needs.

Earlier that week, Freedom held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, where their Leadership Team gathered with the Board of Directors, employees, local and state officials, representatives from Harford and Baltimore County Public Schools, and members of the MD|DC Credit Union Association to celebrate the Credit Union’s expansion.

Attendees heard from Freedom’s President and CEO, Mike MacPherson, along with remarks from Lynn Richardson, President of the Perry Hall/White Marsh Business Association and Councilman David Marks, 5^th District, Baltimore City Council, and Delegate Carl Jackson, District 8, House of Delegates.

“The opening of this new branch here in Honeygo Village Center is part of our commitment to grow our organization, and, as a result, to expand the many ways we have to serve this community, and our membership as a whole, as best we can,” stated Macpherson to the crowd. “We will grow, not to have the biggest bottom line but to be able to offer our members a quality financial experience with their best interests always top of mind.”

John Bratsakis, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Maryland and DC Credit Union Association, was also in attendance and shared some remarks on how the Credit Union Difference, and Freedom, will have a positive impact on consumers and businesses in the Perry Hall and White Marsh Community.

As a symbol of Freedom’s commitment to improving the Baltimore County community, MacPherson presented a donation on behalf of the Credit Union to The Education Foundation of Baltimore County’s Executive Director, Deborah Phelps.

Freedom Federal Credit Union was founded in 1953 as MATCOM Federal Credit Union. The Credit Union started in Baltimore and later moved to Harford County in support of the Edgewood Arsenal, which became part of Aberdeen Proving Ground. Freedom received their Harford County community charter in 1999 and changed their name to Freedom of Maryland Federal Credit Union in 2000. In 2020, Freedom’s charter was expanded to also serve those who live, work, worship, volunteer, or have family in Baltimore County.

Freedom to Host Grand Opening Celebration Saturday August 21

Freedom Federal Credit Union will be opening a new full-service branch in the Perry Hall/White Marsh area on Saturday, August 21. The Credit Union will mark the occasion with a community-wide grand opening celebration. This is the Credit Union’s first branch in Baltimore County, and sixth branch within Northeastern Maryland. The new branch will be located at 5000 Honeygo Center Drive in the Honeygo Village Center, adjacent to Weis Markets, and across from AnyTime Fitness, and Liberatore’s Ristorante.

The branch will feature a full-service lobby, two drive-thru lanes, a 24/7 ATM, a free coin machine, and will provide ample parking and easy traffic flow and access. Financial Service Representatives will be in-person, and onsite, to support all business and individual banking needs.

Freedom is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcus Johnson, as the location’s Branch Manager. Johnson has been a Freedom team member for almost ten years, most recently serving as Branch Manager at the Swan Creek location in Havre de Grace since 2017. Johnson has earned a reputation for his warm welcomes and reliable expertise.

Johnson is looking forward to this next chapter and becoming deeply involved in the Perry Hall/White March community. He brings with him from the existing Freedom team, Senior Financial Services Representative, Alexis Wyatt, who was previously a Senior Financial Services Representative at the Swan Creek Branch.

Local community members are encouraged to join the Credit Union on Saturday August 21^st, to learn more about Freedom, take advantage of special in-person only offers, and to celebrate the new branch opening. The grand opening celebration will feature music, food, giveaways, and family-friendly fun.

Freedom Federal Credit Union Elects New Board Chair

Bel Air, MD – Freedom Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Lisa Ermatinger has been elected to serve as Chair of the Credit Union’s Board of Directors. Ermatinger has served on the Board since 2004 and has previously served as Secretary and Treasurer.

Ermatinger assumes the role from Mike Kaiser, who has stepped down after 12 years as Board Chair. Kaiser will remain on the Board as a Director.

Since joining Freedom’s Board of Directors, Ermatinger has also served on several essential internal committees, including the Asset Liability Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and the Budget & Compensation Committee.

“I am deeply honored to be elected as the new Board Chair and look forward to working with my colleagues to move Freedom’s mission forward,” said Ermatinger “I want to thank the Freedom Board of Directors for its confidence in me to serve our community, and I especially thank Mike Kaiser for his years of leadership and service. Together with our employees, volunteers, and community partners, we will continue to make a positive difference in Harford County. We will extend that impact into Baltimore County with the opening of our new branch coming soon to Perry Hall.”

Ermatinger has more than 30 years of experience in the financial and health insurance industry. and served on the Board of Directors for the Fidelity Health Group. Raised in Baltimore County, she is an alumna of the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. Ermatinger has lived in Harford County for more than 20 years with her husband and their four children.