By: Tonja

Tonja @ 9:10 am

On Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Michigan First Credit Union and AM 910 Radio Disney< are teaming up to bring to the Southfield/Lathrup Village area ‘Party in the Park,’ the summertime event destination for Southeast Michigan families.  The FREE party, held at Southfield-Lathrup High School will feature a Radio Disney stage show with music and prizes, rides and slides for kids of all ages to enjoy, a drawing for four tickets to a Jonas Brothers concert and a Nintendo® Wii giveaway.*

The first 500 people age 14 and under who are Michigan First MoneyKids® or MoneyTeens® members at the party will also get a free t-shirt.  To register for the event and be automatically entered in the Nintendo® Wii giveaway, or for more information, go to www.MichiganFirstKids.com or call 800-664-3828. To sign up for the MoneyKids® or MoneyTeens® programs to take advantage of the t-shirt giveaway at the party, go to www.MichiganFirst.com.   

Hope to see you there!

*Advance registration is required to be eligible for the Nintendo® Wii giveaway drawing. Winners must be present to receive all prizes and some restrictions apply. Visit www.MichiganFirstKids.com for additional details.

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By: Sandra

Sandra @ 10:49 am

Michigan First partnered with the American Red Cross (ARC) for its annual Blanket Days campaign held November 2008, through January 2009. The Credit Union branches served as drop-off locations for donations of new, twin-sized blankets for the homeless and needy in the Detroit metro area. The Credit Union’s new Wyoming Branch on 7 Mile Road & Wyoming in Detroit, hosted the ARC’s kickoff event in early November.

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By: Lena

Lena @ 12:06 pm

Celebrate the Season and Help Make the Holidays Happier with Michigan First!

2008 Holiday Brights Schedule

“Blanket Days” – Help Keep Someone Warm
November 10 – December 31
Evergreen, Gratiot, New Center, Wayne & Wyoming Branches

Bring a new twin-size blanket to any of the branches listed above for the American Red Cross “Blanket Days for the Homeless” Campaign.

Our Spectacular Holiday Lights Turn On For the Season!
Monday, November 24
Evergreen Branch, 27000 Evergreen Road

Arts & Crafts Holiday Bazaar
Thursday, December 4, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday, December 5, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Evergreen Branch, 27000 Evergreen Road
Purchase gifts from a variety of specialty vendors and take home holiday gifts for friends and family.

Santa Day – See Santa & His Live Reindeer!
Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Evergreen Branch, 27000 Evergreen Road

• Picture with Santa*
• Clowns
• Face Painters
• Magician
• Bring in a new twin size blanket for “Blanket Days” on Santa Day
• and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card
• (one entry per person).**

Holiday Blood Drive
Wednesday, December 17, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Evergreen Branch, 27000 Evergreen Road
There will be a Holiday Blood Drive, hosted by The American Red Cross and Michigan First Credit Union. Register at www.givelife.org with sponsor code “mifirst.”

*$3 each or 2 for $5 with $1 donated to the “Blanket Days” Campaign.
**Michigan First employees, volunteers, and their immediate family are not eligible. Must bring in a new twin-size blanket on 12/13/08 to be entered into the drawing. One entry per person. Subject to change. Must be at least 18 years of age to participate. See Credit Union for details.

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By: Lena

Lena @ 12:02 pm

Michigan First Credit Union Is Top Place to Work
Michigan First earns three awards for workplace excellence

Michigan First Credit Union, a leading financial institution serving over 44 communities in metro Detroit, has further solidified itself as a top place to work in metro Detroit, having earned recognition from three regional organizations for its outstanding focus on diversity, high quality working standards and dedication to team member
satisfaction.

“Michigan First has always strived to offer the best working environment to our team members, who are our greatest assets,” said Michael Poulos, president and CEO of Michigan First Credit Union. “It is a tremendous honor to have our efforts to create a diverse and supportive workplace recognized with these prestigious awards.”

The accolades include:

Recognition as a “Diversity Focused Company” from Corp! Magazine for clearly defining and monitoring diversity success and demonstrating how diversity efforts add value to the company;

A “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” award from The Michigan Business & Professional Association, which acknowledges Michigan First’s imagination and conviction to create organizational value and business results through their policies and best practices in human resource management; and

The Detroit Free Press “Top Workplaces” award, which honors Michigan First’s exceptional work standards, client and team member satisfaction.

There are many different aspects that go into making Michigan First a great place to work in metro Detroit. Some benefits include fully paid health benefits for its team members and their families, market or above market wages, additional bonuses and monthly incentives. It also offers regular contests to retail and lending team members to cross sell products and services to increase income, and each team leader has the ability to recognize strong performers with discretionary bonuses, gift certificates, free lunches and other such perks. Team members can also enjoy the free use of a fitness center – located in the Lathrup Village main branch – complete with a locker room and showers and a recreation room with foosball, pool table, darts, air hockey and other amenities.

Diversity is another key element in making Michigan First a great place to work. Michigan First promotes diversity and inclusion by providing a place to work where all individuals are respected, honored, supported and rewarded on the basis of their and professional achievements and contributions. Michigan First believes commitment to diversity and inclusion strengthens the company and sets it apart from the competition.

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By: Lena

Lena @ 11:56 am

Michigan First Continues to Promote Financial Literacy with Opening of Four New Student Branches in Metro Detroit
Leading credit Union continuing its commitment to the youth and the community

Michigan First Credit Union (www.michiganfirst.com) is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest student branches in Glenn Schoenhals Elementary School in Southfield, Michigan and a second branch at University Preparatory Academy-Murray Campus in Detroit.The two branches are the first of four branches scheduled to open through Michigan First’s school
branch program, MichiganFirst@School, by early November, adding to the roster of 13 existing student branches.

Other school branches scheduled to open include Eisenhower Elementary in Southfield on Monday,Nov. 3 and in South Lake High School in St. Clair Shores, Mich. on Thursday, Nov. 6. “At Michigan First we believe that we have a responsibility to help the community in the battle against financial illiteracy that impacts people of all ages,” said Michael Poulos, president and CEO of Michigan First Credit Union. “Helping children learn about personal finances at a young age is the key to
developing financially responsible adults.”

Through MichiganFirst@School, students at the elementary or middle school level are able to run the branches through various positions including branch managers, assistant managers, tellers, computer operations, bookkeepers and greeters. Those working in the credit unions wear Michigan First logo shirts provided by the credit union. Michigan First staff is on-hand to monitor transactions. Students are allowed to only make deposits in savings accounts in an effort to encourage saving money.
At the high school level, students become actual employees of Michigan First and are paid hourly for their work in the credit union. The high school branches are open to students, teachers and other staff members. Currently Michigan First has high school branches located within Southfield High School and Southfield Lathrup High School.

At the end of each school year, students who worked in the branches are honored by Michigan First with a pancake breakfast and awards ceremony to recognize the students’ accomplishments and to congratulate them on the money they deposited into their savings accounts during the school year. Schools who opened the most accounts and who deposited the most money receive special recognition. Additionally, Michigan First Credit Union began piloting a program at Southfield University High School
Academy this fall to implement its wealth of financial knowledge directly into the classroom. Through a partnership with The National Endowment for Financial Educations (NEFE), Michigan First will be teaching monthly classes at Southfield University High School Academy to enable students to:

Design a personal saving and investing plan
Create a strategy for handling credit and managing their debt
Use various financial services
Create a personal insurance plan
evelop and stick to a budget

This community-based outreach is also being addressed within the state government: A bill was recently passed by the Michigan House and Senate—which has now been put before Governor Granholm to review before 2009—which would allow high school students the option to exchange traditional math for a financial literacy class to meet graduation requirements.

Michigan First began establishing the student-run branches in 2001 as part of its ongoing effort to increase financial literacy among children and teens. In addition to student-run branches, Michigan First also advocates financial literacy through its MoneyKids (ages 0-12) and MoneyTeen (ages 13-17) programs that are designed to encourage children and teens to save money and instill financial responsibility that grows with them.

As members of student-run branches, students are automatically enrolled as members to continue banking into adulthood at any Michigan First location. Research has shown that students who have bank accounts early on have significantly greater financial understanding as they reach adulthood, according to a study from the University of Buffalo School of Management on 12th graders’ aptitude and knowledge of personal financial basics.

For a full list of participating schools or to learn more about Michigan First student branches, please visit
www.michiganfirst.com

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By: Lauren

Lauren @ 1:27 pm

Below, please find the winners for the June E-Statement giveaway contest. Check back soon for more winners.

Grand Prize - 32″ LCD TV
Karen Bates

2nd Prize - $100 Best Buy Gift Card
Aaron Johnson

$50 Gas Card Winners

Dennis Gordon

Stephanie Webb

Edith C. Buckley

James A. Knox Jr.

Priscilla Clyburn

R’Kla Taylor

Rita J. Taylor

Vanessa L. Nelson

Liny Patricia Crawford

Larry D. Hudson

Latonya Hewitt

Kaduma Robeson Karanji

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By: Lauren

Lauren @ 4:13 pm

Michigan First Credit Union Continues Leadership with High-Tech ATMs and Member Services Years Ahead of Banks Breaking into Market with ‘New’ Introductions

Michigan First Installs No Fee High-Speed Coin Counters for Members;MoneyWorks(R) ATMs Accept Coins and Cash Checks to the Penny

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich., May 30, 2008 – ATMs that can accept coins, paper currency and checks without an envelope; can scan checks; and cash checks to the penny. These are just some of the innovative, convenient services that Michigan First Credit Union has offered its members since 2004. Now, Michigan First has introduced no fee high-speed coin counters for its members. It’s all part of its commitment to provide leading-edge technology and outstanding customer service.

“While some banks are introducing ‘new’ ATMs that scan checks and don’t require envelopes for deposits, Michigan First Credit Union was one of the first financial institutions in North America to introduce this technology at its branches more than four years ago,” said Michael Poulos, president and CEO of Michigan First Credit Union. “In addition to these convenient services, our ATMS – called MoneyWorks(R) Banking Centers – can accept coins and cash checks to the penny. We have a number of other innovative services in the works to further serve our members.”

To complement the coin counters that are incorporated into the MoneyWorks Banking Centers, Michigan First Credit Union is also in the process of installing high-speed coin counters at each of its branches and is already in use at its main branch in Lathrup Village, Mich. The high-speed coin counters can process approximately 3,000 coins a minute compared to the ATM counters that process 700 coins a minute. This service is free for credit union members, while non-members are charged a nominal fee.

“Every penny counts, especially in these tough economic times,” Poulos said. “Our members have saved time and money by using these convenient services.”

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By: Lauren

Lauren @ 4:12 pm

July 16, 2008 Lathrup Village, MI. Michigan First Credit Union recently helped seven Southfield elementary and middle schools celebrate their achievements in operating their student branches, with a pancake breakfast and awards ceremony.

The program is held annually at the end of the school year to recognize the students’ accomplishments and to congratulate them on the money they deposited into their savings accounts through the program. It is also a time to recognize the school that opened the most new accounts and had the most deposit dollars.

This year, Stevenson Elementary School won the award for the most new accounts opened as well as the most in deposit dollars, as they recruited 54 new accounts and collected over $16,000 in student deposits. Overall, the seven schools generated over $39,000 in student deposits with an additional $2,500 from the 160 new accounts that were opened.

Prior to the breakfast and awards ceremony, students were challenged to memorize the Mission, Vision and Core Value Statement of the Credit Union. This year’s challenge winner was Jennifer Wardell of Leonhard Elementary, who recited the statement in front of all the attendees. Jennifer was presented with a Beanie Baby and gift card.

After the breakfast, students received a tour of the offices in the Michigan First headquarters.

Students participating in the program hold various positions including Branch Managers, Assistant Managers, Tellers, Computer Operators, Bookkeepers and Greeters. This year, over 140 students applied for these positions. On school banking days, which are supervised by Michigan First employees, students wear Michigan First logo shirts and name badges.

The schools and principals participating in the Credit Union’s student-run branch program include Alder Elementary, Janet Jones, Principal; Birney Middle School, Sterling Russell, Principal; Brace-Lederle K-8 School, Andrea Hamlar, Principal; Laurus Academy, Raul Calderon, Principal; Leonhard Elementary, Vicki Perry, Principal; McIntyre Elementary, Greg Kubasiewicz, Principal; and Stevenson Elementary, Dr. B. K. Hentrel, Principal.

Since the Michigan First Student Branch Program began in 2001, it has had great success. Michael Poulos, President/CEO of Michigan First states, “The success of the program is due to building solid educational partnerships and assisting schools in our field of membership with educating young people about the benefits of credit union membership and how to save and manage money.”

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By: Lauren

Lauren @ 3:17 pm

Michigan First Credit Union was recently featured in an article in the Detroit Free Press. Michigan First member, Isabelle Lewis, used her stimulus check to contribute to the savings of her grandchildren. Please find the complete article with pictures below.

Where did stimulus funds go?
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/COL07/806290600
Detroit Free Press, SUSAN TOMPOR
June 29, 2008

Whenever she has extra cash, Isabelle Lewis deposits $20 or so into each of the savings accounts that she opened for her three grandsons.

But after she got her economic stimulus money, Lewis of Lathrup Village had another idea. One June day, she took three crisp $100 bills to the credit union and brought along her Triple A’s — 8-year-old Alton, who likes to be called AJ, and his 5-year-old twin brothers Alexander and Alston Andrews. “It’s like free money, so I just share with my grandkids,” Lewis remarked during their trip to the Michigan First Credit Union in Lathrup Village where, truthfully, the boys focused more on the fish in the bank’s tank than their own catch of the day.

So what is everyone doing with all that money? More than 130 million Americans will get a tax stimulus rebate either by direct deposit or paper check by mid-July.

I talked to five diverse Michigan households in April about what kind of money they thought they would get — and what they thought they’d do with it.

Now, two months later, I’ll tell you how life — and tax glitches — actually tripped up many people.

Some get more than expected

Lewis — who retired from Detroit Public Schools in 1999 — saw her money on schedule via direct deposit. But she received $600 on May 6, not the $300 she first expected.

Lewis didn’t realize that some retirees would receive a bigger payout.

Lower-income seniors and disabled veterans who normally do not have to file a return are eligible this year to receive a minimum stimulus payment of $300 for singles or $600 for married couples, plus $300 for each qualifying child if they filed a 2007 return.

But if better-off retirees had 2007 net income tax liability of at least $600 for single filers or $1,200 for joint filers, they would be eligible to receive stimulus checks in those amounts rather than other $300 or $600 minimum amounts, according to Mark Luscombe, an analyst for CCH in Riverwoods, Ill.

Some wealthier individuals, including retirees, did not qualify for the stimulus checks.

Lewis planned to give half her money to her grandsons for their college savings all along. Her own mad money account is flusher, too.

“This $300 will just sit there until I need something big.”

Check is still in the mail
Janet and Fred Pattan, who live about 30 miles outside Escanaba, need $850 for firewood to heat their home in the Upper Peninsula. The wood should last three years, but they won’t take delivery until they have their $600 stimulus check.

When Janet (Maudie) Pattan, 64, saw my number on caller ID last week, she chimed: “I still don’t have any money.”

They got a letter in early June from the Internal Revenue Service. They didn’t file the correct original form; they mailed a copy of the return instead. They had to then mail the original.

Teresa and Steve Smith, both 43, had a May 9 target date for their direct deposit, based on Social Security numbers listed in the IRS table.

The Northville couple saw their $2,100 check June 14.

No one knew it in late April, but thousands of people who used TurboTax and other tax-preparation services later discovered they had to wait for a paper check because they agreed to have fees for services deducted from their refunds.

Eligible individuals are receiving up to $600 for singles — or $1,200 for married couples filing joint returns. Plus families are receiving $300 for each eligible child under age 17.

The couple already has spent $1,295 on gutters for their home. At one point, Teresa and her husband wanted to go on vacation with their children: Adam, 16; Madeleine, 13, and Jacob, 10.

“Before gas prices went crazy, we were thinking of a drive through the Upper Peninsula,” she said. But now it costs nearly $62 to fill up the family’s Pontiac Aztek. It’s more for the family’s full-size Ford van.

They’re not sure how they might spend the remaining $805.

Second thoughts on splurging
Yulette Barnes, 36, says sky-high gas prices and a sky-high jobless rate in Michigan stopped her from buying some Narciso Rodriguez perfume.

“I can’t really see myself spending $100 for perfume at this time,” Barnes said.

She definitely planned to do that, if she got the money around Mother’s Day as she thought would happen.

But Barnes had to wait for the check because of the tax software mix-up.

The check popped up in her mailbox June 24. She received $704 — $404 as head of a household and $300 for her 4-year-old daughter Kaitlyn Rose.

And six weeks after Mother’s Day, she wasn’t feeling quite as giddy.

She’s paying about $350 a month to fill up her Chrysler Sebring.

Barnes, who lives in downtown Detroit, has a job as a legal assistant for Grant, Busch & Kirschner, a Southfield law firm that specializes in workers compensation and Social Security issues.

And her friend who has three children lost her job about two months ago and is still struggling to meet her bills.

Barnes lent about $300 of the check to her friend.

Barnes did shop a little. A day after she got the check, she spent about $280 on three pairs of sandals at Macy’s and a purse. And she spent another $100 or so on shoes and earrings for Kaitlyn Rose. No money ended up in her daughter’s savings account, as planned.

A nasty surprise

Michael Lary, event coordinator for the City of Ferndale, didn’t think he’d get a check at first. Then, he went to www.irs.gov and discovered he qualified for a $300 rebate.

He planned to take a trip to Chicago if the check arrived before the Memorial Day weekend.

No check, no trip, no clue.

So, as he waited, he kept thinking of new things to buy. One week, it was a recliner. Another, a $465 Schwinn bike.

Then, a letter arrived from the IRS.

The federal government withheld his $300 stimulus payment and told him that he owed back taxes and penalties in 2006 for his casino winnings.

Lary said he won about $2,000 at a casino. Now, he’s working through this tax mess. He still could owe about $500. But he plans to see if the casinos have records for his gambling on casino player’s cards for 2006. Those records could show that he lost more money than he won that year, so he said he is hoping that he might not owe as much money.

“I forgot that I won the money at the casino — and I didn’t report it,” he admitted, noting that he did his own taxes via a Web site. “It was my own fault.”

Contact SUSAN TOMPOR at 313-222-8876 or stompor@freepress.com.

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By: Lena

Lena @ 8:12 am

Mark your calendar for the summer concert series at the Lathrup Village Municipal Park every Wednesday evening. The eight week event, made possible through the efforts of the Lathrup Village Community Foundation, features a mix of great entertainment ranging from country, jazz, folk, Americana, to blues and classical.

All concerts are scheduled for Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Below are scheduled performances for this summer’s series:

July 2 - Dr. Dixie Goodtime Band
July 9 - Après le Jour (classical0
July 16 - Paul Carey (blues and jazz)
July 23 - Jesse Palter (jazz)
July 30 – Groove Essential
August 6 – Shepard’s Folly (Celtic)
August 14 - Free family movie night

The concerts are held in the park behind City Hall, located at 27400 Southfield Road in Lathrup Village. Parking is free. For more information, call (248) 557-2600, ext. 244.

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