CO-OP Financial Services: Of you for you

NEARLY $90,000 RAISED
FOR CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS
AT THINK 12 CONFERENCE

Conference Event Participants, TNS and CO-OP Financial Services All Contribute

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (May 2, 2012) – Nearly $90,000 was raised in donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at the THINK 12 Conference held April 29-May 2 in Boca Raton, Fla., including $75,000 from Transaction Network Services, Inc.

“The amount donated to CMNH during THINK 12 is a testimony to the people-helping-people ethic of the credit union movement,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “It’s not just a slogan, people in this industry really are committed to the well being of others.”

“TNS is focused on supporting organizations that help provide a brighter future for children,” said Mike Keegan, President/COO of TNS (www.tnsi.com), Reston, Va.  “We initially became involved with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals after seeing the passion of CO-OP and its credit union members for this important cause. We look forward to continuing our support of CMNH.”

A tradition of the THINK conferences, the 2012 meeting included three scheduled three charitable events during the morning of April 30. Activities included a golf tournament, a 5K Run/Walk and an “Interactive Cooking Challenge.” In the latter event, attendees donated $150 each to learn the art of using herbs and spices from one of the executive chefs of the Boca Raton Resort and Club, site of the conference. The amount contributed by participants to these three events totaled $4,716.

At the conference’s Gala & Dinner on May 1, host CO-OP Financial Services of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (www.co-opfs.org) donated a further $10,000. This is in addition to the $1 million CO-OP Financial Services donates on behalf of its member institutions to Credit Unions for Kids fundraisers annually. TNS’ Keegan then stepped forward at the gala to present the check from TNS for $75,000 to CMNH.

The May 1 donations by the two companies combined with the April 30 events to bring the total to $89,716 for the THINK 12 conference.

For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org,

About Transaction Network Services, Inc.

Transaction Network Services (TNS) is a leading global provider of data communications and interoperability solutions.

TNS offers a broad range of networks and innovative value-added services which enable transactions and the exchange of information in diverse industries such as retail, banking, payment processing, telecommunications and the financial markets.

Founded in 1990 in the United States, TNS has grown steadily and now provides services in over 60 countries across the Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, with our reach extending to many more. TNS has designed and implemented multiple data networks which support a variety of widely accepted communications protocols and are designed to be scalable and accessible by multiple methods.

To learn more, please visit www.tnsi.com.

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,500 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

 

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PAUL YANG OF PREMIER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
VOTED WINNER OF CO-OP THINK PRIZE 2012

Favored by Judges, Online Voters, THINK 12 Attendees

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (May  2, 2011) – Paul Yang of Premier Community Credit Union, Stockton, Calif., is the winner of the CO-OP THINK Prize 2012, and recipient of $10,000, for his idea for a “P2P Payment Card for CO-OP Network Cardholders.”

The three finalists in the competition presented their business plans to attendees of THINK 12 in Boca Raton, Fla., the afternoon of April 30. Yang, CEO of Premier Community Credit Union, was announced the winner at the conference’s Gala & Dinner the evening of May 1.

The two other finalists were:

• Maricela Jauregui, Branch Manager, Mid Cities Credit Union, Compton, Calif.: “QR Code Verification.”

• Jay Schwartz, V.P., Sales and Service Delivery, Marriott Employees’ FCU, Bethesda, Md.: “Social Networking for Credit Union Members.”

The $10,000 award to Yang was presented by CO-OP Financial Services and CO-OP THINK Prize sponsor MasterCard.

As Yang explained it to the judges in his initial proposal, “My idea is a form of payment services – person-to-person. Anyone with a CO-OP Network card can send money to anyone else having a CO-OP Network card. By having this exclusive person-to-person payment system, members can easily pay one or another member, at any CO-OP ATM.”

“CO-OP congratulates Paul on his winning business plan,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “Our goal with the CO-OP THINK Prize is to promote and inspire creative thinking on industry issues, and Paul’s plan is a wonderful display of that.”

The business plans of CO-OP THINK Prize entrants can take any form – such as an innovative application of technology, a new process for back office efficiency or a fresh approach to industry advertising and marketing. Though the ideas can vary widely, the judging criteria for entries are based on four main standards – impact, creativity, aggregation (the application of the idea across the industry) and implementation (the ability to be adopted quickly). The three CO-OP THINK Prize finalists were selected by judges from CO-OP Financial Services and the Filene Research Institute.

The final decision on the winner was based on the voting of the judges, online voting at the THINK 12 website March 26-April 13 and that of registered THINK 12 attendees.

Entries for the CO-OP THINK Prize for 2013 open June 1 at www.co-opthink.org.

For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org,

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,500 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES AND DIEBOLD, INCORPORATED,
PARTNER ON TEST OF TWO-WAY VIDEO SUPPORT FOR ATMs

Companies Announce Next Step in Member Convenience

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (May 1, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is partnering with Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD), to provide greater personalized service and convenience to credit union members by testing two-way video member service on CO-OP Network at Diebold automated teller machines (ATMs). 

“As ATMs continue to provide more capabilities to the user, two-way video support is the next step in ensuring the member can conduct their business quickly and easily,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services. “This initiative is an extension of the partnership formed between CO-OP Financial Services and Diebold to deliver enhanced self-service capabilities for the member and complete ATM management services for the credit union.”

CO-OP Financial Services and Diebold, Incorporated, are jointly developing a path toward delivery channel optimization, where sales, additional teller functions and customer service can be migrated to self-service endpoints. The goal of the partnership is to enable credit unions to reduce costs and expand their channels while maintaining a high level of personal service. 

The new capability is designed to provide financial institutions the opportunity to expand the member relationship. The service will also facilitate additional call center services such as transfers and account opening. The member can connect to a call center customer service representative for real-time, “face-to face” interaction via two-way video. The service integrates with either a credit union call center or, for 24/7 member service, the CO-OP Member Center. CO-OP Financial Services will provide the terminal driving capability and network access, and Diebold will provide member identification and video services to support the two-way video capabilities.

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,500 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES INTRODUCES
CO-OP BILL PAY

Online Bill Pay Line Stems from CO-OP’s Acquisition of eCom

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (April 26, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is introducing CO-OP Bill Pay, the company’s first online bill pay product line for credit unions, featuring competitive pricing, superior service and product option flexibility.

“CO-OP Bill Pay is the result of our acquisition in January of Corporate Network eCom, LLC, enabling us to offer our clients a robust line of bill pay products right now,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “The new line is a perfect extension of our e-commerce solutions, and will help our clients compete even more effectively against banks in terms of access and convenience services they can offer their members.”

The line is backed by CO-OP’s eCom service organization, with 13 years of experience and providing support to more than 750,000 credit union members. In addition, with CO-OP Financial Services’ aggregation of client volume and processing the company can offer clients bill pay solutions at a far better price than that they could secure on their own.

CO-OP Bill Pay enables members to receive, view, manage and pay all of their bills when they log-on to their credit unions online banking site. The new product line is available in three versions to maximize the range of options credit unions can offer their members.

Features of the premium, fully-hosted version of CO-OP Bill Pay include:

• e-Bills. Credit unions can present electronic versions of members’ bill, allowing them to view and pay bills immediately.
• Expedited payments. This feature enables members to make same-day electronic payments.
• Person-to-Person (P2P) payments. Members can transfer money to anyone having a deposit account in the United States or send money instantly via PayPal.
• Alerts. Credit unions can send members email alerts regarding payments and other matters.
• Member access by mobile device.

CO-OP Bill Pay is available immediately. For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org or call 1-888-656-4050 to speak with a CO-OP Bill Pay representative.

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,500 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

 

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CO-OP ANNOUNCES PATRONAGE
OF $15.9 MILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

Additional $14.1 Million Paid to FSCC, Inc., Shareholders

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (April 2, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is announcing a patronage distribution to shareholders of $15.9 million for fiscal year 2011, bringing CO-OP’s total patronage amount to $229.2 million since becoming a credit union cooperative in 1996.

“CO-OP Financial Services had a remarkable 2011 for our clients and shareholders,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP. “We achieved a number of key company milestones that benefit the credit union movement. At the same time, we maintained another outstanding patronage year, allowing us to provide a cash dividend to shareholders and continue to invest in products and services that will benefit all clients and their members.” 

Key events for CO-OP in 2011 include:

• Merger with FSCC, Inc., to unify credit union shared branching services. The combined operation enables greater efficiencies in branding, technology and administrative costs.
• CO-OP Financial Services and The Members Group (TMG) of Des Moines, Iowa, formed a strategic partnership to cross-sell selected products and services.
• Acquisition of online and mobile bill pay services of Corporate Network eCom, LLC, based in the Kansas City area (completed at the end of January 2012).
• Launch of a general media campaign urging consumers to switch from banks to credit unions. The humorous ads use the tag line “Banks Don’t Like You. Credit Unions Do.”
• Donation of $1 million to support credit union fundraising efforts for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through its CO-OP Miracle Match program.
• A record-high client satisfaction rating set in the first half of 2011, then surpassed in the second half.

FSCC, Inc., Distribution

The completion of the shared branching merger enabled FSCC, Inc., to pay $14.1 million to its shareholders, a figure that includes all revolving fund balances, 2011 patronage and common stock (based on FSCC book value). The company is now known as FSCC, LLC, and is part of CO-OP Shared Branching, one of five CO-OP business lines.

CO-OP Financial Services is the nation’s largest credit union service organization, specializing in providing products that help credit unions compete successfully against banks by maximizing their own operational efficiency as well as easy access for members. The company services more than 3,000 participating credit unions, nearly 1,200 of which are member-shareholder institutions.

For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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ANDROID DEVICE SUPPORT ADDED
TO CO-OP MY DEPOSIT MOBILE

Competitive Advantage for Credit Unions, Greater Convenience for Members 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 27, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is adding Android support for CO-OP My Deposit Mobile, enabling credit union members with these popular devices to deposit checks to their accounts from their phones.

“CO-OP My Deposit Mobile with Android support helps credit unions gain a competitive advantage because many financial institutions that have mobile products have not yet deployed a remote deposit function,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services. “In addition, the new functionally for CO-OP My Deposit Mobile adds to a credit union’s ability to offer convenient access to accounts for members, which is what all CO-OP products are designed to do.”

Android is the fastest-growing mobile device platform in the market today. For credit unions, the new CO-OP product means they can better appeal to the key market demographic of younger, tech-savvy members. For members, CO-OP My Deposit Mobile eliminates geographic restrictions and allows them to access their accounts anytime, anywhere.

CO-OP My Deposit Mobile is an add-on service to CO-OP Mobile, allowing credit unions to capture, proof and clear digital check images submitted by members using their smart phones. The product has been available to iPhone users for more than one year. The Android deposit function, which requires deployment of a new Android application, is available to credit unions immediately.

The Android deposit function works similar to the iPhone function. Members take pictures of the check front and back, enter amount, select deposit account and upload the images. The interface design and navigation is similar to the Android’s browser mode for CO-OP Mobile.

For more information on CO-OP My Deposit Mobile, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

 

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CHRIS BERMAN OF ESPN JOINS
SPEAKER LINE-UP AT THINK 12 CONFERENCE

 Online Registration is Available at http://co-opthink.org

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 21, 2012) – Chris Berman, who joined fledging ESPN in 1979, and remains there still as one of the best known sportscasters in America, has joined the roster of featured speakers for the THINK 12 Conference.

THINK 12 will take place Sunday, April 29-Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, in Florida. Produced annually by CO-OP Financial Services, this is the first THINK Conference to be held on the east coast.

The featured speakers at THINK 12 will be focusing on the topics of cult brand, reinvention and creativity as means of addressing credit union industry issues. Berman will be tackling cult brand, drawing on the corporate success of the ESPN cable television network. He is something of a cult brand himself, known for catch phrases like “He could…go…all…the…way!” and “Back-back-back-back”, and punning nick-names for players such as “Bert ‘Be Home’ Blyleven.”

Other featured speakers scheduled for the THINK 12 Conference include:

• Billy Beane, Oakland A’s General Manager and subject of the book and movie “Moneyball;”
• Jeff Baxter, guitarist for groups such as Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and now a national security consultant;
• Dr. Jeff Norris of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory;
• Alexis Maybank of Gilt Group;
• Brett King, financial industry author and advisor; and
• Valerie Morris, financial journalist.

Registration for the THINK 12 Conference can be easily completed online at http://co-opthink.org. Conference registration is $499.

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org. 

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ROB GOODWIN JOINS CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES
AS REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

 Goodwin’s Responsibilities Cover the Northeastern United States

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 19, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services has named Rob Goodwin as Regional Sales Manager, responsible for marketplace development of CO-OP products and services in seven states in the Northeast.

"Rob joins us from Covera Card Solutions after eight years successfully selling CO-OP and FIS payment solutions to credit unions,” said Lynn Kneebone, National Sales Director for CO-OP. "Rob’s achievements have earned him an exceptional reputation in our industry and position him for even greater success expanding CO-OP in the Northeastern U.S."

Goodwin will market and support CO-OP products and services in seven Northeastern states. Prior to joining Covera, based in Albany, N.Y., Goodwin worked for the New Jersey Credit Union League, Hightstown, N.J., developing key business relationships throughout the state. A resident of Rochester, N.Y., Goodwin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Master of Arts degree from Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J.  

For more information on CO-OP products and services, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org. 

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES OFFERS
CONSUMER AD CAMPAIGN TO CREDIT UNIONS

Free, Customizable Campaign Materials Promote Credit Union Membership

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 14, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is announcing the launch of a consumer advertising campaign themed “Credit Unions Do” and designed to promote credit union membership. Campaign materials are free to all credit unions – regardless of their affiliation with CO-OP Financial Services – and can be customized by individual institutions.

The campaign is the next phase of the “Banks Don’t Like You” consumer advertising CO-OP Financial Services initiated in November 2011 (see www.facebook.com/BanksDontLikeU). Moving from “Banks Don’t Like You,” this effort stresses “Credit Unions Do” wonderful work on behalf of their members. 

“While credit unions have a huge opportunity right now to gain new members, many don’t have the necessary resources to create the kind of high-end marketing materials that will get them noticed,” said Caroline Lane, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Marketing for CO-OP Financial Services. “This integrated campaign will allow credit unions of all asset sizes to share in a unified brand message that highlights the benefits of switching to a credit union.” 

CO-OP Financial Services will display the campaign March 18-20 in booth 401 at CUNA’s Government Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C.

The campaign is humorously based on the trials and tribulations of earning a living, and features the tag line, “Making Money is Hard. But Putting It in the Right Place Doesn’t Have to Be.”

The ads can be customized to include an individual credit union’s logo and web address. Initially, materials will be offered in the form of print ads and web banners. 

“These ads are designed to educate a whole new generation of potential members about what ‘Credit Unions Do’ – from offering better rates and friendly member service to the convenience of a network of shared branches and surcharge-free ATMs,” said Lane.

The materials can be downloaded immediately at www.CreditUnionsDo.org. 

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP Financial Services connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union clients, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than 2.2 billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES SELECTS
CATALYST CORPORATE FCU FOR PAYMENT SETTLEMENT SERVICES

 Agreement Expands Existing Partnership between the Two Companies

 RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 6, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services has selected Catalyst Corporate FCU to continue providing payment settlements for CO-OP-client credit unions, a service previously provided by Western Bridge Corporate FCU.

The Plano, Texas-based Catalyst Corporate won the right to acquire the assets of Western Bridge in December in a successful bid to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which held the assets in receivership. Catalyst settlement services include check clearing, and ACH, EFT and ATM transactions. 

The agreement expands the business partnership between CO-OP Financial Services and Catalyst, which also markets network access and other services from CO-OP. 

“From the standpoint of technical power, and as an existing business partner, Catalyst will conduct high-quality payment settlement services without disruption of any kind for our clients,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “CO-OP continues to be a solid supporter of corporate credit unions and this partnership demonstrates that corporates have a key role in the future of our movement.”  

CO-OP Financial Services is the largest credit union service organization in the country in terms of number of associated credit unions, assets and members, according to a 2011 survey by Callahan & Associates. The company is best known to consumers for CO-OP Network, comprising 28,000 ATMs available surcharge-free to members of participating credit unions. Catalyst was formed in 2011 from a merger of Southwest Bridge Corporate FCU and Georgia Corporate FCU and currently serves more than 1,000 credit unions throughout the United States.

For more information on CO-OP Financial Services, go to www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP Financial Services connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union clients, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than 2.2 billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org. 

 

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