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FORT KENT
acadiafcu.org
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1-855-MY ACADIA
(1-855-692-2234)
ASHLAND
MADAWASKA
ST. AGATHA
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
Christmas Eve — closed at noon
Christmas Day — closed
New Year’s Eve — closed at 4:00pm
New Year’s Day — closed
ST. FRANCIS
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Reminde
You can always access your
account on-line 24 hours a day at
acadiafcu.org
or with our AcadiaGo app
Download today:
A NEWSLETTER FOR ACADIA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MEMBERS
Dear Member:
Join our growing social
media community for
up-to-date information, give-aways, and
promotions:
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Message
PRESIDENT’S
WINTER 2014
Ashland Branch Hosts
Successful Grand Opening
As I write this article, people are busy with
the mad rush of the Christmas season that
will soon be upon us. With all the frenzy
going on around us, it’s easy to loose
sight of the real reason we celebrate the
holiday season. So, let’s take the time to
be grateful for the simpler things in life
that we often take for granted such as
family, friends, and the community we
live in. Relax and enjoy! It’s been another
action packed year for us here at the credit
union. The biggest accomplishment was
the opening of our new branch in Ashland.
We welcome the opportunity to serve
the community and people of the area.
Members now have a choice of five branch
locations as well as a full complement of
online services with which to conduct
their financial transactions!
In closing, I wish all members peace in
the New Year and hope you are able to
find happiness in everything you do.
Thank you for your continued support and
we look forward to serving you in 2015.
Sincerely,
David Desjardins
President / CEO
[email protected]
Acadia FCU hosted a Grand Opening Celebration at its newest branch in Ashland on July
11, 2014. The Grand Opening provided an opportunity to introduce area people to the
Acadia staff and allowed them a chance to learn about some of the services and products the credit union offers.
“I announced to our employees in December that we were expanding to the Ashland
market. In six short months, not only have we accomplished this goal, we have also
developed a great membership base in the area,” said David Desjardins, Chief Executive
Officer of Acadia FCU.
In traditional credit union style, the event not only celebrated business but also community. Highlights of the day included a pulled-pork sandwich BBQ picnic catered by
Aramark Food Services, rootbeer floats, appearances by Monty Moose and Channel X
radio, a candy table, and give aways for all who attended.
All members are encouraged to stop in and visit the branch if you are traveling south,
and remember, you can do business at any one of our branch locations regardless of
where your account was originally opened.
9 East Main Street
Fort Kent, ME 04743
Sound Off With Young &
Free Maine
Borrowing From Acadia Is The Smart Choice
If you need financing for a home, car, or business, choosing to work with Acadia
Federal Credit Union is a step in the right direction. Loan seekers throughout the
country are realizing the benefits of working with credit unions (CUs). During 12
months, ending June 30, 2014, loan volume grew twice as fast at credit unions as
it did at banks – 9.8% compared to only 4.9%, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Membership
Appreciation Day
To say thanks to our members, Acadia FCU
hosted a membership appreciation day at
each of the five branches on October 16,
2014.
“As staff, we enjoy showing our gratitude
for our members,” said Luis Sanclemente,
Acadia FCU vice president, “ In owning
the Credit Union, they create this great
financial tool which benefits the many
communities which Acadia serves. It is
because of the members that we are able
to create all the jobs we do through small
business loans, finance the construction
of homes, and provide a safe, local and
non-profit way for people to do their
banking. This day is important for us to let
the members know how much we really
appreciate them.”
There’s no question where the new members are coming from. “We see [them]
coming from large banks,” the CEO of a credit union told the Journal. Personally,
we think CUs have three hard-to-beat advantages:
1. Low Rates. As the Journal noted, CUs typically offer better interest rates
than banks do on mortgages, home equity loans, credit cards and loans for
new and used cars. As a not-for-profit institution owned by its members,
we return most of our income to local people like you. That allows us to
charge less on loans and pay more on deposits.
2. Low (or no) fees. Since our goal is to serve members, not to maximize
profit, we don’t try to boost income by imposing unnecessary fees. The fees
we do charge tend to be for optional items or outside services.
3. “Real people.” That’s what one new member said after transferring from a
big bank with more automation. You can tell when people care about you.
As our members know, we’ll work hard to help out if you lose your job or
face medical bills that complicate repayment. In fact, people who care are a
key reason why credit unions outshine banks in satisfaction year after year.
Do you know someone hunting for a home of their own? Are you facing a big
expense like tuition bills, new wheels, or a long-awaited vacation? It may be cold
outside, but our borrowing business is blooming – so give us a call and make
Acadia FCU your first stop for financing.
Saabira Chaudhuri, “Credit-Union Lending Is on a Tear,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/3/14
The day coincided with International
Credit Union Day—a day reserved to
shine light on the great connection
between credit unions and their communities, and to show appreciation to the
members they serve.
In addition to a little festive flair at each
of the branch locations, employees made
rootbeer floats in keepsake glasses for all
who came in.
Are you in the market for a new car? When it comes to car shopping, timing is
everything! Did you know you have a better chance of leaving the dealership with
a great deal in the winter? Or that getting pre-approved can save steps at the dealership and keep you focused on your budget? Here are the six best tips to get you into
a new ride this season
1. Get pre-approved! Before you buy, visit Acadia Federal Credit Union to
get pre-approved so you have the best chances of negotiation. Once you’re
pre-approved, you can shop for the car as if you had a check in your pocket.
This helps you keep focused on the actual selling price of the car, rather than
keeping track of the interest rate, down payment, loan term and trade-in.
2. Winter months offer the greatest potential for deals. After the holiday
shopping rush has settled down, consumers are less likely to make larger purchases such as a car. Foot traffic through car dealerships usually remains slow
from the New Year into February.
3. Don’t shop on the weekend. By avoiding the weekend crowd, you’ll be more
apt to get the salesperson’s undivided attention. They may even feel more
obligated to close the deal with you because of how few people shop for cars
mid-week.
4. Make your offer late in the day. If you know what you want, and have done
your research, it might save you time and money to visit the dealership closer
to closing time. The salesperson might not want to spend hours negotiating a
deal, pressing them to make a good deal.
5. Don’t think about the monthly payments. Of course, you have to consider
the monthly payments and whether or not you can afford them! However,
worry about the actual price of the car. A low monthly payment won’t do you
any good stretched out over a long period of time and will eventually add up
to more than the sticker price!
6. Avoid tax refund season. Consumers commonly use their tax refund checks
to purchase big ticket items—like a new car! The bad news about this time
of year is that dealers don’t feel the need to offer quite as many discounts to
entice shoppers to buy.
inder!
Rem
Shopping local has its perks! Buy your new vehicle from local dealers and you can
Important Notice
We are sorry to announce that due
to changes in Emera Maine billing
procedures, Acadia FCU will no longer
be able to accept Emera Maine
payments. This change will take
effect on December 31, 2014.
Get the Best Deal On A New Car in 2015
finance with us, right at the dealership.
10,000 Strong
This fall, Acadia launched its new awareness campaign, 10,000 Strong. Advertising
has run on WAGM TV, Facebook, and on the Bangor Daily news website. The
inspiration of 10,000 Strong comes from the fact that Acadia now has over 10,000
members among its five branches. This large membership allows us to provide low
loan rates and develop promotions to give back to our members. The campaign
will continue in 2015. Watch for our ads – you may see a few faces you know –
and we hope you feel as proud to be part of this great organization as we do.
Winter Tip: Care For Your Car
Give your car or truck regular undercarriage washes by visiting your local car
wash regularly this winter. The treatment that keeps the roads safe can do a number on the body of your vehicle. Washing the chemicals and salt off will help to
keep the rust at bay. In the long run, this simple chore will save you money and
keep your ride looking great all year long.
It’s that time of year again—Young & Free
Maine and Maine’s Credit Unions are hosting the fourth annual Sound Off Music
Competition! If you or someone in
your band is between the ages of 18
and 25, submit your original music at
youngfreemaine.com between January
14 and 28 for a public vote. If you or
your band is chosen for the top five,
you will have a chance to play at a live
audition in Bangor. The grand prize
winner(s) will receive a $1,000 gift card
to Main Street Studios in Bangor, and a
chance to play at the Old Port Festival
in June. Visit youngfreemaine.com for
complete contest rules.
Surcharge Free—
The Way Life Should Be
Access your money wherever you are
without fees or hassles. Take advantage of Maine credit union’s SURF surcharge-free ATM Network. The SURF ATM
Network gives you access to over 230 ATM
locations across the state of Maine. Whether you are riding miles of beautiful trails in
Caribou, carving the slopes in Kingfield or
cozying up by the fire in Kittery this winter,
you’ll have easy access, guaranteed!