June 24, 2009
Business Leaders Don Costumes to Support Food Drive
Kimberly, WI — Area business leaders set the pace for fun, dressing in costume during Capital Credit Union's 6th Annual Shopping Cart Races on Wednesday, June 17, the kick-off event for Capital's 10th Annual Food Drive which runs June 17-July 24 to benefit six area food pantries and three animal care associations. Capital President and CEO Alan Zierler dressed as a nun along with other team members from "Sister Act 3," while Larry's Piggly Wiggly Stores, Inc. President Tom Verhagen donned a wolf costume for the "3 Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf" team.
Larry's Piggly Wiggly, 95.9 KISS FM, and Little Caesar's Pizza in Kimberly, all partnered with Capital in the community event, with DJ Tyler James from KISS FM serving as emcee for the evening. Costume judges included WBAY TV-2 News Anchor Kathryn Bracho, Channel 5 First News Anchor Paul Evansen, The Post-Crescent's Executive Editor Dan Flannery, and WROE 94.3 FM (The Bridge) DJ Chuck Lakefield. Several other representatives from area food pantries and animal care associations also served as costume judges, and Capital's mascot, Maximillion, and Mr. Pig from Piggly Wiggly helped to cheer on contestants. Hundreds of race participants, judges and spectators supported the cause by donating non-perishable food and pet care items in exchange for refreshments.
Costumes were a big hit for everyone as 16 teams of 3 or 4 people each paraded for the costume judges before the Races began. Best costume for the evening went to "Willy's Workers," from Capital's Neenah office, including: April Green, Melissa Quintanilla, Mike Stadtmueller, and Marissa Wilson. First place Race winner was the "Capital Makes S'more Happen" team from Oshkosh, with Michael Johnson, Shawn Mueller, Leah Vander Velden, and Michael Weeks. Every child was a winner in the Kiddie Shopping Cart Races for kids ages 4-8. Each Kiddie Race participant took home a medal or a prize. Kids ages 12 and younger also enjoyed Capital Plinko and a variety of other games.
The following local media celebrities and representatives from area food pantries and animal care associations served as costume judges for the evening:
• Paul Evansen - Anchor, First News WFRV TV 5
• Kathryn Bracho - News Anchor, WBAY TV 2
• Chuck Lakefield - 94.3 FM
• Dan Flannery - Post-Crescent, Executive Editor
• Toni - St. John's Food Pantry, Little Chute
• Shari Waldron - St. Joseph's Food Program, Menasha
• Jim Garon - Hortonville Food Pantry, Hortonville
• Cheryl Rosenthal - Oshkosh Area Humane Society
• Michelle McRae - Saving Paws Animal Rescue
The goal for Capital's 10th Annual Food Drive, June 17-July 24, is to collect TWO TONS (4,000 pounds) of non-perishable food, hygiene and pet food and pet care items. Donations will benefit the following non-profit organizations:
• St. Joseph's Food Pantry - Menasha/Appleton/Greater Fox Cities area
• Hortonville Community Food Pantry - Hortonville/Greenville/Dale
• St. John's Food Pantry - Little Chute
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry - Kaukauna
• Freedom Food Pantry
• St. Martin's Food Pantry - Oshkosh
• Fox Valley Humane Association - Greater Fox Cities area
• Oshkosh Area Humane Society - Greater Oshkosh area
• Saving Paws Animal Rescue - Greater Fox Cities area
Donations of the following items are being accepted from the public and may be dropped off at any of Capital's 12 locations, now through July 24 (please, no glass containers):
Non-perishable food - Peanut butter, rice, dried beans, crackers, canned fruits and vegetables, dry
cereal, oatmeal, flour, macaroni and cheese, pasta, canned beef stew, boxed complete meals, soup,
spaghetti sauce, sugar, tuna, paper products, and other non-perishable foods
Personal care products - Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, and conditioner
Pet care items - Purina brand dog and cat food, pine chips (bedding), rabbit food pellets, cat litter,
bleach, trash bags, liquid laundry detergent, and floor cleaner
Preparations for the Food Drive have been underway for several months, including a student food drive/competition at Kimberly High School in May which was hosted by students at Capital's high school branch and collected more than 900 items. Capital received a discount from Larry's Piggly Wiggly and is donating several hundred dollars worth of grocery items used during the Races. Capital employees are also collecting items throughout the Food Drive, with themed "charity jeans days" focused on specific items, such as: "Sweet Seat Jeans Day" (baking items), "Rice & Beans for Jeans Day," "Red, White, & Blue Jeans Day" (donate 4 items for the 4th), and "Prrrfect Pair Jeans Day" (bring in items especially for babies and pets).
Last year, Capital's members, employees, and community residents donated more than 3,200 pounds of items to the Food Drive. The Shopping Cart Races and Food Drive are just two of the many ways Capital gives back to those in need. Capital Credit Union is proud to team up with area businesses in supporting area food pantries and animal care associations while offering a fun event to the communities they serve.
May 18, 2009
Capital Plans Annual Shopping Cart Races to Kick Off Food Drive
Kimberly, WI — Preparations are underway for Capital Credit Union's 6th Annual Shopping Cart Races to kick off their Annual Food Drive on Wednesday, June 17, at Capital's 855 Eisenhower Drive location, adjacent to Highway CE in Kimberly. More than 14 teams of racers from Capital and other area businesses are already signed up and ready to roll down the outdoor aisles for the good-natured competition to benefit six area food pantries and three local animal care associations. Along with the Shopping Cart Races, other events for the evening include a costume parade with celebrity media judges, "Kiddie" Shopping Cart Races for kids ages 4-8, games and activities for ages 12 and younger, and free food and refreshments for spectators and participants beginning at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited and welcome to attend this FREE evening event.
Dozens of Capital volunteers will help to "make it happen" for the Food Drive kick off event. In exchange for free pizza, popcorn and soda, donations of non-perishable food, unused hygiene items, or pet care items are encouraged to help stock the shelves at area food pantries and animal shelters. DJ Dayton Kane from KISS 95.9 FM/104.3 FM The Breeze will emcee the races again this year, and Capital's mascot, Maximillion the dog, will join the festivities along with a mascot friend from Piggly Wiggly. The "Pigmobile" and the "KISS Kruiser" will also be on-site that day.
Shopping Cart Races Event Day Schedule:
5:30 p.m. - Free pizza and refreshments in exchange for food, personal care item or pet care item donation
5:45 p.m. - Registration begins for Kiddie Shopping Cart Races
6:00 p.m. - Kiddie Shopping Cart Races begin (kids ages 4-8); Games & activities for ages 12 and younger
6:15 p.m. - Costume parade of race teams before judges' stand; costume judging by local celebrity judges
6:30 p.m. - Shopping Cart Races begin - contestants "shop" as fast as they can down the make-shift aisles in Capital's parking lot; Kiddie Shopping Cart Races continue until finished
6:45 p.m. (time approximate) - Best costume winner awarded after first round of races
7:30 p.m. (time approximate) - Races completed; race winner awarded
Capital's Shopping Cart Races and Food Drive are just two of the many ways Capital and their employees give back to their communities. Capital Credit Union is proud to support area food pantries and animal care associations while offering a fun event for the communities they serve.
May 1, 2009
Capital Credit Union Rated Among Top 20 Credit Unions Nationwide
Kimberly, WI — Credit Union Strategy and Performance (CUSP) magazine recently rated Capital Credit Union of Kimberly 18th among credit unions nationwide on the Return of the Member (ROM) Index which measures the economic value members receive from their credit union memberships. The prestigious rating is assigned by asset categories based on criteria developed by Callahan & Associates, reflecting a credit union's functions of member lending, savings and product usage. Capital was listed among 50 top-ranked credit unions in the $250-$500 million asset category.
The Callahan & Associates ROM Index uses a percentile ranking for the three basic credit union components, and ratings are based on the scores of other credit unions within the peer group. According to the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), as of December 2008, there are 8,147 credit unions with 92.5 million member-owners in the United States. Capital's President and CEO Alan M. Zierler was pleased, though not surprised, by the high rating.
"Our members always come first," said Zierler. "Particularly this past year we've focused on top-notch member service, instituting a new training program with experts on staff training each and every one of our employees. This type of recognition confirms that we're on the right track when it comes to offering useful, relevant products and services for our members."
Capital's current "Take Five" checking and e-Services promotion offers members five fee-free key services for a limited time, saving members money while introducing cost-saving products and eco-friendly electronic banking options, such as online banking, free bill pay and more.
April 23, 2009
Capital partners with FISC for "50 Ways to Save" Workshop
Kimberly, WI — Capital Credit Union is partnering with the Financial Information and Service Center, Inc. (FISC) to present "50 Ways to Save Money in 50 Minutes," a free workshop featuring practical ways for consumers to save time and money in a tight economy. All are welcome to attend. There is no fee for the workshop, but reservations are requested by calling 731-3195, toll-free 1-866-731-3195.
Presented by Alan Prahl from FISC with Cindi Witt from Capital Credit Union
Tuesday, May 19 - 6:00-7:30 p.m., with a complimentary light supper served at 5:30 p.m.
Gerald Van Hoof Civic Center, 625 Grand Avenue, Little Chute
Located near the corner of Main St. (Hwy. 96) & Grand Ave.
"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." - Benjamin Franklin
Finding it hard to save or even make ends meet in today's economy? Join us for this workshop and find out about ways to take control of your spending. You'll learn to stretch your dollars and save in dozens of ways:
• Save on groceries, clothes, shoes and other items
• Pay less and get just the right car to fit your style and your budget
• Shop online for money saving coupons and other online bargains
• Dine out for less and enjoy low-cost entertainment options
• Reduce your energy costs
• Brainstorm with other attendees about money-saving ideas that work
Hands-on activities and practical, real-life tips on saving make this a popular workshop. Presenter Alan Prahl is the education manager at the Financial Information & Services Center, Inc. (FISC) and is an expert on the topic of money management. Prahl has taught on a variety of personal financial topics over the years, from building budgets and managing cash flow to getting out of debt and reaching financial goals. Cindi Witt, marketing communications specialist and financial education coordinator at Capital, will also share about practical ways to save and shop for financial products and services.
For more information about the workshop or to sign up, call Capital at 731-3195, toll-free at 1-866-731-3195.
April 6, 2009
Capital Donates Well Settlement Dollars to Benefit Community
Kimberly, WI — Capital Credit Union recently established the Capital Credit Union Charitable Giving Fund, an enduring community outreach program to benefit residents of the greater Fox Cities area, the Heart of the Valley, Greenville, Freedom and Oshkosh. Capital donated their $437,000 settlement from the Freedom well class action lawsuit and contributed an additional $63,000 to create the $500,000 endowment fund. The fund will be administered by the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region Inc., and qualifying non-profit organizations will be able to apply for grant monies from the fund as of July 1.
"This is a dream come true for us at Capital," said Capital's Board Chairperson Melanie Haen. "We are excited about the opportunity to touch the lives of community residents in this meaningful way."
While the settlement was unexpected, its proposed use and on-going benefits will be well planned. The Charitable Giving Fund is designed as a "perpetual endowment fund" according to Capital's President and CEO Alan Zierler. Each year approximately 5 percent of the fund (interest earned) will be available by application to eligible 501(c)3 non-profit organizations.
"With the state of the economy, more and more of our friends, neighbors and relatives are facing difficult times," Zierler said. "The main objective of this fund is to provide for basic needs (food, shelter, clothing and medical care), making a positive impact on many lives. It is our privilege to give back to the communities we serve in this way, providing assistance to the needy now and for many years to come."
Grant applications for the Capital Credit Union Charitable Giving Fund will be available online at the Community Foundation's web site at www.cffoxvalley.org and at www.capitalcu.com beginning July 1.
Headquartered in Kimberly, Wisconsin, Capital Credit Union was honored with a first place 2008 Dora Maxwell Award for Social Responsibility and a 2008 Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action. In 2009 Capital was recognized with the State Superintendent's Business Friends of Education Award and Heart of the Valley Excellence in Achievement Award. Capital has assets of more than $350 million and serves 33,000 members with 12 offices located throughout the greater Fox Valley area, Greenville, Oshkosh and Freedom.