The history of our Credit Union
North Towns Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit member owned and operated financial institution established to meet the needs of its members and their families.
Our Credit Union was started on October 13, 1954 for the employees of the Clarence Central Schools. We expanded our field of membership to include the employees and officials of the Town of Clarence, and the Clarence Senior Citizens. We expanded to a community charter allowing us to serve the entire Clarence community on November 16, 2001. Family members of any current member may also join the Credit Union. Our name was changed to the current name on July 29, 2004.
After years of planning, in June 2022 the credit union moved into a new office, located on the existing property. The new building has an expanded teller and office area, a drive-thru teller, night depository and soon, an ATM. After careful thought and consideration by our management team and Board of Directors, on July 1, 2022 Clarence Community & Schools Federal Credit Union officially changed their name to North Towns Federal Credit Union.
We are excited for these changes as they best serve our plans for growth in our field of membership.
| Teachers | |
|---|---|
| John D. O'Neil | James R. McDonnell |
| Donna L. O'Neil | Gwendoline A. Watson |
| George Navik | William Wilson |
| Janet M. Navik | James Battistoni |
| Graham Smith | Ted Sturgis |
| Clerical | |
| Lucille Booker | Olive Johnson |
| Custodian | |
| William Holmwood | |
| Administration | Benjamin Macey |
These forward thinking individuals pooled their savings through payroll deductions so members could borrow money at favorable rates. The money earned from loans paid dividends to the savers. We strive to be the best place for our members to save their hard earned money and to borrow from when the need arises. In addition, we want to provide the services and conveniences that our members want and deserve.
The Credit Union movement
The Credit Union idea is a simple one. People should be able to pool their money and make loans to each other. This idea evolved from early cooperative activities in Europe.
The first true credit unions were started in Germany in 1852 and 1864. It was the only way many individuals of lesser means were able to save and borrow money.
Since that time, the guiding principles have remained the same: 1. Only people who are members can save with, and borrow from, the credit union; 2. Loans are made for prudent and productive purposes; 3. A person's desire (character) to repay is more important than the ability (income) to repay.
Members are borrowing their own money and that of their friends. These principles still govern most of the world's credit unions.
As the 20th century began, the credit union idea surfaced in Canada. Their success influenced two Americans, Pierre Jay, the Massachusetts banking commissioner and Edward Filene, a Boston Merchant. In 1909, they helped to provide the legislation in the state of Massachusetts to start the first credit unions in the United States.
By 1925,15 states had passed credit union laws and by 1935, 39 states had credit union laws. Growth was slow. In 1934, Congress passed a federal credit union act which permitted credit unions to be organized anywhere in the United States.
After World War II, the growth of credit unions and membership grew rapidly. Today, there are more than 72 million Americans who are credit union members. This growth is also reflected on a global scale where persons every- where realize the benefits of belonging to a financial cooperative.
| Office Staff | |
|---|---|
| Rebecca Smith | CEO |
| Cheree | Assistant Manager/Loan Officer |
| Diane | Bookkeeper |
| Dawn | Marketing Services |
| Deanna | Member Service Representative/Account Specialist |
| Andrea | Member Service Representative |
| Jaime | Member Service Representative |
| Sam | Member Service Representative |
| Board of Directors | |
|---|---|
| Joseph Daigler | President |
| Joseph Gonzales | Vice President |
| Rebecca Smith | Treasurer |
| Karen Mauger | Secretary |
| Mark Medole | Director |
| Suzanne Zelin | Director |
| James Meyer | Director |
Our Board of Directors is a group of volunteers elected by our members at the annual meeting. The Board meets at least once a month to receive and approve staff reports, which allow the Board to monitor and control the operation of the Credit Union. Board members serve three year terms. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please contact our CEO, Rebecca Smith.
| Supervisory Committee | |
|---|---|
| Suzanne Zelin | Chairperson |
| Alicia Braaten | Committee Member |
The Supervisory Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors. They oversee the operation of the credit union by employing an independent CPA firm to conduct an annual audit for safety and soundness of procedures. They also independently send out verifications of all accounts. They help to protect your funds by overseeing legal compliance matters and guarding against any fraudulent or improper practices by staff or board members.
Winter 2024
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Fall 2016
Summer 2016
Spring 2016
Membership
If you LIVE, WORK, WORSHIP or GO TO SCHOOL in Clarence, Amherst, Akron, or Newstead, you are eligible to join North Towns Federal Credit Union.
Once a member, always a member
The philosophy of credit unions has always been, "once a member, always a member". If you leave employment within the Town of Clarence or move out of the area, you can continue to be a member of the Credit Union as long as you keep your account open and active. Many members who have moved away or retired, continue to keep their accounts active with the Credit Union.
Mission Statement
To serve our members with personal, professional and efficient financial services.
Vision Statement
To be the primary financial institution for our members.
Regular Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 9am - 4:30pm
- Friday: 9am - 5:30pm
- Drop box: available 24/7 (deposits made after 9:00am will be credited on the next business day)
- Answering machine: available for after hours. Just leave your request along with your name and phone number.
Our 69th Annual Member Meeting was held on
March 22, 2024 at 5:30 PM. Thank you to all who participated.
Watch for details on our 70th Annual Member Meeting!
“What a great way to teach children about saving money.”
Credit Union at CHS
North Towns Federal Credit Union has a branch at Clarence High School. Students help to open new accounts, make deposits and withdrawals for other students. Transactions for High School Staff are handled by a North Towns Federal Credit Union employee, who is there to supervise all transactions.
The Student Run Credit Union is open on Wednesdays during lunch from 11:00am – 1:30pm.
The student-run credit union was moved to the cafeteria to better serve our members.
North Towns Federal Credit Union's core mission is to teach financial literacy skills to our youth and this is one way we advance that mission.
Clarence Middle School
North Towns Federal Credit Union services are offered at the Clarence Middle School every Tuesday morning from 8:15am - 8:45am. We can do most transactions and can open new accounts for both students and staff.
Elementary Schools Participating in our Youth Savings Program
All four Clarence Elementary Schools participate in our Youth $avings Program which allows students to bring money to school each $uper $aver Wednesday and have it deposited in their account at the Credit Union. A sticker is returned each week in their pouch and an activity page is mailed with their receipt.
Financial Literacy Program
North Towns Federal Credit Union is committed to building financial literacy within our community. We have created a series of financial literacy programs titled: Creating a Path to Financial Success.
The series of interactive programs was designed for all grade levels, K through 12. We provide both during and after school classes, evening classes for our local Scouts and summer camp opportunities.
If you are interested in our programs, please give us a call.
Clarence Community & Schools Federal Credit Union Awards
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2013 Outstanding Professional – Marsha Brauer, CEO/Manager 2013 Clarence Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year |
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Desjardins: For our efforts in teaching financial literacy to youth in our community.
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Dora Maxwell: Recognizes efforts with community outreach and fundraisers.
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Louise Herring: Given for demonstrating in an extraordinary way, the credit union philosophy of improving the lives of its' members.
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| CSCU Cameo Award |
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Community Outreach
North Towns Federal Credit Union supports various groups and programs in the Community. As part of our mission of “people helping people” we are grateful to be able to give back.
- Akron Central Schools
- Akron Chamber of Commerce
- Children's Miracle Network
- Clarence Central School District
- Clarence Chamber of Commerce
- Clarence Hollow Association
- Clarence Lions Club
- Clarence Schools Enrichment Foundation
- Clarence Youth Bureau
- Clarence Youth Foundation
- CU Golf Tournament
- Scholarship Program
- St Luke's Mission
- Youth Savings Program