The Chicago Patrolmen?s FCU?s name might strike a familiar chord with those who are aware of the public clash over Bank of America?s recent announcement to introduce a new $5 checking account fee. Chicago Patrolmen?s FCU was one of two credit unions that made television news as they shared with ABC News that new checking accounts were on pace to increase by 40 percent compared to the previous month. In a recent conversation with Dave Dunham, chief marketing officer at Patrolmen?s, it was apparent that the surge in checking accounts was not as important to Patrolmen?s as its dogged determination to continue to support and enhance their core objectives. ?Our core objectives are convenience, efficiency and education,? Dunham stressed with enthusiasm. ?All of our efforts are performed with the goal of providing more convenience, greater efficiency and a commitment to educate members whenever possible.? The CMO immediately rattled a list of convenience-motivated initiatives that Chicago Patrolmen?s offers. Like any astute businessman, Dunham can fire off any number of bank-driven objections to banking with a credit union, and immediately supplies Chicago Patrolmen?s counter. ?Credit unions offer free ATM access, yet are criticized for not having enough locations,? Dunham explained. ?We have handled that by owning 30 or our own machines and belonging to a co-op of 25,000 additional sites throughout the nation. Members can visit our website to locate the closest, surcharge free machine.? December will mark the opening of Patrolmen?s fourth branch. ?Once that branch opens, we will have a branch in the neighborhoods of nearly 72 percent of our members?

residences,? assured the marketing officer. Again, members have reciprocity with 4,300 other branches that accept deposits, withdrawals and payments. With regard to efficiency, Chicago Patrolmen?s has a Quick Switch Kit designed to ease the process of moving accounts from traditional banks to the eager credit union while providing trained representatives who are skilled at completing the transition quickly and efficiently. As the revolt against bank fees continues to gain steam, Chicago Patrolmen?s has its thumb on the eye of the storm. The education piece of the core objective platform is a robust combination of consumer seminars on subjects ranging from budgeting and credit score impact, to retirement and financial planning. Retirement Plan Advisers are financial planners whose aim is to provide investment and retirement advice specifically tailored to police employees. The planners have full knowledge of patrolmen benefits, retirement and earnings, making them the best resource possible for the management of financial security. ?The financial team exceeds most planners because of their familiarity of patrolmen?s wage and benefit programs. Yet, that isn?t their sole strength,? Dunham contests. ?These planners listen, first. They assess investors? risk-tolerance in order to grasp their investment comfort level. They inquire about short and long-term goals and incorporate financial dreams into the equation. It is more than just peddling financial products.? The 73-year history of Chicago Patrolmen?s FCU has remained consistent with the purpose of serving the police personnel of the Chicago area. With more than 21,000 members and $350 million in assets, its goal remains the same. As they move toward the future, whether through membership surges or steady growth, the aim is to continue increasing the value of their core objectives while delivering its enhanced banking platform to a broader geographical area. Sharon Sweda is a freelance writer who has worked in the real estate and finance industries for the past 28 years. Contact Sharon at SharonSweda@SwedaSweda.com to SpotLite! your CU.�