Growing and Investing in You, Our Members
Grateful. That’s how I felt in closing out 2020, undoubtedly a year many folks would like to forget. I am grateful, of course, for all of your support, patience, and patronage. We had to make (and continue to make) many adjustments to keep you all safe and to try to help all of you counter the impacts of the pandemic, whether it be through loan accommodations, fighting off fraud, fee waivers, or helping to better use some of our recently enhanced electronic banking solutions that have proven to be a real help to so many during this epidemic. During all this chaos, I am grateful that so many of you have made American Eagle your number one choice to take out a loan in 2020, leading to record results in new mortgage loan volumes.
Grateful. I am appreciative that our team that made safety a number one priority, and I am grateful that with all that they had to deal with, they did so with a strong team spirit, great adaptability, and a desire to help each and every one of you as much as they could.
Grateful. I am glad that we were able to find so many ways to help our communities as nearly everything went virtual due to the pandemic. We missed making those important personal connections with so many at schools, businesses, and community organizations that are the lifeblood of our community service imperatives. We closed out the year with the sponsorships of 3 local holiday light shows that have proven to be a very popular way for families and friends to safely enjoy some holiday cheer.
Over the last couple of months, we renovated our Manchester branch on Broad Street and it is a welcome change for the community there. We also just relocated our East Hartford Main Street location, having been there since 1952. While a somewhat more subdued event during the pandemic, opening this new space at Main and Ensign streets offers a fresh new take on our branch delivery strategy with the inclusion of video teller services at the drive-thru lanes. Our capable staff in both locations are eager to engage with you and address any credit, savings, insurance, or investment needs you may have in the future.
In 2021, we are preparing for a lot of new enhancements to our branch and back-office technology and service environments that will speed up account opening, account servicing, teller window service, and identification practices next spring. New systems will provide our staff in the branches, in our Call Centers, and in our lending areas with more information that is better integrated for them to serve you more efficiently.
The Board of Directors and the entire team at American Eagle Financial Credit Union wish you, your family, and your friends all of the best in 2021 and beyond. We continue to be successful because you, our loyal members and friends, demonstrate trust and confidence in our team and our volunteer Board of Directors.
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Dean Marchessault
President & Chief Executive Officer
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New Financial Education Topic |
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Educate Yourself on Financial Caregiving and Elder Fraud |
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Caring for an elder relative? Learn more about the responsibilities of caring for another person's financial wellbeing and how to help them avoid financial fraud. Explore five free online lessons that you can complete at your convenience and at your own pace. |
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Important Information About Money Orders |
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Money Orders Discontinued Effective March 1, 2021 |
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Please be advised that money orders will be discontinued effective March 1, 2021, due to low demand. As an alternative, official bank checks remain available for $5.00 each. Or skip the trip to the branch and use ACH transfers, online Bill Pay, or person-to-person payments to electronically pay bills or another person — wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you. |
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Please Note Our New Mailing Address |
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P.O. Box 280128, East Hartford, CT 06128 |
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Due to the relocation of the Credit Union's East Hartford office, effective immediately, our previous mailing address of 417 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118, is no longer in service. To avoid delayed or undelivered mail, please do not send further correspondence of any kind to this address.
Loan Payments - Please refer to your loan billing statement for the correct mailing address to mail all loan payments.
General Correspondence - All written correspondence to the Credit Union should be addressed to:
American Eagle Financial Credit Union
P.O. Box 280128
East Hartford, CT 06128
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Introductory Visa Balance Transfer Offer |
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On New Platinum or Secured Visa® Credit Cards Opened by March 31
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Get a 0% Introductory APR* for 12 months on balance transfers made from December 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021. After the introductory period, standard variable purchase APRs will apply based on your creditworthiness.
Stop paying high rates and expensive finance charges on other credit cards. Transfer your balances to a new American Eagle FCU Platinum or Secured Visa credit card today! It's simple and you'll start saving money. There is no minimum balance transfer amount, and the maximum balance transfer amount is up to your approved credit limit.
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East Hartford Branch Relocation |
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Inside Goodwin University Building at 361 Main Street |
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On Monday, December 14, 2020, American Eagle Financial Credit Union relocated its East Hartford branch from 417 Main Street to the 1st floor of the new Goodwin University Building at 361 Main Street.
The new branch features:
- Three drive-up lanes with live Video Tellers for transactions with extended hours
- Teller, Member Investment, and Mortgage Services by appointment or walk-in
- Components of the branch décor pay tribute to our Pratt & Whitney roots
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American Eagle Continues to Seek Top Talent! |
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Join Our Team of Dedicated Employees |
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You’ve trusted us with your financial needs, could you be the next one to join our team? What sets American Eagle apart is how we invest in our employees because they are the foundation of our success. We offer a coaching and professional development program, a diversity and inclusion council where your voice matters, competitive compensation, and benefits. Our market- competitive package includes, but is not limited to: Incentive Programs; Medical, Dental, Vision coverage; Paid Time Off (PTO); 401(k) with matching contributions; and Education Reimbursement.
To learn more about our job opportunities, please visit our website or contact one of our HR representatives at careers@aefcu.com.
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American Eagle Is Soaring in the Community |
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Over $24,000 Donated in Fourth Quarter's Cash Back to the Community |
American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the recipients of $24,078 in donations from its participatory funding program, Cash Back to the Community.
Nonprofit organizations Healing Meals Community Project, Dog Star Rescue, and Farmington High School Friends of Music each received a donation of $8,026 for earning the most votes in AEFCU’s fourth quarter Cash Back to the Community program. More than 165 organizations were nominated and 5,083 total votes were cast from members and the general public.
The total amount donated through this program in 2020 was $86,425.
During 2020, AEFCU donated one percent of its credit and debit card interchange income to three nonprofit and/or 501(c)(3) organizations each quarter through the Cash Back to the Community program. Funding for the program is generated each time members use an American Eagle credit or debit card. At the end of each quarter, one percent of the total interchange income–the fee paid for credit and debit card transactions–is being distributed to the three top qualified nonprofits as voted on by both the Credit Union’s members and the general public.
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CU Donates Computer Equipment to Veterans Transition Home |
American Eagle recently donated eight used personal computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, and cables to the nonprofit Veterans Inc. The equipment will be refurbished with new hard drives and operating software for use at their 20-room veterans homeless residence in New Britain, CT.
“Our goal is to place a computer in each room at the shelter for the residents to use for education, job search, and support services, to get them working and living independently, and to achieve stability in their lives. The donation of these computers by American Eagle is a big start toward that goal and is helping many veterans in the future,” said Daniel Walsh, Connecticut Regional Manager with Veterans Inc.
Headquartered in Worcester, MA, Veterans Inc. is New England’s leading provider of support services to veterans and their families. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization’s mission is to be there for veterans in their time of need. Since 1990, Veterans Inc. has helped more than 85,000 veterans and today operates offices and programs in all six New England states.
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Employees Donate Over $11,800 from Fourth Quarter Payroll Deductions |
American Eagle Financial Credit Union employees donated $11,881 from their weekly payroll deductions for the fourth quarter, October 1 through December 31, 2020.
Hands on Hartford received $6,480 from the Jeans Friday fundraiser. Hands on Hartford is a social service nonprofit serving Hartford’s most economically challenged residents in the areas of food, housing, and health. Their services provide relief to thousands of Hartford neighbors through meals and groceries, security deposit and utility assistance, health screening, and affordable housing support.
American Eagle employees collectively donated $46,879 in 2020.
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CU Continues Affiliation with The Salvation Army/WTIC-AM Holiday Store |
American Eagle continued its longstanding affiliation with The Salvation Army/WTIC-AM Holiday Store. In addition to a $3,500 sponsorship, a few Credit Union employees sorted the donated food, clothing, and toys under careful guidelines at the Holiday Store locations in Glastonbury and Farmington. |
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CU Caps Off Month-Long Salute to Veterans With $5,000 in Donations |
American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced five $1,000 donations to organizations that support veterans.
The AEFCU donations, given from its Donor Advised Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, were selected by a group of AEFCU employees and given on five consecutive Mondays in November.
“This year we wanted to honor our veterans throughout November and in a way that would acknowledge and support as many of them as possible beyond Veterans Day observances,” said Dean Marchessault, president and chief executive officer of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “The program was led by AEFCU employees, who were only too enthusiastic to celebrate those who served.”
In addition to the five $1,000 donations, AEFCU created the American Eagle Honor Roll of Veterans on its website as a thank you to those who retired from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, or Navy. The public was invited to submit names of themselves or family members or friends who had served. More than 160 names were collected for the American Eagle Honor Roll of Veterans.
The veterans-related organizations that each received $1,000 AEFCU grants were:
House of Heroes Connecticut - House of Heroes is a nonprofit organization that coordinates repairs and improvements on the homes of military veterans facing physical or financial limitations. All repairs and improvements are done at no cost to the veteran and are completed by volunteers and skilled tradespeople who volunteer their time. "House of Heroes Connecticut is thrilled that American Eagle Financial Credit Union is supporting our work with this generous grant," said House of Heroes Executive Director Dennis Buden. "We look forward to using these vital funds to provide home repairs for a New Haven County veteran in need in the near future."
Middlesex Community College Foundation - The foundation sustains educational opportunities for Middlesex students who are military veterans. In addition, the foundation engages veterans through a support and lounge center, a veterans' club, and career development as well as access to many local and national resources, counseling, and assistance.
Dog Star Rescue - The Dogs for Veterans program matches qualified veteran service men and women with deserving abandoned dogs and provides each with a rewarding life experience. Dogs for Veterans focuses on matching rescue dogs to be companions and emotional support dogs and to help heal the emotional wounds of military veterans.
University of Connecticut Foundation - UConn Veterans Affairs and Military Program, whose mission is to support, advocate for, provide resources for, and advise over 800 military-affiliated students to ensure they maximize the benefits they have earned and use them in the manner that best enables them to accomplish their educational goals.
The Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Massachusetts, Inc. - BVOCM are “veterans helping veterans” with a mission to serve veterans seeking assistance for service to our country. This includes disability claims, basic human needs, healthcare, employment, housing, substance abuse, and more. “We operate a 20-bed apartment building for needy veterans and a Homeless Veteran Transitional Home for individuals overcoming the challenges of drug and alcohol addiction,” said Gumersindo Gomez, Executive Director, Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Massachusetts, Inc. “This generous donation from American Eagle will help purchase food, winter clothing, and other necessities for our shelter residents this holiday season.”
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$3,000 in Grants Help Supply Diapers to Needy Families |
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Three diaper banks recently received a $1,000 grant from the American Eagle Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
- Gentle Love Diaper Pantry, Manchester
- The Diaper Bank of Connecticut, North Haven
- Square One, Diaper Bank of Springfield, MA.
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Light Sponsorships Lift Holiday Spirits and Brighten Winter Nights |
Thousands of people in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts enjoyed the bright lights of the holiday thanks in part to COVID-safe drive-through events sponsored by American Eagle.
The Credit Union was the title sponsor of Magic of Lights at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford. AEFCU was also a major sponsor of Holiday Light Fantasia at Goodwin Park in Hartford and Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, MA.
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Donation to Lions Club Provides Residents with Poinsettias |
A $500 donation from American Eagle Financial Credit Union to the East Hartford Lions Club Annual Poinsettia Sale was used to spread holiday cheer to some healthcare workers, elderly, and other less fortunate residents of our community. The funds were used to purchase over 40 poinsettias that the Lions Club then delivered between East Hartford’s Riverside Health & Rehabilitation Center and the East Hartford Community Shelter.
“The pandemic drastically reduced our annual fundraiser this year. We are grateful to American Eagle for stepping up to support the Lions Club and then generously donating the plants in town,” said Don Samartino of the East Hartford Lions Club.
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Keeping You Safe and Informed |
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Scammers prey on your kindness during disasters |
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Wildfires raging out West. The hurricane season. Civil unrest. And all of this happening during a global pandemic that has claimed its own devastating share of deaths and cost people their livelihoods. In response to these events, the season of giving has started since we all just want to help where we can.
But shameless scammers want to help themselves to your money! And they’re competing with legitimate charities, taking advantage of your generosity. So, as you open your heart and wallet to help people and causes that are special to you, be sure to consider these tips for safe giving:
- Never let anyone rush you into donating. Pressuring you to act right away is something that scammers do. They like to create a sense of urgency.
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Don’t assume the charity requests you see online or on social media are legitimate, even if someone you know sends them to you. Even if a group sounds legitimate, know that some scammers use names that sound like real charities on purpose, only they’re not.
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Before you donate, research the name of the organization or cause. Search their name online, plus the words “scam,” “fraud,” or “complaint.” Find out if the charity or fundraiser is registered in your state.
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Visit the State of Connecticut’s website to find out if the charity or fundraiser is registered in CT. If the charity isn’t registered, consider donating elsewhere.
To get more tips on how to spot and avoid charity scams, go to ftc.gov/charity. And if you think you’ve spotted a fake charity, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
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American Eagle Financial Credit Union will be CLOSED on the following federal holidays during the first quarter:
- Monday, January 18, 2021, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, February 15, 2021, Presidents' Day
Access your accounts 24/7 with online banking, mobile banking, and at thousands of Allpoint and SUM ATMs across the U.S. Take the Credit Union with you wherever you go. We're never more than a call or click away.
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American Eagle Financial Services
Virtual Investment Seminar January 12, 2021
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Anatomy of a Recession: What to Look for and Where We're Headed |
The free WebEx meeting is open to Credit Union members and non-members. |
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American Eagle Financial Credit Union
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American Eagle Financial Credit Union will never solicit confidential information about your accounts through email. If you receive a suspicious email asking you to open an attachment or click on a link to provide personal information, do not take action. See privacy and security policy. Federally Insured by NCUA.
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