Credit unions make a difference for their members every day, andat Hanscom FCU, the stories pour out constantly. A young woman getsher first car with a Hanscom FCU loan. A member can afford adesperately-needed washing machine because a Hanscom FCU loanofficer helps her restructure her loans and create room in herbudget. A paycheck-to-paycheck worker starts an emergency fundthrough small but regular deposits to a savings account with agreat return. A high school student learns what his parents gothrough when he builds a real-life budget of his own. Young peoplego off to college with scholarships, reminded of the people backhome who believe in them.

How is this different from any other savings institution? Thephilosophy behind these activities is written in our Statement ofCommitment. It's built into our business plan.

Here are five areas we focus on to ensure the financial strengthof our credit union on behalf of our membership. How many of thefollowing examples resonate with you?

Service to members. Our goal is to improve theeconomic and social well-being of members and return value tomembers. In other words, when a member gets a 3% APR on deposits upto $500 with our CU Thrive account, he ends up a little better offthan he was before. When a member gets a credit review and reducesher monthly payment without extending her term, she can redirectfunds toward retirement. A credit card with no balance transfer feeor a home equity loan with no closing costs can make the differencebetween a good financial move and one that drains resources.

Member education. Smart borrowers are made, notborn. Hanscom FCU offers guidance and advice beyond what it takesto close the loan. For example, a member came to us for a vehicleloan. Before the loan was completed, the car she was purchasing wastotaled. Our loan officer led the member through insurance claims,renting alternative transportation and finally purchasing a greatvehicle. We are passionate about giving members a path to bettereconomics by teaching them. It feels great to sit down with amember and show him how to manage his credit to improve cash flow.We are thrilled to adjust a loan rate down after a member takes ouradvice and improves her credit.

Involvement and governance. Hanscom FCUbenefits from a rich tradition of board activism. Our board andexecutives work to preserve democratic credit union principles. Notonly do we have a flourishing member advisory group and supervisorycommittee, but nearly 1,000 members show up for our annual meeting.No matter what decision board members make about products, servicesor any of the challenges faced by a modern financial institution,they always see it through the members' perspective.

Commitment to the credit union movement.Hanscom FCU board members and executives regularly participate innational and state governmental affairs conferences. They meet withpolitical leaders to advocate for credit unions in various publicand government forums. We recognize events such as InternationalCredit Union Day and Member Appreciation Day to emphasize ourhistory and highlight the credit union difference.

Through advocacy, financial support and reaching out to ourmembers, Hanscom FCU works to preserve the unique aspects of thecredit union movement and educate lawmakers about credit unions andconsumer financial issues.

Public service and corporate citizenship.Hanscom FCU strives to be an active partner in the communities weserve. We provide financial support for many activities within ourmember base with a special focus on volunteer groups.

All these commitments helped Hanscom FCU become a strongerinstitution, helped our members improve their lives and created ahealthier community. We couldn't be prouder of the traditions weuphold every day.

Paul Marotta is chairman of the board for Hanscom FCU. Hecan be reached at 781-698-2277 or [email protected].