Fort Financial & Arts United Team Up for United Way Day of Caring 2010

FFCU and the nonprofit arts fund group, Arts United, joined efforts in the United Way 2010 Day of Caring at Camp Red Cedar in Fort Wayne, IN on August 12, 2010. Day of Caring is a massive effort that brings community volunteers face-to-face with local nonprofit and community organizations. At Camp Red Cedar, FFCU and Arts United were tasked with building raised garden beds. The team poured their sweat and muscles into the project and were able to complete all 9 raised beds for Camp Red Cedar.

4th Annual FFCU Charity Flea Market

Fort Financial Credit Union held its 4th annual Charity Flea Market on Saturday, May 28, 2010 at the Corporate Office in Fort Wayne, IN. The Flea Market is part of FFCU's year-long fundraising efforts to aid local charities. Although the day started off with rain and thunder showers, shoppers were not discouraged from braving the elements to scope out the wares. From crafts to clothing to household products, the flea market was able to draw a decent crowd despite the unpredictable weather.

This annual event is open to the public. Parking spaces are rented out to vendors and they keep their own profits. The space rental proceeds from the flea market go to local charitable organizations such as Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. Nelson's Chicken was a new addition to the event this year and added to the fundraising efforts.

Check out our Community Calendar for upcoming events in your area.


Pictured: Fort Wayne residents shop at the 4th Annual FFCU Charity Flea Market.

Fort Financial Credit Union Completes Friendly Merger

In light of increased regulatory compliance burdens and the need to upgrade expensive technologies, Specialty Federal Credit Union, formerly Slater-Steel, fell victim to the tight financial times like so many other financial institutions and businesses in 2009. Specialty FCU sought a merger partner that would benefit their membership and in their search they found a home with Fort Financial Credit Union, also headquartered in Fort Wayne.

The National Credit Union Administration formally approved the merger of Specialty Federal Credit Union with Fort Financial Credit Union (FFCU) in March 2010. The consolidation provides former Specialty members with improved product offerings and technologies that were not previously available to them. At Fort Financial, these members now have access to online banking and the convenience of more branch locations with evening and weekend hours at all three Fort Wayne Meijer stores as well as the Meijer store in Marion, IN.

FFCU is currently placing a large investment in new and upgraded technology. This will not only allow members to access some of the latest and greatest, but assures that Fort Financial has the ability to build and keep pace with members’ future needs. Fort Financial was definitely the partner of choice for Specialty. FFCU was able to bring over the entire Specialty staff. FFCU is proud to complete a merger that leaves the legacy of both credit unions alive; blending families, making them both stronger in the long run.

Financial times are tight for everyone. Because of this, many credit unions may not be able to keep up with the inevitable demands of technology, compliance and future investments. Rest assured, if these credit unions find themselves in that situation, FFCU is the preferred choice for merger partnership.

Pictured at left: Pamara Simmons, Specialty Federal Credit Union Manager & Steve Collins, FFCU President & CEO