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What's New/Press Room
Recent Press Releases
Think Community
New from First Citizens'
Think Community
First Citizens' is committed to supporting our local non-profit community service organizations. As part of our continued support we are pleased to introduce you to our Think Community program. In an effort to provide further support to our local 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, First Citizens' will be able to spotlight some of the monthly community news and events for these local organizations in our newsletters.
If you are interested in having your organization’s event included in our newsletter, please email details and contact information to: marketing@firstcitizens.org First Citizens’ will review submissions on a case-by-case basis, and will have the sole discretion on inclusion of materials provided. We cannot guarantee your article
will appear on our website or in our newsletter. Space will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
Cape Cod Children’s Museum Press Release
January 22, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Conni Baker 508-539-8788
BOWLERS NEEDED FOR A GREAT “FUN”DRAISING TIME
WITH THE CAPE COD CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The Cape Cod Children's Museum is hosting its 7th Annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser on Sunday, March 7, 2010, from 9:00 am – 12 noon, at Leary Family Amusements, in Falmouth.
The Museum is currently looking for bowlers and sponsors to participate in this very fun and exciting event.
Sponsorships and pledges will help the Museum reach our goal of $10,000.
As a designed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Museum relies on fundraising to support its mission to provide a learning environment that stimulates curiosity, creativity, and imagination and inspires children and their families to engage with each other, their community, and the world at large.
A $500 team sponsorship will buy a team sponsorship with your company’s corporate name and logo and 5 employees, friends or family members will participate and bowl. All associated fees are included, as well as a hearty breakfast and eligibility for most of the prizes awarded!
A $250 lane sponsorship provides you with lane and team naming rights with your business name and logo and one individual representative blower will enjoy blowing and all the festivities. Your company is invited to add the four additional bowlers (employees, family or friends) who must commit to raising a minimum of $100 each in pledges to participate.
A $125 team only sponsorship give you the team naming rights with your business name and logo. Your company (or the museum ) will provide the bowlers (who will commit to raising a minimum of $100 in pledges).
Each bowler raising their $100 in pledges will enjoy a hearty breakfast and be eligible for wonderful prizes.
A sponsorship is a wonderful way to advertise your company, build employee morale (or spark a bit of business rivalry) and all for a great fundraising event!
Come join in the excitement of a morning filled with fun people, good bowling and awesome prizes, all to benefit a great organization.
To obtain sponsorship information, bowling pledge forms, or more information, please contact the museum at (508) 539-8788, email us at cbaker@capecodchildrensmuseum.org or visit us at www.visitcccm.org.
New from First Citizens'
An Open Letter to Customers and Friends of First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union
I am writing to the First Citizens’ Community to recap the year 2009 and to provide some perspective on 2010. We at First Citizens’ have kept a promise to provide you the best service we possibly can, to keep your money as safe as we can, and to directly speak to you whenever we can on issues important to you as customers and as people. We know that what we do is essential to the people we do business with, because your deposited funds are your future and your past all wrapped together. We never forget that mandate and never will, during good times and during bad.
2009 was a difficult year for many of us, and for many people that we know and work with. Broader national economic trends have swept across the region lowering housing and asset valuations, eliminating jobs and driving business revenues lower. There is hardship all around us as unemployment, business and housing news continue to trend downward and foreclosures, short sales, and bankruptcies continue to rattle the foundations of families and businesses.
Unfortunately, the economy will most likely continue to shake off the effects of the recession throughout 2010; unemployment most likely will stay about where it is now. Some balance sheets have been particularly hard hit, notably those of financial institutions and investors in the high impact states having vulnerability to a profound residential collapse in prices, industry failure such as the automobile industry, and financial deleveraging by the largest financial firms in the country. While we have fared better in Massachusetts, we are at the tail end of a market adjustment that is still underway. It is surely showing signs of slowing down but progress is uneven.
Despite all of the unprecedented conditions that have been thrust upon us all, I am proud to be able to report a truly successful year for this Credit Union. We grow very modestly over time through management of the earned capital we retain from operations. We make loans, consumer, mortgage, and business loans from the funds that we raise by holding your deposits. We manage your financial affairs through checks, on-line banking, bill pay and debit card transactions all of which we monitor very closely to ensure your funds are safe and your privacy in intact.
We developed a mortgage modification program as the real estate market got difficult a full nine months before the federal Government, because it was the right thing to do and we knew some of our customers needed it. We have made more new mortgage loans this past year than in any previous year, because our local market needed it. We have grown our member business loan portfolio because it is good business and the community needs it. We did not sit back over the last 18 months, but continued to strengthen the credit union and provide the products and services you requested and needed to better manage your financial matters. We support a wide range of charities through direct charitable support and by the involvement of our entire employee base.
So how do we move forward from here?
We will move forward with the same resolve and purpose we have demonstrated when times were difficult in the past. We will work even harder and with more conviction; we understand that our purpose and function for taking care of your financial assets has never been more important. We will continue to make sound mortgages, business loans and auto loans to our members. We will continue to offer competitive deposit products and services to continually help you better manage your banking needs. We will manage this credit union as we always have, carefully and prudently and with the best interest of you always in mind.
So on behalf of the Board, management team and all employees I thank you for the opportunity to serve you over the past year. We appreciate your continued trust and support and look forward to being there for you again in 2010.
Sincerely,
Peter Muise
President & CEO
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union
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Don't forget to register your savings and loan accounts as well; each account that you register for an electronic statement increases your chances to win!
 To read contest rules.
 To register for an eStatement or eBill today!
Sign up for free eAlerts when you bank online!
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Get a notification when your direct deposit comes in, that important check clears or when your balance reaches a certain level.
Signing up is easy, just visit our online banking page and follow these easy steps to get started today! Click here to begin.
for a few easy steps on how to subscribe.
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The Champion Accounts
To thank our everyday champions for the service you provide our communities…
First Citizens’ established the Champion Checking and Savings accounts for Police, Fire, EMS and Teachers.
When you open a Champion Checking Account, we will donate $10 to The Champion Family Scholarship Fund, which is a special scholarship exclusively available to immediate family of Champion checking account members. We will also contribute an additional $10 for each new Auto Loan, Mortgage or Home Equity account opened by Champion Checking members.
for details.
Attention Homebuyers: Tax Credit Extension
Benefits for first-time and repeat homebuyers!
If you have been thinking about buying a home, and are looking for some added motivation to take that next big step, look no further. Right now, in addition to taking advantage of low purchase prices and excellent interest rates, you may also qualify to receive a homebuyer tax credit.
The Worker, Homeownership & Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the first-time homebuyer credit, originally included in the Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008. As an added bonus to home ownership, the act was expanded to include not only an $8000 credit for first-time buyers but also up to $6,500 for repeat homebuyers!
The following are some of the basic tax credit guidelines:
q You must be a “first-time buyer”, meaning you have not had any ownership interest in a home for the past three years or a “move up homebuyer”, meaning you have owned and resided in the same home for at least five consecutive of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers both spouses would have to qualify as long-time residents (with at least five years of principle residency for each).
q The amount of the credit will be ten percent of the purchase price of your primary residence, with a maximum of $8000 for first time buyers or $6500 for repeat homebuyers.
q The home must be purchased after January 1st, 2009 for first time buyers or November 6th, 2009 for repeat buyers and must close before June 30th, 2010.
q The tax credit does not have to be repaid as long as you remain in your home for a minimum of three years.
q Income guidelines state that the maximum income allowed for a single buyer is $75,000 to qualify for the full tax credit; the maximum joint income for married buyers is $150,000. For properties purchased after November 6th, 2009, max income is increase to $125,000 for a single tax payer and $225,000 for married taxpayers. The tax credit is reduced if your income is higher than the maximum guideline amount.
Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You simply need to claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. No other applications are required and no pre-approval is necessary.
However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limitsand homebuyer tests. Purchasers should discuss specifics with a tax consultant to verify eligibility and all provisions of the 2010 Homebuyers Tax Credit.
Making First Citizens’ your lender ensures you will receive the quality service and attractive programs and benefits you deserve. Our originators understand that responsible mortgage lending means helping you find the program that best fits your situation and financial needs.
In conjunction with the $8000 tax credit program, First Citizens offers additional benefits to first time homebuyers by working with MA Housing to offer programs specifically tailored to meet your needs.
MA Housing is currently offering various programs to support homeowners with a first time purchase.
The following are some benefits that may apply based on qualification:
q Rate lock in at application
q 100 % financing is available
q Flexible terms
Now is the time to take advantage of this great opportunity. Remember, in order to qualify for the tax credit, your purchase transaction must be completed by June 30, 2010 so take advantage of these benefits of buying and speak to a mortgage originator today!
to review our mortgage products.
to review mortgage rates.
to contact a mortgage originator today!
Recent Press Releases
FIRST CITIZENS’ ANNOUNCES 14th ANNUAL
$1,000 BARBARA WHITEHEAD SILVA SCHOLARSHIP &
THE NEW CHAMPION FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
FAIRHAVEN, MA -- FEBRUARY 1, 2010 – For the 14th consecutive year, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union has announced it will continue its scholarship program named after Barbara Whitehead Silva, former President/ and Chief Executive Officer. Silva retired from First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union after 45 years of dedicated service to the institution. The Credit Union will award a $1000 scholarship in recognition of her years of service.
In addition, First Citizens’ is offering the Champion Family Scholarship for the first time this year. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to immediate family of members with a Champion Checking Account. Champion accounts are exclusively available to teachers, EMT, police, and firefighters. First Citizens’ donates $10.00 to the Champion Family Scholarship Fund each time a new Champion Checking Account, Auto Loan, Mortgage or Home Equity Loan is opened.
Applications are available at all First Citizens’ branch offices or online at www.firstcitizens.org. Requirements state that the applicant or parent must be a member of First Citizens' and the applicant must be a high school senior accepted to a college or university for the 2010-2011 academic year. They must submit 1) a completed application, 2) a one page typewritten essay (double-spaced) that addresses why their major field of study was chosen and how it applies to their career goals, and 3) comprehensive official transcripts.
Application deadline is April 2, 2010.
To view or print a scholarship application
FCFCU invests in cutting edge card technology
New England Business Bulletin - New Bedford,MA,USA
With the release of its new VISA CheckCard, First Citizens' Federal Credit Union has become the first financial institution in Massachusetts to offer ...
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union
Announces Promotions and New Hires
December 15, 2009 – First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union (FCFCU) announced today a series of appointments and promotions intended to strengthen its lending development and retail efforts, and add additional expertise to its Cape Cod offices, according to an announcement by Peter Muise, President and Chief Executive Officer.
In the retail area, Linda E. Wilson has been promoted to Assistant Treasurer, Branch Manager for the Hyannis office. Wilson has been with First Citizens’ since 2007 and has been in banking for more than twenty years.Her previous banking experience was with Cape Cod Bank & Trust where she worked as a Branch Operations Manager in the information technology department and she later moved on to Compass Bank as Branch Manager. Wilson is responsible for retail sales, staff development and branch operations management, which also includes community relations.
Wilson is an active participant in the Hyannis Rotary and volunteers for The Community Action Committee for the Cape & Islands. She is a graduate of Sandwich High School, and has an ABA from The School of Management in Stafford CT. Wilson and her husband Fred currently reside in Pocasset, MA.
Eleanor C. Weller, also of Pocasset, recently joined First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union as a Residential Loan Officer working out of the Hyannis and Falmouth branches. Weller’s primary responsibility will be to help guide current and prospective homeowners through the mortgage process, explain various loan programs, and review financial options together with them.
Weller has 10 years of banking experience and was previously a senior loan officer at Rockland Trust. She is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I.
Weller is the immediate past president of the Mashpee Kiwanis. She is an ambassador with the Falmouth and Cape Cod Canal Region chambers and serves on the board of the Cape Cod Children's Museum.
First Citizens’ appointed Dawn M. Ferreira of Acushnet, as Branch Manager of the Raynham Branch. Ferreira has worked in various capacities in the retail banking industry for more than 20 years. Most recently, Ferreira was an assistant manager at Bank Five. She is a graduate of New Bedford High School and The New England School for Financial Studies. In 2008 she volunteered as a loaned executive for the New Bedford United Way. As a Branch Manager, Ferreira will be responsible for retail sales, staff development and branch operations management, and community relations
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union Hero Program
Reaches $45,000 Donation Mileston
Groundbreaking Program Honors U. S. Military
December 17, 2009 First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union (FCFCU) today announced that its two year donation program to local and national veteran’s organizations has reached $45,000 as a result of the overwhelming success of its Hero Account program.
Announced in November 2007, the groundbreaking Hero Account was unveiled as a comprehensive package of banking services offering advantageous checking and savings rates, discounted personal, auto and home equity loan rates, reduced closing fees on mortgages, and a host of other personal financial services to any person currently serving or having served in any branch of the United States military.
Veterans Organizations Benefit
In order to further thank those members who served their country, First Citizens’ pledged to donate $50 to approved veterans’ organizations having a 501(c)3 designation for each new account opened. With the exception of the National Military Family Association, all recipient organizations are headquartered on the South Coast and Cape Cod. Local organizations include: Welcome Home Veterans Housing, Homes for Our Troops, Falmouth Military Support Group, Middleborough Veteran Outreach Center, Viet Nam Vets Association of Cape Cod & Islands, and Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans Transition House.
“We knew instinctively that the Hero Program would receive a solid reception by our members, but we had no idea that the program would produce such dramatic results for the community” said Peter J. Muise, FCFCU President and CEO. “Our ability to impact so many organizations by providing them with funds to address critical rehabilitative and housing needs of veterans has been deeply gratifying and inspiring,” he added.
Real Needs Addressed - Welcome Home Veterans
Kathleen M. Splinter, President of Welcome Home Veterans’ Housing, Inc., says that estimates of homeless veterans in Massachusetts put the number at between 3,000 and 3,500. “So, the need is very real, and the participation of First Citizens’ will help us produce tangible results in the form of housing and shelter in New Bedford,” she said.
The organization is currently converting a former mill building in New Bedford into one bedroom apartments for homeless veterans. With completion estimated by late next Spring, Welcome Home also will assist veterans in making the transition from the streets back into a normal living environment by providing fully functioning and furnished apartments to those who qualify.
Falmouth – Falmouth Military Support Group
In Falmouth, Massachusetts, the Falmouth Military Support Group has been using the funds to provide educational assistance to returning veterans. According to President Carol Kenney, the group has established scholarship funds, and assisted in providing tuition for college, technical school, and vocational training. “Our goal is to insure that those returning veterans who wish to better prepare themselves as teachers, barbers, computer techs, or whatever, will be able to rely on us for any and every kind of educational assistance, be it tuition, text books, or laboratory needs,” she added.
Middleborough – Veteran Outreach Center
The Middleborough Veteran Outreach Center (MVOC) serves as a primary advocacy center, the MVOC provides a host of services, including health and medical services, and life-saving transportation to U.S. veterans residing in 11 cities and towns along the Massachusetts South Coast.
Taunton – Homes For Our Troops
Home for Our Troops, headquartered in Taunton, Mass., provides regional and national assistance to veterans injured in battle by designing and building specially adapted housing to meet each individual’s challenging situation. Houses are purpose-built and may include elevated walkways, wide hallway and doors, lower cabinets and sink tops, etc. Currently, three homes are under active construction in Massachusetts, including a home on the South Shore in Plymouth, MA.
National Military Family Association
First Citizens’ members requested funding to the National Military Family Association because of its unique status as the leading non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of officer and enlisted families alike. With the huge increase in the number of deployed veterans after 9/11, the Association saw a dramatic spike in the request for services. Its advocacy, child care, and youth programs along with family counseling are provided free of charge. The Association is especially committed to combat-weary service members returning home in fragile mental health.
Two major initiatives are currently underway, Operation Purple, a program that includes camping opportunities for children and a Spousal Scholarship program, among many others.
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