FEDERAL

R.I.A. CREDIT

UNION

SPRING 2009

RIA FCU has contracted with NXG Strategies to offer our members the highest quality identity theft resolution and protection services at the best possible price. With identity theft and information security breaches running rampant in today’s world, the need for this type of service continues to escalate. With IDSafeChoice, RIA FCU will provide access to a solution that is available to our members for a small fee of $ 1 per month. In the unfortunate event you ever become the victim of identity theft, you would be eligible to receive Fully Managed Identity Recovery services, including: * Assignment of a professional Recovery Advocate * Identity Theft Threat Assessment, including: • Review of Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Credit Report • True-name Identity analysis * Fraud alerts placed with all three credit bureaus and federal and local law enforcement. * Overnight delivery of a Fraud Recovery package * Disputes filed with all Banks, Government agencies, Creditors etc. * Progress reports throughout identity restoration * Confirmation of identity’s return to pre-theft status * Post-recovery follow-up for 12 full months following restoration. No matter what type of identity theft, and no matter how long it takes, fully managed recovery through IDSafeChoice is ready and willing to work on behalf of RIA FCU and its membership. The covered individuals are defined as a household that is determined by address location. The charge of $1 each month will begin on July 1, 2009, with the fee being deducted from the savings account in this defined group having the greatest number of accounts. Please notify us if you wish a different account for the fee. This charge will take effect unless you notify (opt out) us of your desire not to participate. We believe this a great program at a good value. Watch for more information in the next 30-45 days. Additional coverage plans will also be available and displayed on the credit union web site during the launch of the IDSafechoice program.

Congratulations!

The Greater Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce honored Donna Evans with the Presidents Award at their 46th Annual Banquet held on February 18th. As an award recipient, Ms Evans was recognized for her outstanding Dedication, Commitment and Support to the Tomah Chamber of Commerce. Ms Evans is the current Presidentelect of the Tomah Chamber and has been with RIA Federal Credit Union for the past 23 years. The Credit Union is proud of the accomplishments of its employees and feels that Ms Evans achievement will be a benefit to each and every one of our members…today and in the days to come.

Annual Meeting

RIA Federal Credit Union’s 74th Annual Meeting was held on Friday March 27, 2009 at Heritage Hall. Reports given by the Board of Directors outlined the credit union’s financial performance for 2008 and provided additional insight into RIA FCU’s direction for growth and stability in the upcoming years. A copy of the 2008 Annual Report appears on page 3 of this month’s Heartline. You may also request a copy by calling any office. Members and guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, and a chance to win one of many door prizes that were given away. Recognition awards were also handed out to a number of staff members for their continued years of service with RIA FCU. Richard Burns, Robert Hill and Linda Miller were all re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Directors.

Recognition Awards

Margo Hall Jean Sinclair Lisa Jordan Julie Pierce Lorraine Wright Maryanne Cacari Bea Griffore Peg Paulsen Paula Larson Robin Mueller

35 years 25 years 25 years 15 years 15 years 15 years 15 years 15 years 15 years 5 years

RIA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Alfred Olson, Jr., Chairman Robert Henderson, Vice Chairman Larry Coverstone, Treasurer Linda Miller, Secretary Richard Burns Robert Hill Richard Hochstetler Arun Pillutla Anthony Sconyers

Published quarterly for its members and employees. Questions or comments are welcome and should be directed to: Editor: Linda Kurtenbach, VP Marketing RIA Federal Credit Union P.O. Box 4750 Rock Island, IL 61204-4750 (563)355-3800 • [email protected]

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Late in the year our credit union was offered the exceptional opportunity to partner with HyVee and open a branch office in their new Moline store. The new HyVee store and our new branch office opened on January 13, 2009 and while it is our credit union’s 10th branch, it is our first in-store branch. The in-store branch is a perfect fit with HyVee and our credit union both being known for personal, friendly service. The new HyVee branch offers consumer and home equity loans along with saving and checking accounts, a 24-hour ATM and much more. It also offers the added convenience of being open seven days a week. Having our credit union branch in a store where our members shop is just another great benefit for being a RIA Federal Credit Union member. To celebrate the opening of our 10th branch beginning March 10, 2009 a door prize was awarded every day for 10 days with the drawing for the grand prize held on the last day. If you haven’t already done so, stop in the new Moline HyVee and say hello to Nicole and her staff. They will be happy to see you. The economy was one of the primary issues during last year ’s presidential campaigns and was watched very closely by the financial industry as well as the politicians. Initiated by the mortgage crisis and subsequent housing market collapse, the economy headed toward a recession early in the year. This was followed by a decrease in consumer spending caused by high debt burdens, a low savings rate, sharply higher energy prices and falling wealth in home and stock values. To combat the downward slide, the Federal Reserve decreased their interest rate seven times throughout the year from a January high of 4.25% to .25% by year end. In addition to the interest rate cuts, a $168 billion economic stimulus package provided tax rebates to individuals and married couples. Unfortunately these efforts could not stop the downward spiral and the government subsequently bailed out large insurance companies, banks and the auto industry.

Absent from the need for a bailout is credit unions. While credit unions are not immune to the ups and downs of the economy, they maintain strong reserves and limit their vulnerability to the market fluctuations. In response to the changing market, our credit union lowered loan and savings rates throughout the year. By providing our members the lowest possible loan rates and the highest possible dividends on their savings, our credit union was able to end the year with a record increase in income of $1,656,000 and a record total income of $14,205,258. This increase in income is primarily due to the interest income generated by a $12,123,358 increase in loans. Even with the decline in dividend rates, our credit union still paid $4,114,150 in dividends, which is a return of 29% of total income to our members. Total Assets increased by $20,812,884 to a record $225,698,115 and as a result of the excellent management of our credit union total reserves increased to a record $22,466,431. Maintaining such a strong reserve places our credit union in a very safe and sound position to meet the challenges of the coming year. In addition to the financial goals accomplished by our credit union, I am pleased to report that for the first time in several years, our credit union not only had an increase in membership, but we also exceeded our goal. During the year our credit union opened 3,530 new accounts and closed 3,150 for a net increase of 380 new members bringing our total membership to 31,963. Exceeding this goal reflects the hard work of our office staff and membership committee. While our credit union had a very good year, the economic outlook for the coming year is not as good. Economists project the recession to worsen during the first 6 months and as consumer confidence improves, the economy will gradually improve during the latter part of the year. Your board of directors will keep a close watch as the economy changes during the coming year and continue to provide the best dividend and loan rates possible to our members. Your board of directors and office staff sincerely appreciate your continued loyalty and support and look forward to the challenges of the coming year by providing our members the best service possible. A.T. Olson Jr. Chairman

Make a deposit to your account (or open a new one) during the week of April 19 - 25 to participate in the National Youth Saving Challenge™. Ten young savers will be selected nationwide to each win $100. (Must be under age 18 to participate.)

Ribbon Cutting at new Moline HyVee Branch RIA FCU’s official ribbon cutting for their first incu store branch, and 10th st o office location, took place o on Tuesday March 10th at 110:00 AM. Assisting RIA F FCU Board of Directors aand Staff were Chamber of C Commerce members from b both Iowa and Illinois, aalong with Moline Mayor D Don Welvaert and other invited officials. in The ribbon, made entirely o of money, was donated, aalong with a check, to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Anyone stopping by during the 10-day Grand Opening received free gifts, refreshments and a chance to win one of 10 great prizes. The new HyVee location will be open 7 days a week and offer extended hours for our members convenience.

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Did you know that last year alone 56 million dollars worth of Social Security checks were fraudulently endorsed? If you are one of the millions of Americans to receive Social Security by paper check each month, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is urging you to switch to direct deposit. Direct deposit of Social Security is safer, easier, and can help protect you from identity theft and fraud. Sign up today at 1-800-333-1795 or online at GoDirect.org.

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Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2009

Independence Day Saturday, July 4, 2009 Remember, you can access your Credit Union account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year... even on holidays, with your R.I.A. Federal Credit Union ATM or Debit Card, DANA, or Internet Account Access. Sign up today.

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