Centrisintouchnewsletterwinter2013

Winter 2013

Member Spotlight:

WandaEwing

2 InTouch / Winter 2013

Android phone. After two months we have approximately 3,200 members registered for mobile banking.

We also completed the construction of our new branch office at 36th & L in Omaha. This office provides greater convenience in the form of a three-lane drive-thru and a better environment for conducting your banking business inside the branch. We also completed the remodel of our branch in Council Bluffs. The remodeled branch includes a new drive-thru as well. The branch is functionally much more efficient and provides a better environment for our members and our employees to work in. Last summer we announced plans to construct a new branch office in North Platte, NE. Construction is currently underway and completion is expected in early 2013. The new branch should be open in March of 2013. All of our members and employees in North Platte are excited for the new facility and look forward to the opening of the new building. Continued updates and pictures of the construction will be provided through our website, Centris Facebook page and Twitter feeds.

In June we launched a new set of cash related products and services. Our Alternative Financial Services products include check cashing, remittances, money orders, cash bill payments and cell phone top-offs through a unique Centris Express kiosk. We have deployed nine kiosks at Centris branches and No-Frills Supermarkets located in Omaha and Council Bluffs. These kiosks, and the helpful employees who are there to assist you, provide these cash services at lower fees than typical payday lenders or check cashing outlets.

This year we also licensed personnel in our branches to offer insurance-related products. Through our licensed

President’s Message2012 has come to an end; I want to express my thanks and reflect on the blessings that we have received and the accomplishments we have achieved during the year. These achievements would not have been possible without your continued loyalty to Centris. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and for the trust you have placed in us to help you with your financial needs.

In 2012 we completed a number of projects to better serve you and provide more convenient access to your accounts at Centris. During the first quarter of 2012 we completed the conversion to our new home banking platform, which was extremely well received with over 30,000 members enrolling in the service. This new platform provides better security and more access to records and tax statements on your accounts. It was also the foundation for our new mobile banking platform that we launched in September. Our mobile banking platform provides you the ability to get account balances, initiate transfers between accounts, get text messages and provides you access to your accounts from the convenience of your Apple or

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Member Spotlight 6

Your Money 10

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personnel, we introduced new products to provide you with more investments; including fixed annuity products and simplified issue term life insurance. The fixed annuity products provide better returns than traditional certificates of deposits and a have guaranteed return of principle. In addition, our personnel can also help you with very affordable simplified issue term life insurance products. If you are looking for more income or life protection please talk with one of our licensed experts.

Throughout the year long-term interest rates have been at historic lows. Mortgage rates are well below 4% today and as a result, we have been extremely busy helping members with mortgage refinances as well as purchase money mortgage loans. We have set new records for mortgage loan volume in 2012. Rates are still low, so if you have not refinanced in the past year you may want to consider doing so. Our team of mortgage experts is available to speak with you and can help you with your home financing needs. Please give them a call.

We have also seen growth for checking and savings deposits as well as consumer and auto loans. We are happy that we have been able to serve you with a variety of financial products and services that you need during the year.

2012 was a good year for Centris with respect to earnings; we achieved our budget for net income for the year. Our earnings have enabled us to grow our capital base consistent with the growth in Centris’ assets. As a result, we remain a very well capitalized and a strong, safe institution that is well positioned to serve you for many years to come.

These accomplishments could not have been achieved without a very dedicated

Your Money 8

team of people who work at Centris. They provide you with service that is equal to or better than any other financial institution in our communities. I am grateful for their service to Centris and the service they provide to you every day.

Thank you for your membership, your loyalty and your trust. I hope you all have a very happy and joyful holiday season and have a very rewarding new year.

I am interested in your feedback as well as your thoughts on how we can serve you better in the future. If you have any suggestions, questions or comments that you would like to share with me, please call me or send an email to [email protected].

Kevin ParksPresident / CEO

Save The Dates:Member Appreciation NightSaturday, May 4, 2013Werner ParkCentris Cinema Night Friday, September 13, 2013Werner Park

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direct deposit, is to get funds into savings right away so they can begin earning dividends from the get-go.

• Automate your mortgage payment. Even with the typical grace period that most mortgage lenders allow, it’s always a good move to take care of that big monthly payment. Again, you’ll never have to worry about making the payment on time.

• Automate minimum credit card payment or payments. The penalty for a late credit card payment is not pretty. Set up an automated payment to cover at least the minimum due on all your credit cards; you always can pay additional amounts so you retire those debts as soon as you can. Set payments a few days before the due dates to protect your credit score.

• Arrange to have any overdrafts automatically covered from your savings account. Even if an overdraft is rare in your household, it can happen to the best money managers. Make sure you can cover any inadvertent overdraft with a direct transfer from your savings account and there’s another worry you’ll never have again.

If you’ve already managed these resolutions, think of one or two more that could help you get on and stay on the straight and narrow financially. For example, you might want to set up a low balance alert or a payment due alert from Centris’ mobile banking service. Call (800) 334-2328 or visit www.centrisfcu.org for more information.Copyright 2010 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

Five Thingsto Do in JanuaryIt’s no surprise that January is a big month for making resolutions. And if you’ve been making resolutions for a while, you know how many of them fall by the wayside before February.

These suggested resolutions are different in two ways - they’re in the ‘set and forget’ category, and they can make your life so much easier that you’re likely to keep them:

• Set up direct deposit. Once you arrange to receive regular payments like your paycheck or Social Security and pension checks with direct deposit, you’ll never have to worry about making timely deposits again. You’ll know that your deposit is in your account exactly when you expect it to be.

• Set up automated transfers to savings to pay yourself first. The next smart step, after


Yes, It Still Makes Sense to Buy a HouseIf you bought a house in the early 1980s, you likely can’t believe how low home loan rates are today. Federal Reserve records indicate the 30-year fixed rate was an astonishing 18.45% in October of 1981. Few borrowers took mortgages at that high rate, yet the average contract rate in November of 1981 was 15.8%. Those double-digit interest rates made home loans extremely expensive, and risky, 30 years ago.

The picture today is radically different, with home loan rates less than 5% -where they have been for many months. And, in another plus for house hunters, there are many houses for sale - meaning it is a buyer’s market.

The weak economy understandably leaves some prospective homeowners reluctant to make such a big financial commitment. Some analysts even have gone so far as to pooh-pooh the desirability of owning a home anymore. They suggest that, since houses are not appreciating as they were four or five years ago, the investment is no longer prudent.

That’s a short-sighted viewpoint. There still are many very sound reasons to buy a house:

• Homes are affordable. Prices have come down about 30% from their peak, according to Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Index, which tracks home prices in 20 big cities. Values have come down about 20% in some areas and as much as 50% in particularly hard-hit communities.

• Home inventory is high. This means you can buy more house now than you could have at the peak of the housing market a few years ago. You have considerable leverage to negotiate the price of a house for sale.

• Home loan rates are at historic lows. Again, this makes it possible to buy more house. Consider a home loan of $120,000. At a 5% annual percentage rate (APR) on a 30-year mortgage, your monthly payment is $644. The same loan at a 6.5% APR would come to $758 a month.

• You still qualify for a tax break on interest payments. While this benefit alone is not a good reason to buy a house, it does sweeten the arrangement if you itemize deductions.

• You’ll own it. You can design it, remodel it, and paint it any dang color you choose. You never have that freedom in a rental.

• It’s forced savings. You’ll build equity, even if more slowly than in the past, in a house you own; rent money is just…well…gone.

The combo of low loan rates and low home prices is too good to pass up. If you’re ready to explore your housing options, talk to a Centris Mortgage Service Representative. We’ll help you clear up the mixed messages about home owning and can even prequalify you for a mortgage. That way, you’ll know exactly what neighborhood to start shopping in.Copyright 2011 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

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Wanda realized her love for art at an early age when her mother took an art appreciation course. Through books and museums, the beginning of her passion began to take root. It wasn’t until she was 25 though and a friend from her apartment complex took her to visit the Art Institute of San Francisco, that she realized she wanted to “grow up” and be an artist. “I lived a floor above this girl in San Francisco who went to the Art Institute and we would chat in the hallways. I invited her over one day and when she saw my artwork, she invited me to visit campus with her. I loved everything about it and knew I had to find a way to attend.” Soon after, she enrolled in courses and earned her art degree.

After completing her studies at the Art Institute and two Masters in Art degrees from the University of Iowa, Wanda found herself back in her hometown of Omaha. Although she had every intention of leaving for a more “artistic” community, a job at the Bemis Center afforded her the opportunity to become a guest lecturer at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Through conversations with the art department staff, she was eventually hired as a professor with a tenure-track position. Her passionate and candidly told stories are those of a true artist, and her tales leave listeners proud to be a part of the Omaha community.

“I want to show people that Nebraska is not a fly-over state and that you can live in a city like Omaha, where there is so much revitalization happening, and you can participate in the art world and create social dialog.”

Wanda’s artwork has been shown all over the world and has been very successful in larger cities, but it’s the opportunity to bring diversity and

Member Spotlight:

Wanda EwingCentris member and local artist, Wanda Ewing, brings an unparalleled voice to each place she visits and every project she touches. From the women featured in her artwork to the city she lives in and the university where she teaches, Wanda’s vision is to influence social dialog. Much like credit unions that have a strong community focus, Wanda serves her community through her artwork.

Wanda takes pride in creating art that can be used to start conversations and open the minds of its viewers to challenge social stereotypes. Some critics have labeled her art “controversial”. But in a region that, overall, is largely conservative, Wanda says she has been well received. “As long as you’re prepared to speak about your art and educate people as to the reasons you created your piece, they will often be more receptive to what you have to say. It’s not about requiring people to think like me, it’s about helping them have an open mind. Art provides a way to start conversations.”


Editor’s NoteAre you a Centris member making a unique contribution to the community? Know someone who is? Tell us your story for a chance to be featured in the Member Spotlight of the Centris Newsletter. Simply contact us at [email protected] or by phone at (402) 758-6520.

culture to her community that keeps Wanda in Omaha. “You’re not a dime-a-dozen here like you are in other cities.”

Recently, Wanda was named the recipient of the 2011-2012 Individual Artist Grant from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation whose mission is to provide aid to artists internationally. “It’s exciting for me to receive this grant, but it’s great for the Foundation as well because now they can add Omaha to their legacy of recipients. It’s great for Omaha too, to be represented.”

Artwork is not the only way in which Wanda hopes to inspire her community. She speaks to high school groups; something she believes is extremely important. Wanda strives to show Omaha students that when you do what you love, you’re a free person; believing that anyone can grow tired of a job that simply “pays the bills”. She is an unmistakable example of how to pursue what you love while still making a positive impact on your community.

A humble person in all her achievements, Wanda explains that she’s proud to be part of the changes in her community. As the first tenured minority professor in the UNO Art Department, she shares that UNO is quickly becoming a reflection of the Omaha community. “Our staff is becoming more diverse as well as our student body. Now I’m not the only minority in the room.” Though it isn’t always glamorous to be the “first” to accomplish something, Wanda is glad to be a part of a changing landscape because it helps people and communities evolve and expand.

Wanda has an appreciation for organizations that are reflections of their community and that includes her

financial institution. “I hadn’t banked at a credit union before Centris, but now I don’t have to go anywhere else. It’s so much different than a big bank. People are so positive and helpful.”

If you had the opportunity to listen to Wanda, you would see how much she believes in her vision - inspiration that transcends her art and showcases the community around her. It’s a philosophy that is consistent throughout all aspects of her life, emphasizing her unique voice to make a positive impact just as a local credit union endeavors to better its community.

To learn more about local artist and UNO professor Wanda Ewing, visit: http://www.wandaewing.com

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Social Security and Government Payments ToGo Electronic As you may know, changes are coming to the way you receive your Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans, and Railroad Retirement payments from the U.S. government. Instead of paper checks, all recipients will be required to receive their payments electronically through direct deposit or with a Direct Express debit card from the Treasury.

This new rule took effect on March 1, 2011 for new enrollees while those that already receive their payments via paper check have until March 1, 2013 to make the switch.

If you have any questions about the changes, feel free to stop into any Centris branch or call any one of our friendly and helpful representatives.

Centris Member Scholarship 2013Centris is here to help by awarding four Centris scholarships in 2013! We are inviting all local high school seniors who are current members of Centris to apply. So, if you or someone you know is looking to gain a higher education and is a proud Centris member, let us help! Simply go to www.centrisfcu.org and download the 2013 Centris Scholarship Application. Deadline to submit your application is Wednesday, January 23, 2013.

78th Annual Business MeetingThe 78th Annual Business Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 6:00 pm at the Centris Headquarters facility, 11825 Q St. in Omaha. The Nomination Committee has selected three candidates for the two three-year terms on the board. (See Candidate Bios.)

Nominations by Petition Nominations for vacancies may also be made by petition. The petition must be signed by at least 1% of Centris Federal Credit Union’s membership, with a minimum of 500 signatures. Petition nominations must be received in person, or postmarked by February 9, 2013. Petition forms and more information about the petition process can be obtained by contacting Dawn Gonzales, Vice President of Marketing at [email protected]. Please use “Centris Petition Nomination” in the subject line of your email request.

Voting Procedures:Each qualified member of Centris who is at least 18 years-of-age, will receive a ballot mid-February. Ballots will be mailed to the address listed on your account. Complete instructions will be included in each mail ballot packet.

We look forward to see youat the Annual Meeting.


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Candidates for the Board of DirectorsMichael D. Brock - IncumbentMichael has 20+ years experience as District Sales Manager for Farm Bureau Financial Services and Prudential Life insurance Company. He received the Prudential President’s Citation and numerous other industry awards and recognitions. He has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to Agency Management. He holds the Charted Leadership Fellow designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA, and is a registered representative. Prior experience includes being an Omaha Police officer for 21 years and was honored by the Kiwanis International for outstanding service in the line of duty. He has been a Centris member for seven years and currently serves as Secretary for the Board of Directors.

Matthew J. DannehlMatt has been a Centris member for over 30 years and recently served on the Centris Board in an appointed position from 4/2011 - 3/2012. He is responsible for business development in the Video Services division at Alcatel-Lucent. Prior to ALU, Matt worked in various technical and executive management positions for both small private companies and large corporations, including Motorola and US WEST. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a MBA from Rollins College. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity in Lincoln and the Board of Directors for the Omaha chapter of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers.

Paul Elofson - IncumbentPaul Elofson currently serves as Chair for the Centris Federal Credit Union Board of Directors and has been a Board Member for several years. He currently practices general civil law at the Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan law firm. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Paul received a student loan from Centris (Bell Federal) to assist his attendance at law school. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Metropolitan Community College as a Business Law instructor and is a lecturer on business law issues for SCORE/SBA.

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Mobile Alerts Now Available!Sign up today throughCentris Online Banking.

You can set up alerts to notify you when select activity occurs on your accounts. For example, Centris can send you an alert when your account balance goes below a predetermined threshold amount, such as $50. You can receive alerts on your mobile phone, to an email address or both. You are able to select from a predetermined list of alert types and set your alert thresholds.

Get signed up for mobile alerts today by registering for mobile banking through online banking at www.centrisfcu.org. Once you are registered for mobile banking, within Online Banking, select the Access Accounts tab, then select Mobile Banking. Within Mobile Banking, go to the My Phones tab and select Change my Mobile Banking Services from the drop down menu and click Go. Check the box for Alerts and click Continue. You will be returned to the My Phones tab and will see that Receive Alerts is now checked for that device.

Why Throw AwayYour Money?Save with Sprint!Join the over 1.3 million credit union members nationwide that are already saving over $138 million on their wireless plans! Centris Federal Credit Union is pleased to bring our members these major savings through the Sprint Credit Union Member Discount Plan.

Ways You Can Save:• 10% off* most regularly priced

Sprint individual service plans• 15% off* most regularly priced

Sprint business service plans• Waived activation fee on

new activations• Waived upgrade fee• Available to new and existing

Sprint customers

Enjoy the perks, benefits and exclusive discounts that only credit union members like you can receive.

3 Ways to Get Your Discount:• Call 877.SAVE.4CU

(877.728.3428) and let them know you’re a credit union member. Ask to be a part of the NACUC_ZZM Corporate ID to save

• Click www.SprintSave4CU.com• Visit your nearest Sprint store

What are you waiting for?Start saving today!*Application of discount requires two-year contract extension on existing plans. Verification of membership is required at time of activation/upgrade. All rights reserved. Sprint, the logo, and other trademarks are the trademarks of Sprint Nextel


Skip Payment Program AgreementTo enroll in the CENTRIS SKIP PAYMENT PROGRAM, simply complete the information, sign and mail back to: Centris Federal Credit Union; Skip Payment; 11718 M Circle; Omaha, NE 68137-2219

Please Print

Please DEFER my next payment amount of $______________Account Number and Loan number ____________________________Original Loan Date _____________________Name __________________________________________________________________Address _________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________State________Zip ________________Daytime Phone(s)(______)_________________ (________)___________________Email____________________________________________FAX number (______)________________________________

Current Pay Method (check one)

Automatic transfer from Centris Account Automatic from other financial institution (requires four business days notice to stop payment) Coupons/Online Bill Pay

To qualify for this offer, your account must be in current standing. One skip payment per loan is allowed per calendar year. This offer excludes payments on first real estate mortgages, commercial loans, home equity lines, home equity fixed term loans, student loans, credit cards, Holiday Loans, Member Emergency Loans, lines of credit, Easy Loans, and single payment loans. A skip payment fee of $30.00 applies to all skip payments and will be withdrawn from the suffix 0 of the account listed above. You may transfer funds from a different account into this suffix 0 to cover the fee or enclose a check payable to Centris, which will be deposited into this suffix 0 to cover the fee. Please complete the information below for one of these options. If funds are not available on the suffix 0 at the time of the skip payment is processed, funds will be transferred from other savings or draft accounts to satisfy the skip payment fee. By signing below I/we agree to skip one monthly payment under the Skip Payment Program. I/we understand the interest (finance charge) will continue to accrue on the principal balance during the skip period, which may result in additional payments, and my/our payment will resume the following month and continue until the total amount has been repaid. I/we authorize Centris to withdraw the $30 fee from the suffix 0 of the account listed above. If an account is listedbelow, I/we authorize Centris to transfer $30 from this account to the suffix 0 of the account listed above to cover the skip payment fee.

Check here if check is enclosed

Account number and suffix ________________________________ to transfer funds from to cover the fee withdrawal

*X___________________________________________ Date________________

*X___________________________________________ Date________________

*At least one original signer on credit agreement or loan disclosure, must sign the Skip Payment Agreement. Approval and processing of this skip payment request may be contingent upon the timely return of this signed document. Skip payment requests submitted on or near a thirty day loan payment delinquency are not guaranteed to process prior to a delinquency being reported to the credit bureaus.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

For Credit Union Use Only

______________ Skip Eligible _____ CPI payments left SR Initials __________ Date Printed ________________

Collateral Code _________________________ Next Due __________________ DST Source Code

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