Summer 2016

Our MissionWe are committed to helping our members achieve financial success.

Amery ....................(715) 268-8127 Baldwin ................ (715) 684-3333 Barron ................(715) 537-5661 Chippewa Falls ...... (715) 723-2216Eau Claire .............(715) 833-8035 Ellsworth .............. (715) 273-4238 Hudson ..............(715) 386-2300 Menomonie ...........(715) 235-3403 New Richmond ..(715) 246-2068 Prescott ................ (715) 262-4600 River Falls .........(715) 425-8113 Spring Valley .......... (715) 778-5644High School Off ices in Amery, Hudson, Menomonie, New Richmond and River Falls US Toll-Free ............. (800) 924-002290 Day Notes is a quarterly newsletter published by WESTconsin Credit Union to inform and educate its member-owners about the credit union and other financial matters.

westconsincu.org

Plans Set for Altoona OfficeSite building plans have recently been approved for a new 8,000 square foot facility that will be located on the corner of River Prairie Drive and Bluestem Boulevard, right off of Highway 53, in Altoona. Ground breaking will take place later this summer with anticipated opening in April 2017. This will be WESTconsin’s fifteenth office off ering full financial services. The credit union selected Chippewa Valley based Hoeft Builders as general contractor and construction manager.

Board of Directors Election Results WESTconsin Credit Union held its 76th Annual Membership Meeting on April 14, 2016 at the Menomonie High School Auditorium. Members in attendance participated in the election process of two Board of Directors’ positions. Lynn Brantner and Colleen Mensing were re-elected to the Board of Directors for another three-year term. Shortly following, the Board of Directors met for a Reorganizational Meeting where they conducted an election for their Board Officers.  Officer positions are as follows:

• Chairperson:  Dave Maves• Vice Chairperson:  Jerry Wolf• Secretary:  Lynn Brantner• Treasurer:  Rita Lunderville• Additional Board Members:  Dale Dahlke, Todd Leipnitz, Colleen Mensing

What’s Inside!

Member Notices

Staff Announcements

2016 Scholarship Winners

Community Events

School Supply Drive

Real Realty Tips

WESTconsin Investment Advisors

WESTconsin Travel Club Opportunities

Staff AnnouncementGremore Honored by New Richmond Chamber of Commerce Congratulations to Marie Gremore for being named the 2016 New Richmond Area Business Woman of the Year! Marie was selected among other top candidates based upon her contributions to enhancing the quality of life and making New Richmond a great place to live, work, start or expand a business, as well as a dedication to her chosen profession and community. Marie holds the position of Vice President—New Richmond Office and has been an employee of WESTconsin since 2004. She can be reached at mgremore@westconsincu.org or (715) 246-2068 ext. 7536.

Member Notices

Coming soon—EMV Chip Instant Issue Debit Cards    Soon, members will be able to receive an EMV Chip Debit Card instantly in the office. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.

A New Look at westconsincu.org Our website, westconsincu.org, will soon have an updated look and feel! We have been busy developing design schemes, navigation, simplified content and methods to bring our members a more polished and user-friendly site. Be on the lookout!

IRA/HSA Beneficiaries—Reminder to ReviewWESTconsin Credit Union is committed to carrying out the wishes of its members in regard to distributing their assets after their death. In order for us to do so, the beneficiaries we have on file for your IRA and/or HSA accounts must be up-to-date. We are required to distribute assets according to the last signed beneficiary designation on file. If no beneficiary designation is on file, funds will be distributed to your estate. Have you had any life changes that warrant updating that filed designation? Please contact us to schedule an appointment to update your designated beneficiaries. At your appointment, you will be asked to provide the name, address, birthday and social security number for each beneficiary.

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Holiday HoursOffices and Service Center will be CLOSED on:

Independence Day Monday, July 4

Labor DayMonday, September 5

westconsincu.org

Thank You for Supporting the SWEETheart Campaign!WESTconsin Credit Union employees and members raised $6,537.37 to help children and families served by our local Children Miracle Network hospitals—Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, MN, and Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. The money is used to provide meals, gas and lodging for families in need.

WESTconsin Credit Union’s

Campaign

Community EventsWESTconsin Credit Union is proud to sponsor the following events happening across the region. For a complete listing of our community involvements, visit our online Events Calendar found at westconsincu.org.

July

• Menomonie FreedomFest | July 4• New Richmond Fun Fest | July 7-10• River Falls Days | July 7-10• Northern Wisconsin State Fair | July 13-17• Relay For Life Dunn County | July 15 • Relay For Life Chippewa Falls | July 29August

• Relay For Life Barron County | August 5• Relay For Life Polk County | August 8• North Hudson Pepper Festival | August 19-21September

• Spring Valley Dam Days | September 16-18

Easing Nest–Egg NervesMove confi dently into the future™There are over 76 million baby boomer Americans. They arguably make up the largest segment of active investors who are nearing retirement or already retired. But in today’s volatile economy, boomers are worried about their retirement nest eggs. According to the Advisor Top-of-Mind Index (ATOMIX) Survey for Q1 2016, financial advisors report their baby boomer clients are growing increasingly nervous about fundamental investment issues. In fact, the survey shows fear is the biggest motivator for investment decisions, up significantly from just a year ago.Advisors report market volatility, adequate income and taxes as the top challenges boomer clients face. Yet virtually all of these concerns can be addressed by an important class of investment products—annuities. Whether through guaranteed limits on market loss, lifetime income or tax deferral, annuities can help ease the nerves about your nest egg.

What is the biggest challenge for baby boomer clients?

Please give us a call at your local WESTconsin Credit Union office or (800) 924-0022 ext. 7218 or 7237. Also you may visit us online at westconsininvestments.com. We look forward to meeting with you soon!Annuities are long-term insurance products designed for retirement purposes. Many registered annuities off er four main features: (1) a selection of investment

options, (2) tax-deferred earnings accumulation, (3) guaranteed lifetime payout options, and (4) death benefit options. Before investing, you should consider

the annuity’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The prospectus contains this and other information. Please read it carefully.

All guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer and do not extend to the performance of the underlying accounts which can fl uctuate with changes in market conditions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Annuity contract values, death benefits and other values fl uctuate based on the performance of the investment options and may be worth more or less than your total purchase payment when surrendered. Withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges, and may also be subject to a market value adjustment (MVA). Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax, and if taken before age 59 may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. If you are considering purchasing an annuity as an IRA or other tax-qualified plan, you should consider benefits other than tax deferral since those plans already provide tax-deferred status. The company does not provide tax or legal advice. Contact a licensed professional.

MEMBERS Insurance & Investments and MEMBERS are marketing names for the products, services and programs off ered by CMFG Life Insurance Company (CMFG Life), MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (MEMBERS Life) and other leading carriers. MEMBERS® is a registered trademark for annuity and insurance products issued by these carriers. CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Insurance and annuity products are issued by CMFG Life and MEMBERS Life, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, IA 50677. Registered annuity products are underwritten and distributed by CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. Investment and insurance products are not

federally insured, may involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by any depository or lending institution.

All contracts and forms may vary by state, and may not be available in all states or through all broker/dealers. MGA-1425922.1-0216-0318 ©2016 CUNA Mutual Group

TIM CARLSONContent developed by CUNA Brokerage Services, provided by

Tim Carlson, Alex Burian and Bob Dillon, WESTconsin Investment Advisors. ALEX BURIAN BOB DILLON

85565945SOURCES | Population Reference Bureau, 2014, http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2002/JustHowManyBabyBoomersAreThere.aspx | Eaton Vance, 2016, http://funds.eatonvance.com/advisor-top-of-mind-index.php

34% generating income from investments

annuities can guarantee income for life

43% protecting wealth from

market volatility annuities can offer upside

potential and limit market loss

11% reducing taxes to protect wealth annuity values grow tax deferred

10% growing wealth through capital appreciation annuities can offer the growth opportunities of equities and fixed income

2% no response

CMFG Life Insurance Company

Summer Heat Means a Hot Homes MarketWith the kids out of school, baseball upon us and rummage sales in every neighborhood, there are certain signs that the summer heat is just around the corner. And nothing is hotter right now than the housing market!According to the statistics published by the Wisconsin Realtors Association in May 2016, both home sales and prices have increased by solid margins throughout Wisconsin since a ten year low in 2011. That trend holds true for western Wisconsin as well; which experienced significant increases in all areas of the housing market since 2011. The increased sale numbers has resulted in an inventory reduction; that coupled with a greater buyer pool produced an increase in median home prices/values. Data shows that median home process increased from an average of $128,000 in 2011 to $155,000 in 2015 in western Wisconsin. If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the time. As you consider buying or selling a home, also consider the benefits of listing and buying with a WESTconsin Realty Agent. Your home will be listed in multiple MLS exchanges, listed on the WESTconsin Realty site, and marketed to a captive WESTconsin Credit Union population.  Beyond the marketing consider what you save when listing with

a WESTconsin Realty Agent where the standard rate for residential listing is 4.8%; when you list with a WESTconsin Realty Agent you can be assured you’ll be working with an experienced, full-service professional. Our goal is to sell your home at the highest price point possible that the market will allow and with our low rates we’ll be passing the savings onto you.

Pre sente d by:Eric Sutherland, REALTOR®WESTconsin Realty, LLC—Menomonie East Office3333 Schneider Avenue SEesutherland@westconsinrealty.comCell: (715) 308-9463

Home Sales in Western Wisconsin 2011–2016

Graphical information obtained from WRA website May 2016.

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WESTconsin Realty Welcomes New Real Estate AgentsWESTconsin Realty off ers a 4.8% seller’s commission rate on qualifying properties and no administrative fees. Full-time, full-service real estate agents are located in each WESTconsin office throughout Western Wisconsin.

George Cadotte has joined WESTconsin’s Menomonie–Downtown office. He can be reached at (715) 440-0191 or gcadotte@westconsinrealty.com.

Emily Helmer has joined WESTconsin’s Baldwin office. Emily can be reached at (715) 307-7300 or ehelmer@westconsinrealty.com.

tion obtained from WRA website May 2016.

$11,000 Awarded to Area High School Graduates WESTconsin Credit Union, an advocate for education, has recently awarded eleven $1,000 scholarships as part of the WESTconsin Scholarship Program. Over the past 18 years, the credit union has distributed $250,000 in scholarship awards to area students. The goal of the program is to award one scholarship to a graduating high school senior from each community that is served by a local WESTconsin office. Recipients were selected in April by a panel of WESTconsin Credit Union volunteers and staff . Selection was based on a variety of criteria including community and school involvement, academic progress, financial need, career plans and goals. For more information, visit the Student $avers section of our website.

Congratulations 2016 Scholarship Recipients!

Meikah Dado

Amery High SchoolAmery Area

UW–MadisonLife Sciences

Communication and Nutritional Sciences

Megan Jacobson

Baldwin High SchoolBaldwin Area

UW–Eau ClaireNursing

Jolene Lansin

Barron High SchoolBarron Area

Viterbo UniversitySocial Work

Katherine Stremcha

EC North High SchoolChippewa Falls/Eau Claire Area

UW–River FallsElementary Education

Carson Johnson

Ellsworth High SchoolEllsworth/

Prescott Area

UW–MadisonCivil Engineering

Molly Malecha

Hudson High SchoolHudson Area

UM–Twin CitiesBiology and

Pre-Medicine

Faustina Zertler

Menomonie High SchoolMenomonie High

School

UW–LaCrossePre-Medicine

Elisabeth Hampton

New Richmond High SchoolNew Richmond

Area

UW–Eau ClaireNursing

Maya Peterson

River Falls High SchoolRiver Falls Area

UW–MadisonPsychology

Jacob Rielly

Spring Valley High SchoolSpring Valley Area

UW–MadisonBiology

Madison Bygd

Boyceville High SchoolMenomonie Area

Hamlin UniversityForensics Science

Preparing for CollegePrivate Student Loan Program Helps Cover CostsAre you starting your first year of college this fall? Perhaps you are a returning student who is still short on paying tuition even after FAFSA, federal loans and other financial aid? WESTconsin Credit Union’s private student loan program helps fill the gaps by helping you aff ordably borrow up to the cost of your education, minus other financial aid, to achieve your educational goals.

Prepaid Visa Cards Encourage your college bound student with a disciplined approach to spending by providing them with a prepaid Visa card from WESTconsin. They are conveniently available at your local WESTconsin off ice. Discover the many benefits!

• Reloadable • Immediate access to funds• Safe way to manage money • Promotes self-suff icient budgeting and

spending

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WESTconsin Travel Club OpportunitiesMinnesota State Fair | August 25 Join us for our annual trek to the great Minnesota get together! Cost is $35/person; includes transportation and fair entrance.

Grand Canyon | September 18-30Join us as we tour the South Rim of the Grand Canyon including a tour of the Hermit’s Rest with overnight accommodations in the Grand Canyon Village with plenty of time to explore. Other features include the Petrifi ed Forest National Park, Will Rogers National Museum, tours in Albuquerque, NM and Dodge City, KS, plus several sites and museums along Route 66. Cost is $1,780/person double; $2,500 single.

Rise Up, O Men | October 26 Join on a day trip to the Plymouth Playhouse for The Church Basement Ladies in Rise Up, O Men! This brand new musical features the men of the church and your favorite church basement ladies who serve them. As these hard-working

farmers discuss their scrap lumber piles and the benefits of solder vs. weld, they unintentionally disrupt the order in the kitchen. But that’s what happens when you let roosters in the hen house! Cost is $62; includes lunch, transportation and show ticket.

A Fireside Christmas | December 1-2 Join us as we view the new edition of A Fireside Christmas, bringing you a show that will re-kindle the true Christmas spirit in all of us. Through songs, stories, and dances, commit yourself to capturing the very heart and essence of the holiday season. Each show is new and exciting, with gorgeous new costumes and sets, new songs and dancing, and new ways to tell the familiar stories of the season. Cost is $215/person double; $265 single.

Green Bay Packers Game | December 4Join us for a bus and tailgate trip to Lambeau Field! Cost is $235/person; includes tailgate, game ticket and transportation.

For reservations or more information, please contact Sharron Buss, Travel Club Coordinator, at your local office, ext. 7733 or visit westconsincu.org.

basement ladies who serve them. As these hard-working transportation.

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School Supply Drive— July 25–August 6 WESTconsin Credit Union will again be collecting school supplies and monetary donations for families in need from July 25 through August 6. Donations can be made at your local WESTconsin office location. Proceeds will be delivered by the credit union to local schools and organizations for distribution. All items will be accepted along with monetary donations.

This year marks the eighth annual school supply drive in which the credit union has been involved. Last year, the drive as a whole collected over 3,000 supplies.

Federally insured by NCUA

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*As low as 1.99% APR is off ered for a limited time and based upon borrower’s Membership Value Pricing status, credit score,

loan term and other discount factors.