MEMBER NEWSLETTER   

SPRING 2024

President's Message

Over the past month, we have welcomed spring and experienced a total eclipse. Warmer weather is here, and boots and shovels can be stored for the season. Daffodils are opening, and children are playing ball in our parks, backyards, and driveways. We are making plans for beach vacations and attending concerts or sporting events. 

At American Eagle, we are always looking ahead and planning for the future. Our focus is on you, our valued members. Guided by our passion for serving you every day, our talented team members work hard to deliver on our mission. We are committed to enriching your lives and our communities, creating a world where Financial Freedom is a reality. Our core values of caring, trust, and dependability are the foundation of everything we do.

As a financial cooperative, our Credit Union is member-owned. When you opened your account, you became an owner at American Eagle, currently the largest community credit union in Connecticut. We are structured differently from traditional banks as a not-for-profit without shareholders and supported by a volunteer Board of Directors. This cooperative structure helps provide more significant value for members through higher deposit rates, lower loan rates, and transparent fee structure. In addition, we make flexible tools available to help members meet their financial goals and dreams. The foundation of everything we do is our team members and our membership. We understand that life is a people business.

Earlier this month, we introduced a new organizational structure at the Credit Union. Our goal was to create an even stronger alignment between our team members and the work we are doing in pursuit of delivering Financial Freedom for the communities we serve. Essential elements in the organizational redesign include:

• Unifying the Lending and Retail Teams to elevate the member experience
• Creating a new Community Team to connect more deeply in our five-county footprint
• Identifying the needs of consumers to drive our innovation cycle
• Advancing our culture in data, digital, and continuous improvement
• Maintaining business continuity and reliability  

Creating a seamless experience for connecting with us is essential as we continuously strive to increase the engagement of the membership while ensuring that everything we do is in pursuit of our mission. The new structure is a powerful combination to address the essential needs of members and communities we serve. The benefits of the new organization are compelling, and I am excited about the possibilities as we focus on the future.

Remember, you are an owner of the Credit Union, and everything we do is intended to raise up individuals, families, and larger communities. Know that we are grateful for your membership and appreciate the trust you place in us each day. All the best to you this summer!

Warm regards,

Howard Brady, President and CEO

Understanding & Building Credit Seminar

Join us on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. for our FREE in-person seminar. We'll review: 

• Credit scores and reports
• The importance of good credit
• Creating a budget and more!

Free Credit Counseling will be available at the seminar. 

Community Offers

Free Drive-Thru Electronic Recycling & Paper Shredding Event

Drop off your items Saturday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at:

American Eagle Financial Center

333 East River Dr., East Hartford

Limits: 

• THREE boxes of documents per person 
• THREE electronic items per person

Electronic and paper shredding services are provided by Easterseals/EnviroShred and Info Shred.

Don't Fall Victim to Wire Scams 

Wiring money is just like sending cash in the mail. Once it's gone, you probably won't get it back — which explains why scammers tell you to pay that way. 

Giving Our Communities the Freedom to Soar

 First Quarter Cash Back to the Community Winners Announced 

American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the recipients of $26,793 in donations from its participatory funding program, Cash Back to the Community.

Congratulations to A Place Called Hope Inc., Gentle Love Diaper Pantry, and Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc. Each nonprofit organization received an $8,931 donation for earning the most votes in AEFCU’s first quarter Cash Back to the Community program. 

 Second Quarter Nominations are Open Now through May 12, with Voting June 10-23. 

Every time you use your Debit or Credit card, American Eagle Financial Credit Union gives to a worthy nonprofit organization in your community — one that you and other members choose! The more you use your AEFCU Debit or Credit cards, the more we give back!

Partnerships

AEFCU Is the Official Yard Goats Sponsor

As a part of our partnership, we will be offering the chance for your child (between the ages 7 and 14) to win a Junior Announcer experience at one of the Hartford Yard Goats home games throughout the season, along with a four-pack of tickets! 

Credit Union Update

2023 Annual Report Is Available

Last year, our resilience was evident as we delivered many wins for the Credit Union and our members. At the same time, we navigated some new challenges introduced in 2023...  American Eagle is on a sound financial foundation and
continues to receive positive feedback from our regulators, even in
this dynamic environment. We are also listening to you for ways to
increase our relevance and impact your lives, working shoulder-to-shoulder with you to help deliver Financial Freedom.

Community Events

AEFCU Hosts Financial Reality Fair for Local Youth

American Eagle Financial Credit Union hosted over 400 students at Rentschler Field for the Financial Reality Fair. The fair was designed to give students an immersive experience in financial education.

Upcoming Holiday Closing

All offices of American Eagle Financial Credit Union will be closed on

Monday, May 27, 2024, for Memorial Day.

Access your accounts 24/7 with Online Banking and Mobile Banking as well as at thousands of Allpoint and SUM ATMs across the United States. Take the Credit Union with you wherever you go. We're always a call or click away.