﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" standalone="no"?><Search><pages Count="8"><page Index="1" isMAC="true"><![CDATA[YOUR CREDIT UNION YOUR COMMUNITY YOUR FINANCES2016 Fall EditionMaking Business Work for YouInsideMember Spotlight on Art Café]]></page><page Index="2" isMAC="true"><![CDATA[Letter from the CEODear Member:The chief business of the American people is business. Those words came from President Calvin Coolidge close to 100 years ago. In this issue of The First Word we have dedicated it to the business of credit unions and People First.In October, we took time to reflect on the credit union movement, as celebrated through International Credit Union day. People First has the singular focus on providing service to our membership. We have done that for over 65 years making People First the leading credit union serving the Lehigh Valley, with over 63,000 members.Last month, the merger with the former Lehigh Valley Federal Credit Union was completed. I would like to welcome their 2,300 members to the People First family. This merger brings a new branch, our eighth, to help serve you better. Located on Walbert Avenue in Allentown, this branch is conveniently located to serve the western portion of Lehigh County. We still have much to do as we continue the transition of the members and the new o ce.Another recent expansion is in our business lending group. Serving the business community of the Lehigh Valley for 7 years, and to allow us to provide additional services to our members in the future, we have added a new business service o cer. On the back of this newsletter you’ll find contact information for our two business service o cers and more information about the services we o er for our business members.2017 will be here soon, and People First will have some new services to help save you money and improve your financial well-being. We are working to prepare for a new computer processing software with an April 1st conversion date.We want to meet all of your lending needs and ask that you consider People First for any new needs and to help in refinancing other loans, especially auto or home loans that may be with other financial providers. With rates so low, we may be able to save you money each month.Sincerely,Je rey J. Albert, CEOPeople First Federal Credit Union1 Firstword 2016 Fall Edition“With the singular focus   providing service to  r mem rship...People First is the leading credit uni  in the Lehigh Va ey”.Annual Report andAnnual MeetingPeople First held our 65th annual meeting on Wednesday, September 7th at the Fearless Fire Company. Our President/CEO, Je rey J. Albert gave a preview into what’s ahead for your credit union as well as a recap of the 2015/2016 accomplishments.Also, three positions on the Board of Directors were filled. Frederick A. Molchany and Joseph J. Preisler were elected to serve for three years and Gerard J. Judge was elected for one year.To view the 2015 Annual Report, visit the About Us sectionof our website.PeopleFirstCU.orgNeed a loan? This guy can help!HOME LOAN AUTO LOAN VACATION EDUCATION CREDIT CARD BUSINESSPeopleFirstCU.orgEqual Opportunity Lender]]></page><page Index="3" isMAC="true"><![CDATA[New Services For Our MembersThe Launch of eDocs and Addition of Coin Counting Machines• People First is proud to introduce a new convenience service, eDocs. When you apply online or through our 24-Hour Loan center, your loan documents can be received, signed and submitted electronically. This service is only for consumer loans and excludes Home Equity Loans.• We now have 3 branch locations that have coin counting machines. Bring your loose change and have it counted fast and accurately at our Devonshire, Trexlertown, or Bethlehem Township branch locations. There is a nominal 3% fee for this service.We’re Growing AgainMerger with Lehigh Valley Credit UnionOur People First Family is growing! We would like to welcome the membership of Lehigh Valley Federal Credit Union. As of October 1st, Lehigh Valley FCU has merged with People First. With this merger, we now have an additional branch location to serve our membership.*NEW LOCATION*Walbert Avenue Branch2218 Walbert Avenue, Allentown, PA 18104People First Golf Classic Raises $10,000 for CharityThe 6th Annual People First Golf Classic was held on Monday, September 26th at Woodstone Country Club. From the event, People First presented two local charities a check for $5,000.00 each. This year the proceeds were divided amongst Pinebrook Family Answers (PbFALV.org) and The Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL.org). People First is proud to support these two local charities.Promotional Period for Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The 2.9% Introductory APR for balanace transfers, cash advances and purchases will apply to transactions posted to your new Visa® Platinum or Visa® Platinum Rewards credit card. Applications must be received between September 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 to qualify. O er only available for new cardholders that are issued between 9/1/16 and 12/31/16. Cash advances, balance transfers and purchases will accrue interest at 2.9% APR for six billing cycles from the Visa® open date; any remaining balance will begin to accrue interest at the qualified standard variable rate. Rates are subject to change. Payments will be applied as stated in your Visa® Consumer Credit Card Agreement & Disclosure. Any existing balances on current People First Federal Credit Union loan and/or credit card accounts are not eligible for the introductory APR. Applicant's standard rate will be based upon credit evaluation. The Variable Rate is based on the highest Prime Rate as published in the Money Rates section of the Wall Street Journal on the last business day of each calendar month ("Index") plus a margin from 5.65 - 14.65 for the No Rewards card and a margin of 6.65 - 9.65 for the Rewards Card. The Index plus the Margin equals the Interest Rate. Changes in the Index will cause changes in the Interest Rate on the first day of the billing cycle that immediately follows any such change in the Index. Increases or Decreases in the Interest Rate will cause like increases or decreases in the Finance Charge and will a ect the number of your regularly scheduled payments. This balance transfer o er is for consumer credit cards only.Save this Holiday Season with a®Visa Platinum Credit Card2.9% APR Intro Rate*for 6 monthly billing cyclesSave on Purchases, Balance Transfers and Cash Advances!Act fast, this promotion for NEW cardholders ends DECEMBER 31STApply Online or Call our 24-Hour Loan Center at 1.877.531.5126Firstword 2016 Fall Edition 2seraC]]></page><page Index="4" isMAC="true"><![CDATA[International Credit Union DayCele ates the Authentic DifferenceOn October 20, 2016, credit unions around the world celebrated International Credit Union Day (ICU Day).8SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYCredit unions strive for social justice by committing to strengthening their communities and helping people of modest means.9ONGOING EDUCATIONCredit unions prioritize financial education for their members, employees, and communities as part of their pursuit of social justice.This is why we celebrate ICU Day at People First. We think ideas like people before profit, social responsibility, and financial education improve lives. It’s why cooperative banking is a key component of helping people in developing countries get access to microloans, or a middle-class couple in the Lehigh Valley receive an a ordable mortgage for their first home.So when we wish you a Happy ICU Day at People First, know that we’re thanking you for belonging to a movement that’s helping your neighbors—and people around the world—grow and thrive and follow their dreams.If you have any questions about the credit union philosophy or how People First can help you, stop by or contact us at 610.797.744.Copyright 2016 Credit Union National Association Inc.Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, o ering the same services as other financial institutions, but with a people-first philosophy. Since 1948, on the third Thursday of every October, credit unions have celebrated the principles that make credit unions the best financial partners of people all over the world. “The authentic di erence,” this year’s ICU Day theme, zeroes in on what makes credit unions di erent from banks, fintech startups and other financial institutions—our principles.Credit unions all over the world have operated according to the same core principles since the 1850s, when a group of weary German workers, tired of being exploited by loan sharks, formed the world’s first credit union by banding together to provide a ordable credit to each other.These principles are derived from the cooperative principles, shared by all cooperatives. They are:1DEMOCRATIC CONTROLOne member = One vote. Whether you have $5 or $5 million, your voice is equal.2OPEN AND VOLUNTARY MEMBERSHIPMembers are connected by a bond of association, fostering a sense of community.3NON-DISCRIMINATIONCredit unions are open to all without regard for race, orientation, nationality, sex, religion, gender, or politics.4SERVICE TO MEMBERSCredit unions are ranked No. 1 in service in numerous surveys, because they exist to serve members, not profit.5DISTRIBUTION TO MEMBERSCredit unions return all profits to their members through dividends, lower fees, better savings rates, and improved services.6BUILDING FINANCIAL STABILITYCredit unions are historically stable organizations. They’re owned by the people they serve, so they don’t take unnecessary risks.7COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVESCredit unions and cooperatives share the same principles. Together, they amplify each other’s good works.3 Firstword 2016 Fall Edition]]></page><page Index="5" isMAC="true"><![CDATA[Introducing Better HomesFirst Heritage RealtyIn keeping with our commitment and mission to deliver financial solutions to our valued members, we are excited to announce a new addition to our expanded home ownership services: Better Homes First Heritage Realty, a full service real estate firm owned and operated by People First Credit Union.Through our partnership, we deliver the services, tools, and expert advice needed when you search, buy, sell, and finance your home or investment properties. Work with people that you know and trust! To learn more, visit PF4Homes.com.MEET DAN RUSSOLIWe are excited to introduce to you Dan Russoli a life long resident of the Lehigh Valley. Dan brings a wealth of business, realestate, and technology expertise when assisting all of his clients. Dan is well versed in working with home sellers, home buyers, and investors. His experience and expertise have been invaluable for all of the clients that he has worked with. He feels that "Your Happiness is his Success" that is why he goes above and beyond to exceed your expectations. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, call Dan for all of your real estate needs!Call Dan at 610.417.4788 or email him at russolid@gmail.comPurchase or Refinance a Home at Historic LOW Rates!If you are in the market for a new home, mortgage rates are near the lowest they’ve ever been. The national average mortgage rate is now around 3.4 percent, just above the rate in November 2012, which was the lowest rate on record. The rate for 15-year mortgage rates is considerably lower.Since the beginning of 2016, interest rates for 30-year mortgage loans have dropped about one-half percent. That drop translates into a $100-per-month savings on a $300,000 mortgage. The drop in rates is driven by world economic factors, from the relative strength of the U.S. economy and our national housing market, to international concern over slow economic growth and Britain’s exit from the European Union.Low Rates Won’t Last ForeverWhile these macro-economic trends may seem far away from your neighborhood, one thing is clear: the trends that drive mortgage rates down, can easily change and drive them back up. For those interested in buying a new home, or in refinancing their current home to get a lower rate and smaller monthly mortgage payment, the best advice is “get on board before the train leaves the station.”Choose the Right Mortgage for YouYour credit union American Heritage is your first stop. We o er a variety of home purchase and refinancing mortgages:• Fixed Rate Mortgages • FHA and VA Loans • Adjustable Rate Mortgages • Jumbo LoansYour Real Estate Product Specialist will provide expert advice to guide you through your choices. If your loan is for a home purchase, they can pre-approve a mortgage for you, which means the owner of your dream house will know you are a serious buyer when you make a bid.Refinance to Get a Lower Rate or PaymentIf you’re seeking to refinance your current mortgage, a lower rate is your first goal, and if you have a good mortgage payment history, that’s exactly what we will deliver. Your Real Estate Product Specialist will review rates and terms to find the amounts that fit your budget. You may also want to consider a 15-year mortgage loan: you’ll pay a monthly amount that is likely a bit more than you’re currently paying, but you’ll pay o  your loan faster and get to your goal of mortgage-free ownership.Pain-Free Mortgage ProcessFor a first-time home buyer, a current owner seeking a better home, or a current owner looking to refinance, you’ll be delighted to find that your Real Estate Product Specialist will make the mortgage purchase and refinance process as quick and painless as possible.Visit your nearest credit union location, or visit the online Mortgage Center at PeopleFirstCU.org. There’s no obligation and the review is free. You’ll learn what you need to know about the mortgage process, compare rates and options and get an estimate of closing costs. Act now while home and ReFi rates are at historic lows!Firstword 2016 Fall Edition 4]]></page><page Index="6" isMAC="true"><![CDATA[Member Spotlight on... A rt CaféPictured above are Art Café owners Ann and Rick Takacs.We have been told it feels like a spa atmosphere, “warm and welcoming colors” We decorated with pieces of art work that we found through the Lehigh Valley at di erent stores and friends have been nice enough to give us decorations that go with our color scheme.We found out that opening our own restaurant would not be a smooth and simple process. In 2011, we contacted the Lehigh University Small Business Development Center to assist with a potential business acquisition, which would eventually fall through. However, over the next few years, we would work with the Lehigh University SBDC to evaluate a number of di erent opportunities to either purchase an existing business, or to find a location to start on our own.We have always been members of People First Credit Union and when SBDC mentioned several banks, People First was one of them. We were hopeful that we would be able to work with them again.Luckily, the next opportunity was the right one. We found a spot that would work – located in the Black River Plaza in Lower Saucon Township at 3610 Route 378. We reconnected with the SBDC to finalize our presentation for their lender, People First Federal Credit Union who provided financing for the deal, and the restaurant had their Ribbon Cutting and soft opening on June 4, 2015.The Art Café is now open and feeding the Lehigh Valley’s hungriest, as the name is catching attention. That’s A-R-T, which stands for Ann and Rick Takacs, owners of the new breakfast and lunch eatery located in Lower Saucon Township.“But it is also clear to see that the food here is worthy of being called art.”Art café is a breakfast and lunch café open Monday- Friday 7am to 3pm and Saturday 7am to 2pm. We take pride in our work, o ering the freshest ingredients. We make most things to order or in small batches to maintain its freshness and quality, so it does take time to prepare.Bethlehem residents Rick and Ann Takacs are no strangers to excellent food. The two attended New York’s Culinary Institute of America, and spent time as sous chefs in a local restaurant plus 20 years with a food service contract company managingkitchens in the Lehigh valley. We wanted to use our talents and to be reliant on no one but ourselves. To be creative as possible and do what we feel is right. Not being told you have to follow policies and procedures.When we plan menu items, we think of food we like and try di erent ideas until we feel it is right. We definitely do a lot of sampling with our sta  and our regulars to get feedback. Sometimes our customers mention an ingredient or idea and we put a twist to make it ours.Ann’s favorite menu item is the Grilled Normandy (sourdough bread grilled with brie cheese, apples and black forest ham) anything with brie is my favorite. Rick likes the mushroom strudel- sliced mushrooms sautéed with wine and garlic, rolled in layers of phyllo dough with feta cheese. Basted with butter and roasted until golden brown. I always catch him taking a piece o  the end. Can’t forget about desserts- too many favorites to choose from. Our customers have their own favorites and will request it for their next visit.5 Firstword 2016 Fall EditionIf you or your business would like to be featured in our Member Spotlight, please email us at:Marketing@PeopleFirstCU.org]]></page><page Index="7" isMAC="true"><![CDATA[Cold, Calculated Savings: Items to Buy in WinterEvery December you are bombarded with suggestions (some subtle, some not-so-much) for items to buy for the holidays. But what about items to buy AFTER the holidays? If you can wait a few days or weeks, you could land yourself some outrageous deals. In fact, if a loved one wants an item on the list below, you might even want to give them a gift card and advise them to pick it up when it goes on sale. That way, they not only get what they want, but they also get more money to spend on other desired items.JEWELRYThe period between the December holidays and Valentine’s Day is slow for the bling business. In fact, if you are planning on buying your significant other some adornment for Valentine’s Day, the prices in early January could be drastically di erent from what they will be a month later.TWO WHEELS AND A SEATIf you are in a cold weather part of the country, folks in your area don’t think of winter as the best time to ride with the wind in their face. As a result, they tend to not buy their new wheels then. Retailers know this and are desperate to move motorcycles and bicycles after the holidays. If you were planning on getting a set of wheels, look for special sales and other deals in the first part of the year.A HOUSEIt’s almost an iron-clad guarantee: if there’s enjoyable or rewarding activity that you really wouldn’t want to do in winter, you can score a deal on it during January or February. That goes for buying a home too. Most people don’t want to scrape aside snow to get a closer look at a patio or deck. If you can find a property that has already been on the market for a few months and doesn’t look to be going anytime soon, you might be able to get the seller to accept a lowball o er.VIDEO GAMESGames have become a hugely popular holiday gift request for people of all ages. Retailers know this, filling their prices with helium to see how high people will jump to catch them. After the holiday a lot of the price inflation has leaked out and the cost comes back down to earth, perhaps even at the lowest level of the year.CAMERASThe big electronics trade shows happen in January and February, which means new camera models are unveiled. If you can wait until after these shows are over, you can get a perfectly fine “old” model at a great bargain.THINGS FOR NEXT WINTERWhether it’s holiday decorations or winter clothes, the “Stock-up and Stash” approach can save you a bundle, if you’ve got the room. However, avoid paying $100 per month for a storage locker so you can provide a home for your “deals.”A VEHICLEUsually by January the newer model of most every vehicle has been out for a few months and dealerships are trying to push out the last of the “old” models from their stock to make room for the new fleet. They need to sell, so sharpen your negotiating skills!Copyright BALANCE® 2016Upcoming EventsHOLIDAY FOOD DRIVEOur annual Holiday Food drive for the Allentown Rescue Mission and Second Harvest Food Bank is in full force. Collection tables are set up at all branch locations.SANTA VISITSaturday, December 10, 2016 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMHOLIDAY CLOSINGSPlease mark your calendars. Our o ces will be closed on the following dates:Saturday, December 24thChristmas EveMonday, December 26thChristmas HolidaySaturday, December 31stNew Year’s EveMonday, January 2ndNew Year’s DayLet People First Save YouMoney with Low RatesRates are historically low. People First may be able to help save you money each month! Refinance your Home, Auto or Credit Card with People First and begin saving each month. Visit PeopleFirstCU.org to view our rates and apply today.Firstword 2016 Fall Edition 6]]></page><page Index="8" isMAC="true"><![CDATA[YOUR CREDIT UNION YOUR COMMUNITY YOUR FINANCESFirstword2016 Fall EditionIn This Issue• Message from the CEO• Holiday Events and Closings• Credit Unions: The Authentic Di erence • Member Spotlight: Art Café• Historic Low Rates on Home MortgagesKeeping our members up-to-date on what’s happening at People FirstStart, Maintain or Grow Your Business with UsOur business services team has years of experience working with all types of businesses. Whether it’s a Business Checking Account or loan to help grow your business, People First is here to assist.Loan Types• Lines of credit• Term Loans• Commercial Mortgages • Merchant Card ServicesDeposit Services• Tiered Checking Accounts • Money Market Accounts• Share CertificatesVisit PeopleFirstCU.org for more information.Let our team help your business today!Ryan Kinnon610.797.7440 Ext. 560John Orsini610.797.7440 Ext. 120610.797.7440 • PeopleFirstCU.org • Allentown • Bethlehem • Nazareth • Trexlertown • WhitehallFederally Insured by the NCUA]]></page></pages></Search>