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THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEBY MICHAEL S. VADALA, PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE SUMMIT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION2006… A GREAT YEAR IN REVIEWIt’s hard to believe that we’re almostat the end of another year, and somuch has happened since Januarythat I thought I’d try to hit some ofthe highlights in this edition. Butbefore I get into this overview, Iwanted to say that I hope that youlike the enhanced quality, layout andcontent of our Newsletters. OurMarketing team has workeddiligently to enhance the look andfeel of the Newsletter, and we hopeyou enjoy reading each and everyedition of SummitUp as we pack itfull of great information for you, ourvalued members. Here are a fewhighlights from this year that Iwanted to comment on at this time.BALANCE SM FINANCIALFITNESS PROGRAMWe are most excited that thiscomprehensive and FREE FinancialCounseling Program was introducedin February. This program wasspecifically designed to helpmembers handle a wide variety offinancial matters. I believe that itcan be one of the most significantnew products that we offer to ourmembers. This signifies ourdedication to improving the lives ofour members every day. Manymembers have already takenadvantage of this program and weencourage you to explore it too.NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHEDWe were excited to have launched atotally new website this year in themonth of June. With expandedinformation, easy navigation and afresh new look, we’re happy to havethis great resource available tomembers and non-members. I hopeyou’ve been on the new site already;www.summitfcu.org. We believe thatthis will make it even easier thanever before to get the informationyou need most.2 SUMMITUPBRIGHTON SCHOOL EMPLOYEESFCU MERGER COMPLETEDAs you know, the Brighton SchoolEmployees Federal Credit Unionofficially joined hands with TheSummit in July. As a result of themerger, we were pleased to welcomeover 500 new members to our family,and then opened a new branchlocation in the TOPS Brighton Plazato serve members of both creditunions more effectively. We’reexcited to see many of our existingmembers, former Brighton SEFCUmembers, and even some newmembers come to us as a direct resultof our newest convenient location.CREDIT UNION COOPERATIONIn the spirit of cooperation amongcredit unions in Western NY, TheSummit participated in 3 key events,two in Rochester and one in Buffalothat will further unite credit unions inour ongoing competition with thebanks.First, we came together with 5 otherRochester-area credit unions for ajoint Newspaper and Radio campaignin March/April to promote CUService Centers (shared branching) inthis area. This became the secondannual joint campaign we’veparticipated in. This year’s ads wereheadlined “6 Credit Unions, 19Branches”. The feedback has beengreat and we’ll continue to promotethis member convenience in thefuture.Second, we continued monthlymeetings with over 20 Buffalo areacredit union executives to discuss anumber of projects that will raise theawareness of credit unions in thatmarket and promote shared branchingand surcharge-free ATM’s as well.We’re pleased to be in partnershipwith the credit unions getting theword out about all of the positivethings we can offer members in theWestern NY area through a Radiocontinued on page 4!!!!!!BRANCH UPDATESThe new Penfield branch, whichopened in November of last year,is really picking up momentumand we’re thrilled at the firstyear’s performance of thisrelocated facility.Our full-service branch with anew drive-up ATM kiosk inHilton continues to perform verywell and has far exceeded ourexpectations after only 6+months of operation.The Clarence branch recentlycelebrated its first anniversary inJune, has shown good growthover the past several months, andwe remain optimistic about theincreased traffic in that location.We’re pleased at the number ofnew members joining the creditunion and using our newestbranch location in Brightonwhich opened in July in theTOPS Brighton Plaza.As this Newsletter is beingpublished, we’ll be ready to openour newest full-service branch inthe Delaware/Hertelneighborhood in the City ofBuffalo. This now gives us 2locations in the Greater Buffaloarea to serve members. A GrandOpening event will be held towelcome members to this newbranch, and we fully expect thatmany new and existing memberswill find this branch to be veryconvenient for their needs.We are still working on plans torelocate the Irondequoit branchto a more accessible location inthe community and I’ll report onany progress as we move ahead.