Why become a member?
To borrow a phrase from a popular commercial “membership has its privileges.” To start with, at a credit union you do not just have an account relationship, you are an owner. This is why we call our account holders members, not customers. When an account is opened, each member is required to maintain a minimum deposit in their account. This minimum deposit is equal to the par value of one share, or $15.00. This is why we call our accounts share savings accounts, not just savings accounts. This basic share entitles the member to full credit union services, which include, but are not limited to the following services; share draft account, share clubs, share certificate accounts, IRA club accounts, IRA share certificates, and various loan accounts. We have loans for just about any need, and rates that will make you glad you joined our credit union.
There are other privileges in becoming a member, such as; direct deposit, electronic funds transfers, wire transfers, money orders, travelers checks, just to name a few. All of these privileges and more are available for members in good standing. It is, however, credit union policy to deny all but basic share ownership to any member who, for any reason, creates a loss for the credit union. Thus, the credit union will automatically revoke all other privileges for any member creating a loss. Furthermore, the Board of Directors may, at their discretion, call for a special meeting of all of the members to discuss expelling a member from the credit union for creating a loss.
You Have A Voice!
As a member/owner, you have a voice in the credit union’s operations. Each member gets one vote at our annual meeting, irregardless of the size of their share account, because of the structure of the credit union system. Of course you can have more than the $15.00 in your account, but that is all that is required to have the one voting share. Also, as a member in good standing you can exercise your control by voting for a Board Member of your choice. That’s right, as a member you are entitled to elect and be elected to the Board of Directors. This board, which consists of nine volunteers, are fellow members in good standing, is responsible for ensuring that your voice is heard by bringing your comments, concerns, and wishes to a monthly meeting; where an open discussion, debate and vote on these pertinent issues is conducted.
The Board of Directors is responsible for maintaining the direction, financial stability, and the policies of the credit union. The Board is also instrumental in determining current dividend rates on share accounts, share club accounts, money market club accounts, IRA club accounts, and loan rates. They determine the policies under which the credit union will operate, given the regulations that must be followed. Finally, they employee and oversee the manager of the credit union, who follows their direction and enforces the policies adopted at meetings.
Who Can Join?
Unlike banks, credit unions were established to serve a group of members sharing a common bond. This common bond may be an employee group, associational group, or community charter. The Howland-Enfield Federal Credit Union is a community chartered credit union. To be eligible for membership in our credit union, the individual must live, work or worship in the following towns we serve (in alphabetical order): Abbot, Alton, Argyle, Atkinson, Bowerbank, Bradford, Brownville, Burlington, Cambridge, Cardville, Carroll, Charleston, Chester, Corinna, Corinth, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Edinburg, Edinburg, Enfield, Exeter, Garland, Grand Falls, Greenbush, Guilford, Hopkins Academy Grant, Howland, Hudson, Kingsbury Plantation, Lagrange, Lake View Plantation, Lee, Lincoln, Long A Township, Lowell, Macwahoc Plantation, Mattamiscontis, Maxfield, Medford, Medway, Milo, Monson, Newport, Nicatous, North Yarmouth Academy Grant, Olamon, Parkman, Passadumkeag, Ripley, Sangerville, Saponic, Seboeis Plantation, Sebec, Shirley, Springfield, St Albans, Summit Township, Veazie Gore, Webster Plantation. Wellington, West Enfield, Willimantic, Winn, Woodville. The Townships of Barnard, Blanchard, Elliotsville, Grindstone, Herseytown, Katahdin Iron Works, Molunkus, Orneville, Soldiertown and Williamsburg; and more!. Or, you may have a family member that is a member, or is eligible for membership (and joins).
This membership, once you join, entitles you to all of the aforementioned privileges for life, even if you move, because we operate under the motto – “Once a Member, Always a Member.” You can become a member by completing the necessary forms, providing the necessary documents showing proof of identification, and depositing $20.00 ($15.00 share balance required and a $5.00 fee to open). Call your credit union today to discuss your membership options, or to request additional information on membership.