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LAURIUM/DOLLAR BAY - Trust, commitment and honesty are three very important words that the American public no longer takes for granted after the past year with the ups and downs of the financial industry. Torch Lake Federal Credit Union has lived by these words each day since they opened their doors to the public in 1955.

Torch Lake Federal Credit Union was originated as a cooperative method through the Knights of Columbus to provide loans to local people. The original founders were Peter Pini, Louis Koeppel, and Harry Trainer, who identified the need for financial diversity in the local area.

Through the years, Torch Lake Federal Credit Union has expanded its services and locations to provide service and financial products within its chartered area.

Torch Lake Federal Credit Union has various quality services to offer its members. Along with the on-line banking, TLFCU is launching monthly and quarterly statements on-line. Paperless statements will be a convenient option. Registration for paperless statements will be as easy as on-line banking and will be available 24/7 to registered members beginning in December.

Torch Lake Federal Credit Union would like to remind all members that its North End Branch is never closed, thanks to its very busy ATM machine.

The ATM has been a great asset to the North End Branch, and TLFCU is looking forward to possibly adding an ATM machine at its Lake Linden Branch in the near future.

Torch Lake Federal Credit Union reminds all members if they are interested in an ATM or ATM/Debit card to contact their office for registration. Remember, members pay nothing to access their account at TLFCU's North End branch and only $1 at any Wells Fargo ATM location.

Torch Lake Federal Credit Union would also like to announce to members that its new Web site will be launched shortly.

"We are excited to re-energize our web site and give a makeover to our logo and provide up-to-date consumer information," said CEO Mary Kay Grabig. "It will assist members and perspective members."

Torch Lake Federal Credit Union's goal with the Web site is to provide pertinent information about membership services that are offered. The credit union has great rates to offer for loans, certificate of deposits and savings.

Currently, the certificate of deposit everyday rate for a 6 month CD is 1.51%APY and our loan rate for new cars, snowmobiles, four-wheelers is as low as 5.75% everyday rate. www.torchlakefederal.com

This year's theme for International Credit Union Day is "Your money, your choice, your credit union."

This year's theme represents the many reasons why 177 million people worldwide choose credit unions for fair and affordable financial services. This year, credit unions should be especially proud of their repeated acclaim as safe and sound institutions and their continued service to members, even through difficult times.

"The value, trust and high-quality services provided are just some of the ways that credit unions differ from traditional, for-profit banks and financial institutions," Grabig said. "Credit unions are very different, indeed, both in philosophy and structure."

For more than 150 years, credit unions worldwide have proudly put people before profits in order to provide access to affordable financial services for all members. As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit union earnings are invested in helping members.

In addition to lower rates and better service, members experience the difference that comes through in our democratic structure, our service to members, and the social goals that credit unions' "people helping people" philosophy helps support.

Torch Lake Federal Credit Union is one of 40,000 credit unions in the world. From all walks of life, from villages or cities, in countries at peace or in conflict, credit unions are helping them create new opportunities every day.

With access to a safe, convenient place to save their money and secure affordable loans, members are able to create new opportunities for themselves, their family and their community.

Torch Lake Federal Credit Union would like to invite everyone to visit their Lake Linden or Laurium branches October 13th through 16th to register for prizes, and enjoy a treat.

For more information, visit torchlakefederal.com