FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2020

Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union Supports
Community Financial Well-Being Through COVID-19 Epidemic

Hunt Valley, MD – As the economic uncertainty continues and consumers grapple with unexpected hardships, Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union remains strong and ready to serve its members and the community. While AFFCU’s team on the front lines continue their essential duties as “financial first responders,” others in the organization are doing their part to support the financial well-being of members and the greater Baltimore community.

AFFCU is always driven to serve its members and ensure their financial well-being, including when hit by economic uncertainly like that brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic. “We’re certainly not in a unique situation or alone by any means, but our team has remained nimble as we quickly adapted to the changes and the new normal that is rapidly developing,” stated Matthew Piazza, President & CEO at AFFCU. “This includes our Business Development and Financial Education teams who normally work face-to-face with our employer partner groups and within the community. They’ve adapted and made use of our digital resources to find new ways to deliver on our mission of supporting our members and the communities we serve.”

The Business Development team at AFFCU, along with the credit unions Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC) have taken their financial wellness efforts online hosting a variety of free virtual financial education seminars. 

James Dickerson, AFFCU’s Director of Member Experience shared, “Knowledge is Power and Atlantic Financial is all about empowering our membership and supporting our community. This is a difficult time for everyone both emotionally & financially and everyone could use a little bit more power especially right now.  So, we at Atlantic Financial are very excited to bring the power back to our community though financial education and help them through this time so we can support them into the future”

AFFCU’s Business Development Coordinator and Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, Brian Peller, added "During these unprecedented times we are so happy to be able to offer these live financial education seminars to the entire community. These seminars are designed to help improve the financial knowledge of the participant and give them direction to work towards a more fulfilled financial life."

The Credit Union will continue to leverage the digital channels to deliver on its financial wellness initiatives with online events throughout each month. This is in addition to the many free, on-demand courses and resources that area available to all on AFFCU’s website at AFFCU.org.

In addition to its outreach efforts on financial wellness, AFFCU rapidly identified and implemented opportunities to support its members financial wellbeing, providing loan relief options, free skip-a-pays, special emergency hardship loans, and recently announced the introduction of its $20,000 Covid-19 Member Support Grant.

About Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union

Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union (AFFCU) is a local full-service financial institution serving the employees and their families of over 190 companies and organizations. Our purpose is simple – To serve and enrich our members lives. We’re all about YOU, making your financial well-being our personal priority. We believe in keeping banking simple, while delivering financial products and services that empower you to achieve your goals and long-term financial stability. We’re committed to delivering a banking experience that revolves around you. Visit www.affcu.org to learn more. Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union – Where you matter!

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Dear County Executive Olszewski,

As Board Chairman of the Hunt Valley Business Forum, I am writing to you with an urgent request from our members. Collectively, our members comprise over 125 businesses across all business sectors and these businesses have hundreds of employees many of which live in Baltimore County. Our membership has requested we respectfully implore you to NOT restrict Baltimore County from reopening with the State of Maryland at 5 pm Friday, May 15, 2020.

The effects of this shutdown, on our business community, have been devastating. We have had daily requests from our membership, their employees and families asking us to help them reopen their businesses without further delay. The effects are becoming more serious and are compounding with each day of continued closure.

Our members have been pursuing avenues for some relief from their financial burdens including obtaining rent relief from landlords and government programs but most of our members are now reaching into their savings and using the last of their personal funds to save what is left of their business. Time is running out for them. Many businesses have not been able to sustain the shutdown to date and have permanently closed. If these businesses remain unable to operate beyond May 15, 2020, even with the various relief efforts and using their personal savings, they will be unable to survive.

We very much appreciate the steps Baltimore County and the State have taken to convey precautions business and individuals should take. Our essential business members have successfully implemented safety protocols of various health advisors. The rest of our members as that you trust them to do the same.

Thank you for your leadership during this challenging time as you continue to protect the best interest of the County. Please do not delay the opening of Baltimore County businesses so that you can avoid further devastation and desperation on the part of your business constituents. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Lynn Finckel
Chairman - HVBF Board of Directors

POINT BREEZE CREDIT UNION OFFERS SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES DUE TO COVID-19

HUNT VALLEY, MD (4/9/20) – Point Breeze Credit Union is offering special assistance to members who may be experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special considerations which Point Breeze is offering to members who are financially impacted by the pandemic include:

·         Skip-A-Pay with no processing fee on consumer loans, mortgages, and home equity loans;

·         Offering a special low-rate COVID-19 Assistance Loan (up to $2,000 for 24 months with first payment deferred for 60 days) for existing members experiencing particular hardship;

·         Accepting loan payments by phone with no processing fee;

·         Simplified Fraud Claim Process; and

·         Waiving late fees upon member request.

“We are here to assist members who may be experiencing financial stress as a result of COVID-19,” says Point Breeze President and CEO Bernard McLaughlin.

Beyond special considerations for financially impacted individuals, Point Breeze is offering all members free, 24/7 online and mobile services to enable easy, reliable access to their accounts and other financial services. In addition, Point Breeze is providing

·         Free Online Banking and Online Bill Pay;

·         Free Mobile Banking and Mobile Deposit;

·         AUDRE, Point Breeze’s automated phone teller; and

·         24-hour Online Loan Application and Loan-By-Phone service.

“These are just a few of the ways we are continuing to deliver easy, reliable banking to our members during the COVID-19 crisis,” notes McLaughlin. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and evaluate other ways we can support our members throughout the duration of this unprecedented situation.”

While Point Breeze has temporarily closed its lobbies as a preventive measure to protect both members and employees from the threat of COVID-19, the drive-thru lanes at all Point Breeze locations and the Point Breeze call center remain open and staffed during slightly modified business hours to serve members’ financial needs.

Point Breeze members also have 24/7 access to ATMs at all Point Breeze locations and nearly 30,000 surcharge-free CO-OP Network ATMs across the nation.

About Point Breeze Credit Union

Currently celebrating its 85^th year in business, Point Breeze Credit Union is one of Maryland’s largest credit unions, with 60,000 members and approximate assets of $800 million. A full-service financial institution that is member-owned and not-for-profit, Point Breeze offers easy, reliable banking through offices in Hunt Valley, Rosedale, Bel Air, Westminster, and Owings Mills, as well as more than 5,600 Shared Branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Membership in Point Breeze is open to individuals who work, worship, or volunteer within 20 miles of a Point Breeze location. Point Breeze is federally insured by NCUA and an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. For more information, visit www.pbcu.com.

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PADONIA is Maryland’s premier swim and social club. Also home to Padonia Park Child Centers, PADONIA Summer Camps, and Special Events & Catering. They are also celebrating their 60^th anniversary this season!

Located on 30 beautiful acres, PADONIA offers six pools, tennis courts, sporting fields, paddle boats on the lake and more! There are plenty of food and beverage options at The Grille, Castaway Café, Windy Valley Farms and the Cabana Bar. With a full calendar of live music and events, PADONIA is the summer destination in the region!

Padonia Park Child Centers, a “Best Of” award winner, cares for children ages 6 months – 5 years of age year round. They also offer Before & After care for Mays Chapel and Pinewood Elementary Schools.

PADONIA Summer Camps features three great camp options: Traditional, Adventure and the all new iCamp. A fun filled summer for your child awaits!

As one of the top 20 caterers in Baltimore by the BBJ, choose PADONIA for your next event! With several indoor & outdoor venues, they specialize in company picnics, meetings, galas, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs and more.

Learn More About PADONIA

Currently celebrating its 85th year in business, Point Breeze Credit Union is one of Maryland’s largest credit unions, with over 59,000 members and approximate assets of $800 million. A full-service financial institution that is member-owned and not-for-profit, Point Breeze offers easy, reliable banking through offices in Hunt Valley, Rosedale, Bel Air, Westminster, and Owings Mills, as well as more than 5,600 Shared Branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.

Point Breeze recently opened the redesigned lobby at its Hunt Valley office, which has been undergoing extensive renovations over the past several months. The remodeled lobby represents the first phase of an extensive renovation and expansion project which will double the size of Point Breeze’s Hunt Valley facility, adding a new two-story, 20,000-square-foot addition to the existing 20,000-square-foot building in order to better meet the needs of its members and accommodate the credit union’s rapid membership growth.

Point Breeze Credit Union received the Hunt Valley Business Forum’s 2019 “Business of the Year Award.” The award was presented to Point Breeze for its work in supporting the vitality of the Hunt Valley business community and furthering the mission of the Hunt Valley Business Forum to connect, educate, and advocate for its members on important matters affecting area businesses.

Learn More About Point Breeze Credit Union

A full service commercial real estate firm, MacKenzie specializes in tenant & landlord advisory services, commercial & residential development, general construction, property & asset management, market research, and debt & equity placement.

MacKenzie's seven firms provide clients a competitive, full-service platform of offerings in leasing, sales, investment sales, tenant and landlord advisory services, corporate and business consulting, commercial and residential development, general construction, property and asset management, debt and equity capital placement, and market research.  With more than 225 employees, MacKenzie is one of the largest, non-affiliated full-service commercial real estate firms in the Mid-Atlantic. 

Learn More About MacKenzie Commercial

Voted "Baltimore's Best Flooring Company" in 2014 by Baltimore Magazine, their unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction that has made them committed to becoming one of the top flooring providers in the Baltimore Washington Metropolitan area.

Floors Etc. prides themselves on their ability to provide virtually any product for your home, office or commercial project. From carpet to natural stone, vinyl to hardwood, glass to green alternatives, if you've heard of it, they can find it. Beyond their product selection, they believe they employ the best installation experts in the industry. Each of their installers has in-depth experience in the flooring type of your choice. Because after all, it's not how good the flooring looks in the showroom; it's how good it looks in your home, office, or retail space. So whether it's shag or berber, marble or glass, cherry or bamboo, and everything else in between, Floors Etc. has the knowledge, the skill, the experience, and the resources to satisfy all of your flooring needs.

Learn More About Floors Etc.

POINT BREEZE CREDIT UNION UNVEILS
RENOVATED, TECH-SAVVY LOBBY IN HUNT VALLEY

HUNT VALLEY, MD (1/15/20) – Celebrating its 85^th year in business in 2020, Point Breeze Credit Union is officially opening the redesigned lobby at its Hunt Valley office, which has been undergoing extensive renovations for the past several months. 

The remodeled lobby represents the first phase of an extensive renovation and expansion taking place at Point Breeze’s Hunt Valley headquarters. Due to the credit union’s rapid growth, it is also doubling the size of its current Hunt Valley facility, adding a new two-story, 20,000-square-foot addition to its existing 20,000-square-foot building at 11104 McCormick Road. 

Point Breeze’s renovated lobby area features member service workstations outfitted with the latest in banking technology. The workstations will enable Point Breeze members to have quicker, easier access to accounts and other financial services, while still receiving the personalized service they have come to expect from Point Breeze.

The lobby also employs a new “dialogue banking” service model, which Point Breeze first introduced with the opening of its two new locations in Westminster and Owings Mills in 2017. Upon entering the Hunt Valley lobby, Point Breeze members are personally greeted by a Member Service Specialist who is able to handle most of the member’s needs without delay or referral to other staff members.

“Our new, tech-savvy lobby and our headquarters building expansion when completed next year will enable Point Breeze Credit Union to better meet the financial needs of our growing membership and to continue providing easy, reliable banking services to our members in a more efficient way,” says Point Breeze President and CEO Bernard McLaughlin.

McLaughlin notes that the entire project was spurred by the record growth Point Breeze currently is experiencing, both in terms of new members and its consumer and business loan activity. The credit union is also seeing a strong increase in business lending as more small businesses are taking advantage of investment real estate and Point Breeze’s zero origination fees and pre-payment penalties.

Once completed in late-2020, the combined 40,000 square foot Point Breeze Headquarters building will consolidate all of Point Breeze’s administrative functions under one roof to better meet the needs of its rapidly growing membership.

About Point Breeze Credit Union

Currently celebrating its 85^th year in business, Point Breeze Credit Union is one of Maryland’s largest credit unions, with 59,000 members and approximate assets of $800 million. A full-service financial institution that is member-owned and not-for-profit, Point Breeze offers easy, reliable banking through offices in Hunt Valley, Rosedale, Bel Air, Westminster, and Owings Mills, as well as more than 5,600 Shared Branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Membership in Point Breeze is open to individuals who work, worship, or volunteer within 20 miles of a Point Breeze location. Point Breeze is federally insured by NCUA and an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. For more information, visit www.pbcu.com.

Delegates Chris West, Nino Mangione and Michele Guyton met with HVBF members and Public Policy Committee members on October 29th for an informative overview of the upcoming legislative session. The Delegates encouraged HVBF members to be vocal on issues affecting their communities and organizations, and emphasized that they welcome feedback on proposed bills and policies. Topics discussed ranged from traffic to education and minimum-wages. 

For more information about the Public Policy Committee, please Click Here.