FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feel the Love: Why Credit Unions Love You Like No Other Do you love your financial institution? If not, strike up a relationship with a credit union for Valentine’s Day

Columbus, Ohio (February 6, 2012) The relationship between a consumer and his or her financial institution is often a tumultuous one, full of give and take in the form of withdrawals, deposits and fees. However, there is a way to smooth-over your relationship; you might just need some old-fashioned financial “counseling.” Join nearly 2.7 million Ohioans who are feeling the love from credit unions, which put $120 million back in the pockets of their members last year.

“Most people would not use the word love when describing their financial institution,” said Paul Mercer, President of the Ohio Credit Union League. “However, credit union members love the fact their financial well-being is what credit unions strive for, and that credit unions always have their best interest in mind. Members certainly feel the love in their wallets.”

Here are six ways credit unions love you like no other financial institution:

 Credit unions care about you. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions that exist to provide affordable financial products and services that better their members’ lives. In fact, according to the Credit Union National Association, credit unions put $120 million dollars in the pockets of Ohioans last year (June 2010 – June 2011) thanks to direct member benefits.

 Credit unions love you back. Credit unions return any profits they make back directly to its members, meaning low interest rates on loans, better rates on saving, low-fees, new products and convenient services.

 Credit unions are not selfish. Not only do they love you, but they love the communities they serve. According to a survey by the Ohio Credit Union League, 93% of credit unions in the state spent a total of $674,000 to provide financial education in 2010.

 Credit unions are romantic. Credit unions were created by working-class Americans who could not afford services provided by for-profit financial institutions. It’s likely that your grandparents or great-grandparents helped found one of the credit unions that still proudly serves working Americans today.

 Credit unions are there for you when you need them. Many credit unions belong to Shared Branching, a network of more than 4,400 branch locations nationwide. In Ohio, credit unions members can make fee-free transactions at more than 300 location, making Shared Branching the fifth largest branch network in the state.

 Credit unions will not break your heart. Once you are a member of a credit union, you are a member for life. For more information about credit unions, and to find one to join, visit www.aSmarterChoice.org.

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The Ohio Credit Union League, with offices in Columbus, is a state trade association representing 379 credit unions. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions owned and democratically-controlled by their members. Ohio credit unions provide savings, loans, and other consumer financial services to their 2.69 million members. To learn more, visit www.aSmarterChoice.org.