Page 5 - 2023 Annual Report
P. 5

Chair and President/CEO’s Report






                                                                Financial literacy
                                                                We believe that supporting financial education helps strengthen
                                                                the financial lives for all the communities we serve. For this
                                                                reason, we developed Educational Systems University to
                                                                provide members with tools and resources to protect their
                                                                financial interests and create a brighter future. Through our new
                                                                partnership with GreenPath™ Financial Wellness, members
                                                                can access podcasts, articles, calculators, worksheets,
                                                                videos, and take online courses through the LearningLab.
                                                                We also provide programs for K-12 educators to use in the
        Alonia C. Sharps     Girado Smith, CPA
                                                                classroom, including the Millionaire’s Club, giving students
        Chair                President/CEO
                                                                the opportunity to participate in national competitions such
        As we reflect on another successful year at Educational   as The Stock Market Game™ and The Personal Finance
        Systems Federal Credit Union, we celebrate our commitment   Challenge™.   In addition, our Business Development team
        to making financial wellness and stability accessible for all   visits schools to provide financial education seminars and offers
        the communities we serve. Established in 1955 by a group   webinars throughout the year. In 2023, we expanded our Junior
        of educators, the Credit Union serves over 85,000 members   Achievement sponsorship to also include the Eastern Shore.

        and continues to grow by creating a brighter future for
        students, parents, K-12 and higher education employees,   Support Education
        education-related organizations and businesses. We empower   We are committed to fostering academic excellence by
        the education community by building strong partnerships,   sponsoring reading programs, spelling bees, science fairs,
        supporting community growth, and promoting financial literacy.  education foundations, and other initiatives to promote learning
                                                                and growth. In 2017, we started the Support Education
        Member owned, not-for-profit                            Foundation to support charitable giving programs for the
        As a credit union, we are member-owned, not-for-profit, and   benefit of members of the education community. During
        our Board of Directors are volunteers from the communities   2023, the Support Education Foundation provided $90,000 in
        we serve. These dedicated members of the Credit Union   scholarships and professional development awards as well as
        provide their insight and perspective to help us deliver the best   other resources to assist students in the classroom. For more
        value to our membership. After paying expenses and setting   information, visit SupportEducation.org.

        aside reserves, we return our earnings back to the community
        by offering competitive savings and loan rates, providing   Here to help
        customized products and services, offering financial education,   Our Credit Union Ambassadors are committed to positively
        and giving back to Support Education.                   impacting the financial well-being of our members. Please
                                                                contact us at [email protected] to share your
        Customized products and services                        feedback, as it shapes the products and services we offer
        Recognizing the various financial needs of our membership,   and community initiatives we support.
        we focus on customizing our products and services. We
        enhanced several key offerings in 2023 including our First-  Thank you for your continued membership and trust. We look
        Time Homebuyer Program, which is designed to help members   forward to supporting your financial journey for years to come.
        prepare and apply for their first Mortgage. We also introduced
                                                                It’s a pleasure helping you,
        MessagePay to offer a convenient way to receive auto loan
        payment reminders and the ability to make a payment by text
        message. We continue to partner with Ap Financial Planning
        to provide wealth management, investment, and retirement
                                                                 Alonia C. Sharps               Girado Smith, CPA
        planning services. Our members can also schedule a financial   Chair                    President/CEO
        consultation with one of our Certified Financial Counselors to
        get advice and make informed financial decisions. To better
        serve our members on the Eastern Shore, a new branch was
        opened in Easton, Maryland.





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