Growing and Investing in You, Our Members
The picture above says it all: What a glorious return to summer! With the reduction in COVID-19 infections and increasing vaccination rates, we can all sense a great “unleashing” and a return to the freedoms we so cherish. Making travel plans, family get-togethers, and seeing smiling faces again is really putting a skip in everyone’s step. While the economic recovery is a little stunted and uneven in Connecticut and the nation, more and more folks are going back to work, and things that seemed so routine last year, or were even boring, now seem like something to celebrate. While there is much to celebrate, let’s never lose sight of the cost to families and society over all that’s happened in the last year.
A great big thank you to everyone in our extended family – our membership, employees, vendors, and others that supported us through the recent systems upgrades. To be candid, it is a very challenging project to do, and any interruption in your banking services is something we take very seriously. We are all especially grateful for your patience as we work out a few kinks, some of which are detailed more in this newsletter and in many other communications by text, email, phone, etc. We are very proud to see adoption of some of the new and/or enhanced technologies, including our ID verification using biometrics and setting appointments for branch visits, or to meet with a loan representative, at your convenience. Now that we are about 6-7 weeks past the big event, we trust that you’re seeing something new and helpful, whether in our community branches or in the way you interact with our many online and mobile lending and banking solutions. Again, thank you all for your understanding!
Thank you again for your membership and for choosing us for so many of your financial needs. Look for us to be even more present in our communities in the second half of the year, supporting the very fabric that holds us together, with caring, trust, and dependability.
Onward and upward!
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Dean Marchessault
President & Chief Executive Officer
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Tokyo Olympic Games Visa Sweepstakes |
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Visa® Cardholders Could Win a Prize Package Valued up to $10,000 |
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You could score $10,000 and a chance to virtually meet Olympic Games hopeful Noah Lyles, courtesy of Visa! When you pay with your American Eagle Financial Credit Union Visa Card, or any other Visa, from 6/15/21 to 8/15/21, you'll be entered for a chance to win. Get a bonus entry when you tap to pay with a Visa contactless card or device.
Cardholders who use their Visa cards for purchases from June 15 - August 15, 2021, are automatically entered for a chance to win the following prizes (a total of three winners for the promotion):1
- Gold: $10,000, virtual team Visa meet and greet, and team Visa gift box
- Silver: $5,000 and team Visa gift box
- Bronze: $1,000 and team Visa gift box
The more you use your American Eagle FCU Visa Credit Card for purchases, the more chances you’ll have to win.
1 NO PURCHASE OR OBLIGATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THE OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2021 VISA SWEEPSTAKES. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) U.S. states and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older as of June 15, 2021. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited. PIN-based and ATM transactions are not eligible. This promotion ends August 15, 2021. For more details, including non-purchase entries, see the full Official Rules.
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American Eagle Seeks Top Talent |
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Join Our Team of Dedicated Employees |
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You’ve trusted us with your financial needs, could you be the next one to join our team? What sets American Eagle apart is how we invest in our employees because they are the foundation of our success. We offer a coaching and professional development program, a diversity and inclusion council where your voice matters, competitive compensation, and benefits. Our market-competitive package includes, but is not limited to: Incentive Programs; Medical, Dental, Vision coverage; Paid Time Off (PTO); 401(k) with matching contributions; and Education Reimbursement.
To learn more about our job opportunities, please visit our website or contact one of our HR representatives at careers@aefcu.com.
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Improved Member Identification and Verification |
Protecting your identity and personal financial information is a top priority for us. The Credit Union has two new in-branch methods to quickly and securely authenticate your identity: ID scanning and Palm Vein Authentication.
Identification Scanning
Upon visiting a branch, you will be asked to present your driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification. Your license or ID will be scanned into our system. This one-time process will help make your future branch transactions faster and more secure.
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Palm Vein Authentication
What is it? Palm Vein Authentication (PVA) is a form of biometric identification widely used by organizations that require greater security measures (e.g., banks, military, government, etc.) to positively identify employees and customers. PVA is considered the safest and most secure of all biometric identification over fingerprint, facial, and voice recognition.
How does it work? The optional enrollment process takes just a few minutes. You’ll place each hand separately over the scanner and an infrared light will read more than five million vein patterns in your palm. The patterns are encrypted and converted to a unique number that is matched to your member record in our system. This process is fast and safe. No physical or personal data is saved, including finger or handprint information.
No more presenting ID. Once enrolled, you no longer have to present an ID to transact
business at a branch. You simply place either hand over the scanner at the teller counter or Member Services desk. Your identity will be authenticated immediately and your account information will load on the employee’s computer screen for faster service. PVA helps prevent anyone from impersonating your identity at a branch.
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American Eagle Is Soaring in the Community |
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Over $27,500 Donated in Second Quarter's Cash Back to the Community |
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American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the recipients of $27,561 in donations from its participatory funding program, Cash Back to the Community. Year-to-date donations from the program total $50,727
Congratulations to nonprofit organizations Around the Worlds, That Newfoundland Place, and Creative Community Living of Connecticut, who each received a $9,187 donation for earning the most votes in AEFCU’s first quarter Cash Back to the Community program. A total of 215 organizations were nominated and 2,448 votes were cast by AEFCU members and the general public.
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Around the Worlds, based in Ellington, provides free soccer workshops teaching the game to underprivileged children from underserved communities, offering a welcomed escape from lives filled with uncertainty. Each workshop concludes with a gift of soccer balls and other equipment to the group so that they can continue to learn and grow in the game. The programs teach values like leadership and community ownership, which so often translate from between the lines of a field to within the walls of a classroom and beyond.
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That Newfoundland Place Inc. of Coventry has been devoted to preventing cruelty to animals for over fifteen years. Their mission is to offer quality of life to senior dogs of various breeds and to assist in rescue, rehabilitation, boarding, and adoption of dogs in need, with a focus on Newfoundland dogs. They also provide education, advice, and support related to the care and quality of life for animals.
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Creative Living Community of Connecticut operates a 10-acre farm in Eastern Connecticut where adults with developmental disabilities become valued and contributing members of society. CLCC participants live, work, and socialize together in a supportive environment. Its Greenhouse and Farming Vocational programs provide training, education, and engaging experiences for adults with Autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Flowers, vegetables, and other produce grown there are sold to restaurants and individuals in the Greater Hartford area.
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Third quarter nominations accepted July 26 through August 15, with voting September 6-19.
During 2021, AEFCU is donating one percent of its credit and debit card interchange income to three nonprofit and/or 501(c)(3) organizations each quarter through the Cash Back to the Community program. Funding for the program is generated each time members use an American Eagle credit or debit card. At the end of each quarter, one percent of the total interchange income–the fee paid for credit and debit card transactions–is distributed to the top three nonprofits receiving votes. Since the programs inception in 2020, the Credit Union has donated $137,148 among 18 nonprofits.
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AEFCU Hosts Penny Press Fundraiser with Hartford Yard Goats |
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American Eagle Financial Credit Union teamed up with the Hartford Yard Goats for the 2021 baseball season to raise money for charity.
Visit the American Eagle Penny Press located on the first base side, outside the American Eagle Production Booth, at Dunkin Donuts Park. During every home game, fans are invited to donate $0.50 cents to use the souvenir penny press. Choose from four different imprint designs featuring Yard Goats logo images or collect all four.
- Insert two quarters and a penny
- Pick your design and turn the handle
- Get your souvenir penny!
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East Hartford Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Building Housing American
Eagle Branch on Goodwin University Campus
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Community and business leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 25th to mark the opening of Goodwin University’s new mixed-use facility at 361 Main Street, which houses American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s and Rebel Dog Coffee Co.’s new East Hartford locations.
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Pictured Left to Right: Peter Atunno (Project Executive, FIP Construction), Todd Andrews (Senior Vice President, Goodwin University), Rich Kehoe (Chair, East Hartford Town Council), Esther Clark (Minority Leader, East Hartford Town Council), Dean Marchessault (President & CEO, American Eagle Financial Credit Union), Mark Scheinberg (President, Goodwin University), Marcia A. Leclerc (Mayor of East Hartford), Harrison Poltorak (Co-owner, Rebel Dog Coffee), Peter Lemnotis (Co-owner, Rebel Dog Coffee), CT State Senator Saud Anwar, Congressman John Larson, CT State Representative Henry Genga, Bruce Kellogg (Principal, JCJ Architecture). |
CU Awards $3,000 East Hartford Academy of Finance Scholarship |
American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU) continued its longtime support of higher education through the East Hartford Academy of Finance Scholarship by awarding Shakir Pike, a member of East Hartford High School’s (EHHS) Class of 2021, with this year’s $3,000 scholarship.
“American Eagle congratulates Shakir on being awarded this well-earned scholarship as well as his upcoming graduation and promising future,” stated Dean Marchessault, President & CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “We have received wonderful feedback from his school’s faculty and staff on his character and work ethic, and we wish him and his classmates the best of luck as they start this exciting new chapter in their lives.”
Pike, a four-year student of the East Hartford Academy of Finance, will be attending the University of Rhode Island in the fall, with a plan to major in Pharmacy. During his time at EHHS, Pike was captain of the school’s volleyball team, section leader in the high school band, and a leader in volunteer hours for the Class of 2021—all while working a part-time job.
The East Hartford Academy of Finance is part of the National Academy Foundation, which provides an educational model for EHHS students that includes industry-focused curricula, work-based learning experiences, and business partner expertise from the community.
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CU Awards $1,000 Goodwin University Business Scholarship |
Frances Torruella of Hartford is the 2021 recipient of a $1,000 American Eagle Financial Credit Union Business Scholarship at Goodwin University.
American Eagle awards an annual scholarship to a Goodwin University student enrolled in their Business Administration Program who has completed at least 12 credits, maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrated a financial need.
Torruella said the college application process was daunting, but that she felt more at ease when she met with Goodwin representatives, as she felt they were listening to her. "They made the process less stressful and made me feel comfortable that this was the right choice," she said.
A naturally shy individual, Torruella admits that starting her first semester was nerve-racking and questioned her decision. But after settling in, she realized that Goodwin had everything she needed with small classes, flexible schedules, and caring professors, all while being close to home.
Torruella is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, with a 3.5 GPA, and anticipates graduating in December 2021. Her dream is to someday become an entrepreneur and start her own clothing business.
"Owning my own small business will enable me to make a good living and give back to my community,” Torruella said. "The American Eagle scholarship will lower my student debt and help me save money for my future after graduation. College has also helped me to overcome my shyness and emerge with the confidence, motivation, and heart of a leader."
“The American Eagle Financial Credit Union scholarship at Goodwin University is our way of investing in the next generation of talent,” said Dean Marchessault, President and Chief Executive Officer at American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “I am honored to present Frances Torruella as our 2021 business scholarship winner,” added Marchessault.
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AEFCU Receives Award from Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce |
American Eagle Financial Credit Union was presented a Shining Star award for mid-size businesses by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber's Annual Meeting in June. The award is given annually to a company for its outstanding support of the Quinnipiac Chamber, business community, and community at large in North Haven and Wallingford.
Pictured accepting the award is Suela Mucka, American Eagle's North Haven Branch Manager (center) with Quinnipiac Chamber's Gary Ciarleglio, Regional Director of Relationship Management (left), and Ray Andrewsen, Executive Director (right).
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Employees Donate $11,140 to Charity During Second Quarter 2021 |
American Eagle employees collectively donated $11,140 from their payroll deductions during the second quarter ending June 30, 2021. Year-to-date employee donations total $23,307. |
New Haven Pride Center received $5,396 from the Jeans Fridays fundraiser. The Center is one of Connecticut's leading LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations. "The funds donated by American Eagle employees will be used to foster programming that will provide Connecticut's LGBTQ+ community with opportunities to come together for shared experiences and learn from each others' differences and similarities," said Patrick Dunn, Executive Director of the New Haven Pride Center. "More specifically, the monies will help develop our thinkers and artists program, health and wellness series, and youth leadership institute."
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Credit Union Community Giving Hits $112,000 at Mid-year |
American Eagle and our employees are proud to have provided financial, in-kind, and volunteer support to over 60 different nonprofits totaling $112,000 during the first half of 2021. As we enter the second half of 2021, we remain committed to targeted and meaningful community outreach to improve the lives of residents living in our service areas. Among the organizations we have helped from January through June 2021 include: |
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- Adelbrook
- Anna Norris Elementary School
- Around the Worlds
- Asnuntuck Community College
- Autism Families CONNECTicut
- Bloomfield Leisure Services
- Boys & Girls Club of Hartford
- Capital Community College
- Celebrate West Hartford
- Community Living of Connecticut
- Connecticut Gold Star Families Memorial
- Connecticut Mortgage Bankers Association
- Connecticut Radio Information Service (CRIS)
- Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Credit Union Legislative Action Council
- Credit Unions Building Financial Independence
- Cruzin' on Main Street Manchester
- East Hartford Academy of Finance
- East Hartford CONNects
- East Hartford High School
- East Hartford Little League
- Farmington Little League
- First World Mortgage
- Gifts of Love
- Girls Inc. of the Valley
- Goodwill of Southern New England
- Goodwin University
- Greater Hartford Association of Realtors
- Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce
- Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity
- Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective
- Hartford Police Athletic League
- Home Builders & Remodelers Association
- Journey Home
- Jumoke Academy Elementary School
- Klingberg Family Centers
- Middlesex Chamber of Commerce
- Midstate Chamber of Commerce
- National Coalition of 100 Black Women
- New Britain Little League
- New Haven Pride Center
- Newington Chamber of Commerce
- Newington Veteran Firefighter's Association
- North Central CT Chamber of Commerce
- Project Graduation - Conard, Cromwell, Farmington, Manchester
- Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce
- Silk City Chorus
- Somers Little League
- South Windsor Chamber of Commerce
- South Windsor Patriotic Commission
- That Newfoundland Place
- Tolland County Chamber of Commerce
- UNICO of Manchester
- United Way of Central and Southeastern Connecticut
- Wesleyan University
- Winding Trails
- Wintonbury Land Trust
- World-Wide Lighthouse Missions
- Yale Peabody Museum
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Keeping You Safe and Informed |
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Robocalls continue to be irritating and their increased frequency is probably becoming a nuisance. You can usually spot them when your caller ID says “potential spam” or if you don’t recognize the number.
It all starts when you pick up a call and hear a recorded message saying something about the manufacturer’s warranty on your vehicle is about to expire or has already expired and you have been selected for an extended warranty. The messages sound legitimate, but they are not. It might say that they’ve sent you several notices in the mail. They say you haven’t extended your warranty past the factory cut off, and they’re going to close your file soon if you don’t respond. And, you should press a number if you’re interested in renewing your warranty, or press a different number if you want to be removed from the list.
Slam on the brakes! This is an illegal robocall and most likely a scam. The companies behind this type of robocall are not affiliated with your car dealer or manufacturer, and the “extended warranty” they are trying to sell you is actually a service contract that often sells for hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you buy it, you may find that the contract does not actually cover any problems you have with your car because of the restrictions in the fine print.
If you get one of these calls, the Federal Trade Commission suggests that the best course of action is to hang up immediately. It may seem impolite to hang up on someone, but following the FTC’s advice to hang up on auto warranty robocalls seems like a good exception.
A good rule of thumb is to NEVER engage with a company that you did not authorize to call you. Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix for the unwanted robocalls. The best thing you can do is be discerning, prudent, and careful by not providing any of your personal information, such as social security number, credit card information, driver’s license number, or bank account information to any unknown callers.
Source: Robinson & Cole and Federal Trade Commission
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American Eagle Financial Credit Union will be CLOSED
- Monday, July 5, 2021, for Independence Day
- Monday, September 6, 2021, for Labor Day
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Access your accounts 24/7 with online banking, with mobile banking, and at thousands of Allpoint and SUM ATMs across the U.S. Take the Credit Union with you wherever you go. We're never more than a call or click away.
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American Eagle Financial Credit Union
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American Eagle Financial Credit Union will never solicit confidential information about your accounts through email. If you receive a suspicious email asking you to open an attachment or click on a link to provide personal information, do not take action. See privacy and security policy. Federally Insured by NCUA.
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