C O N N E C T I O N S

Member NCUA

INSIDE1 Amey’s Corner2 Member Bulletin Board3 Plan Now for

Holiday Spending8 Behind the Scenes –

Meet Laney H.9 Checking Options for

Every Member11 Board Nomination

Notice

A publication for members of Belco Community Credit Union October 2019

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Brand Vision

We are excited to introduce Belco’s Brand Vision. The brand vision began to take shape and form last

year, when employees came together over the course of several workshops to define what our brand means to us and our members. Members consistently tell us that they expect fast, friendly, accurate and convenient service.

Our brand vision is focused very specifically on believing in our members and the dreams they work towards: “We believe in every person, every dream, every time”. You have been hearing this promise in our

messaging since late last year. Very soon, we will also incorporate the use of a new tagline, “Believe in Better Banking”.

I am describing what you can expect to see and hear. Along with this, we are continuously improving service and increasing trust with our members; this is what we call The Belco Life. The true value of our brand vision is how well we deliver our brand promise. By consistently living The Belco Life, we will exceed your expectations, earn your trust, and demonstrate our commitment to you. We attribute our success to our high performing staff. We will drive growth of members, loans and shares to new heights with outstanding service.

Another important element of The Belco Life involves being active in our local community. I’m proud to announce that Belco has been named as a Leader in Financial Literacy by the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association. This award recognizes credit unions for excellence in financial literacy. Congratulations to the many employees who participate in financial reality fairs and in-school programs like our Good Character breakfasts.

Belco is your credit union, and as a member, the best way for you to benefit is to use our products and services. We value your referrals of friends and family. We have a great story to tell; now, let’s share our story to help others achieve their financial goals.

Thank you for believing in Belco – We believe in you!

Sincerely,

Amey R. Sgrignoli President/CEO

M E M B E R B U L L E T I N B O A R DA M E Y ’ S C O R N E R

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Holiday Closings:

Columbus Day – Monday, October 14, 2019

Veterans Day – Monday, November 11, 2019

Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 28, 2019

Christmas – Wednesday, December 25, 2019

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 20, 2020

• Do you have a Belco Holiday Club? If so, remember that instead of an automatic disbursement on a set date, the withdrawal fee is waived from October 1 - December 31, 2019, so you can access your funds when it’s most convenient for you.

As part of the United Way of Lancaster County’s Day of Caring on September 6, a group of Belco employees volunteered to assist with bathing dogs from a SC shelter and organizing a donation room. Eight employees also participated in the United Way of the Capital Region’s Day of Caring cleaning up a playground and organizing a basement for a local shelter.

• To celebrate National Hot Dog Day, Liz Bridgeman, Regional Branch Manager, and Bob Keener, Indirect Lending Manager, participated in a hot dog eating contest hosted by Vizo Financial on July 17. To support the event, which benefits the Children’s Miracle Network, Belco employees held a hot dog sale at the Operations Center, as well as several branch bake sales. Belco’s total donation to CMN was over $3,000.

Six Belco employees participated in the Hanover Chamber’s Corporate Challenge on September 13. Team Belco finished 4th out of 10 teams in the grueling and physically challenging event! The Corporate Challenge benefits the Chamber’s workforce development programs in the greater Hanover area.

(“Member Bulletin Board” continued on page 5)

M E M B E R B U L L E T I N B O A R D

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Plan Your Spending Wisely to Avoid a Holiday “Hangover”

Timing is everything when it comes to saving for the holidays. The longer you have to build up cash reserves, plan your budget and buy gifts at the right price, the better you can cover these seasonal costs without going into debt.

Avoiding debt around the holidays can save you from a spending hangover in the New Year. Shoppers who used credit cards to fund the holidays in 2018 anticipated it would take them over three months to pay off their debt, according to a NerdWallet survey of over 2,000 adults conducted by The Harris Poll.

Starting a couple of months before peak holiday season might be cutting it a little close for grand savings schemes this year, but you do have options. Here’s how you can plan your spending this year — and start saving for next year’s holidays.

Set Your Plan for This Year

Say you’re planning to kick off shopping in earnest around Black Friday, which falls on Nov. 29 this year. You still have time for saving and planning. Start with these steps:

• Set Your Holiday Budget: If you don’t have much savings, you’ll likely have to use your discretionary income — what’s left over after regular bills — to fund your holidays. Get a solid understanding of how much that is and try to keep expenses,

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(“Spending Wisely” continued on page 10)

including gifts and food, within that amount.Being mindful of what you can afford can keep you from overspending, says Los

Angeles-based financial coach Dominique Reese.“I say think about your future self,” Reese says. “How would your future financial

self — yourself in January, February, March — feel about the expenses that you made over the holidays?”

To build your holiday budget, trim discretionary expenses over the next couple of months. Cut back on dining out or going to the movies, or temporarily cancel a couple of monthly subscription services.

• Spend Smart: Create a gift list that fits your budget, find good deals, and consider reducing holiday spending on food and gifts across the board to avoid going into debt.Use your budget to guide your gift list. If your budget is tight, consider whether you can buy for fewer people; maybe you can suggest a get-together instead of a gift exchange with some friends.Black Friday and Cyber Monday can offer big savings, but you might find better deals at other times. Start checking prices now so you know what’s a good deal — and what to skip.Being frugal with holiday meal shopping can go far, says Summer Red, professional development manager at the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education.“Food is central to most holiday celebrations, and there are a lot of foods people will buy even though people don’t like it,” Red says. If no one in your family likes the dark meat of a turkey, for example, consider getting specific cuts rather than a whole bird.“I encourage people to let go of some traditions and focus on what they really enjoy,” she says. “That means you also have less food waste and less money waste.”

Set Yourself up for Next Year

While planning this year’s holidays, start thinking about how you’ll save money next year.

Track your spending to help inform what you’ll need, Reese advises. “If you went over your budget, set aside more for next year,” she says.

Then, find a saving strategy that works for you. Here are a few options:• The 52-week savings challenge: One of Red’s preferred methods, with this

“challenge,” you start by saving $1 the first week of December, then $2 the next week, $3 the following week, and so on, adding one dollar each week for a year. At the end, you’ll have nearly $1,400 to spend for the holidays.

• Holiday savings accounts: Typically offered by credit unions, these savings accounts are generally locked so you can’t access what you’re putting into savings

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(“Member Bulletin Board” continued from page 2)

On August 6, Belco employees from our S. Duke St. branch joined the festivities of National Night Out in downtown Lancaster. Belco was well represented all over central PA for NNO, with employees taking part in 10 events throughout the area.

Belco in the Community:• November 4 thru December 6 – Toys for Tots collection at all branches.

• Saturday, November 23 – Harrisburg Holiday Parade in downtown Harrisburg at 12 noon.

• Saturday, November 23 – Lebanon Holiday Parade in downtown Lebanon at 2:30pm.

• Friday, December 13 – WGAL Salvation Army “Coats for Kids” Telethon.

• Santa Visits at Belco:

-Saturday, December 7 – Eastgate (Carlisle) branch, 10-noon

-Saturday, December 7 – Gettysburg branch, 10-noon

-Saturday, December 14 – Paxton St. (Harrisburg) branch, 10-noon

-Friday, December 20 – S. Duke St. (Lancaster) branch – 2-4pm

-Saturday, December 21 – Oregon Pike (Lancaster) branch – 10-noon

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Did You Know…

Before he was a lawyer and later President, Abraham Lincoln was a licensed bartender. During his time in New Salem, IL, Lincoln was co-owner of the Berry-Lincoln Store, a general store/drinking establishment, with William Berry. Source: History by Zim

Free ID Theft SeminarThurs., Nov. 14 @ 6pmBelco Operations CenterVisit www.belco.org for details

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Wealth Management Isn’t Just for the WealthyA message from Belco Retirement & Investment Services

If you think you need a huge savings account or be close to retirement to work with the financial advisors located here at the credit union, you’re mistaken.

It’s never too early to start planning your financial future. No matter your age or income level, our financial advisors will work with you to create a plan to help you meet your goals. Then, they’ll monitor and adjust your plan as your life changes and grows. Whether you’re just starting out or already well on your way, they can help with:

• Investment accounts • Saving for college • Retirement planning• Estate conservation • Life insurance • Long-term care insuranceThe financial services team here knows that complexity, fear and lack of access may

be barriers to financial security to some, and they’re here to break them down. Financial planning doesn’t have to be about big words and complicated investments. Investing doesn’t have to be about risking your life savings in the stock market. And wealth management doesn’t have to begin with wealth – but it can certainly strive to get there.

It’s just another way your credit union is here for all aspects of your financial life. You already trust us with some of your accounts. Now, let our financial planning team help lay the groundwork for your future success. There’s no charge or obligation to sit down and talk.

Jessica Aquiler & Eric Pasquini at Belco Retirement & Investment Services may be reached at 717-720-6220.(“Wealth Management” continued on page 10)

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Behind the Scenes with Belco – Meet Laney H., Help Desk Supervisor

”My journey to becoming a Belco employee began in 2016, when I was working at Cornerstone FCU as the Operations Manager. It was at that time that a possible merger between Cornerstone FCU and Belco CCU was announced. My first taste of what it would be like working for Belco came in the form of working closely with Belco’s Information Services Department to ensure that Cornerstone member data transferred accurately and securely over to Belco’s systems.

I was immediately welcomed to the team, despite still technically being a Cornerstone employee. I saw first-hand, employees who were dedicated to ensuring the merger transition went as smoothly as possible and they worked tirelessly to make it happen. Despite spending countless hours in a window-less room immersed in the merger project, I knew the Information Services Department was where I was meant to be.

Following the official merger in July of 2017, a Help Desk Specialist position became available and I jumped at the opportunity. The Help Desk supports all employees of Belco from behind the scenes. This is an area that perfectly combines my customer service experience with my problem-solving skills and I really couldn’t enjoy it more. After working as the Help Desk Specialist for almost two years, I was recently promoted to a new Help Desk Supervisor role. I’m really looking forward to what this new journey will bring.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three fur babies. The dogs are all rescues and we love the joy and craziness they bring to our lives. Aside from that, I enjoy reading, traveling, and trying new things.”

Did You Know…

There’s a basketball court on top of the US Supreme Court building. It’s called “The Highest Court in All the Land.” Really. Source: Sports Illustrated

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Believe in Better CheckingWe Make it Possible with Options to Fit Every Member

As a member-owner of our credit union, you have access to all the convenient savings and loan products we offer – like checking accounts to meet your individual needs. Our Free Basic Checking account features no monthly service charges or per check fees, free Visa debit card with Belco Rewards (enrollment required), free mobile and online banking and bill pay, even remote deposit.

Ask about our other checking choices too, including Cha-Ching! Checking, which rewards loyal members with an above average interest rate and other attractive perks.

We designed our Savvy Senior Checking account especially for members age 50+ with free basic checks, a preferred interest rate, and additional product discounts/bonuses.

Smart Start Checking caters to the unique financial needs of young adults (age 18-29), and offers benefits to help them navigate important milestones, including building credit, buying their first car, and purchasing their first home.

Better banking begins with a checking account that meets your needs. Talk to us and let us find the one that’s right for you, your money, and your life.

All accounts subject to approval.

until the holiday season. Putting just $25 a month into one of these gives you $300 saved for the holidays after a year.

• Set aside part of your income: Reese suggests socking away a percentage of your income and automating transfers to build the habit of saving. Having some of your paycheck deposited directly into a savings account by your employer is an easy way to set money aside without thinking about it, too.

Source: NerdWallet

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(“Spending Wisely” continued from page 4)

(“Wealth Management” continued from page 7)

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By combining your car and home insurance you may qualify for multiple discounts and get fast 24/7 claims service (including holidays). Make a simple phone call today to determine the discounts you qualify for.

TruStage® Auto & Home Insurance Program is offered by TruStage Insurance Agency, LLC and issued by leading insurance companies. The insurance offered is not a deposit and is not federally insured. This coverage is not sold or guaranteed by your credit union. Individual premiums and savings will vary. © TruStage Insurance Agency 2017

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AUTO & HOME INSURANCE

Call for your FREE, no obligation quote.

Toll-free 1-888-380-9287Visit us at TruStageAutoHome.com

YOU COULD SAVE ON YOUR CAR AND HOME INSURANCEDesigned for credit union members

By combining your car and home insurance you may qualify for multiple discounts and get fast 24/7 claims service (including holidays). Make a simple phone call today to determine the discounts you qualify for.

TruStage® Auto & Home Insurance Program is offered by TruStage Insurance Agency, LLC and issued by leading insurance companies. The insurance offered is not a deposit and is not federally insured. This coverage is not sold or guaranteed by your credit union. Individual premiums and savings will vary. © TruStage Insurance Agency 2017

AHL-977137.3

AUTO & HOME INSURANCE

Call for your FREE, no obligation quote.

Toll-free 1-888-380-9287Visit us at TruStageAutoHome.com

YOU COULD SAVE ON YOUR CAR AND HOME INSURANCEDesigned for credit union members

CBSI-1839607.1-0717-0820

Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. Important message: the information contained in this message or any attached document is confidential and intended only for individuals to whom it is addressed. If you got this message in error, please inform me immediately. I may ask you to return the documents at my expense. In general, please simply destroy the information at once. Any unauthorized use, distribution, or copying of this information is prohibited. If you do not wish to receive marketing materials from CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. at this email address, please send a reply to this email with “remove” in the subject line. The sender of this email will remove you from their marketing distribution.

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Belco Opens Nominations for Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee

The Nominating Committee of Belco Community Credit Union hereby opens nominations to the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee for its 2020 election cycle.

The members of the Nominating Committee were duly appointed by Board Chair, Stephanie Miller, and include: Richard Lytle, Committee Chair, Rick Myxter, and Doug Graham.

This nomination period is for four (4) seats on the Board of Directors for a three-year term and one (1) seat on the Supervisory Committee for a three-year term. The individuals currently holding these seats and who remain eligible to seek nomination and election are:

Board of Directors: Jeff Cohick, Beverly Lilley, Margaret Minnich, and Donald Person.Supervisory Committee: Chris FeatherA member who is interested in being nominated to serve on the Board or the Supervisory

Committee must meet the qualifications stated below. In addition, a member must complete a nomination form (available at www.belco.org) and include a biography of no more than 100 words.

The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2019. The qualifications to serve on the Board or the Supervisory Committee are:

1. A nominee must be a member in good standing for at least 12 months prior to being submitted for nomination. A member in good standing means:

a) All loans with the Credit Union are current.b) The Credit Union has suffered no losses as a result of the charge off or discharge in

bankruptcy of any loans or other obligations to the Credit Union.2. The nominee must consent to a credit report and background check, as permitted by law,

and the nominee must be bondable.3. The nominee’s background and experience demonstrate an ability to interpret financial

statements and assess business performance.4. The nominee has experience with community organizations or service clubs.5. The nominee demonstrates an understanding of the mission and structure of credit

unions.6. The nominee undergoes an interview with the Nominating Committee to review the

nominee’s background, skills, and experience.7. A nominee may not be an employee of the credit union.8. A nominee my not be an immediate family member, as defined by current board policy,

of an employee, or a current volunteer.9. A nominee understands that Board or Supervisory Committee members have continuing

education requirements. The estimated time commitment to fulfill volunteer requirements is eight (8) hours per month.

Send the completed nomination form by close of business on October 31, 2109, by regular mail to: Nominating Committee, Belco Community Credit Union, 449 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Or, submit by email to: nominatingcommittee@belco.org.