KCCU in the community

KCCU Toy Drive 202410/18/2024

Donations accepted at all branches November 15^th through December 13^th

Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) is proud to kick off our annual toy drive, bringing joy to children who might otherwise go without a gift during the holidays. Now in its 22nd year, KCCU continues this heartwarming tradition of collecting toys and gifts for local children in need.

This year, KCCU is once again partnering with the Salvation Army, featuring Angel Trees at all our Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids branches. Our Three Rivers ranch will support the St. Joseph County United Way toy drive, specifically benefitting local foster children, while the Marshall branch is partnering with There's Enough. These organizations are seeking new toys, or games for children ranging from infants to 17 years old.

Donations can be dropped off at any KCCU branch from November 15th through December 13th, 2024. Please remember to donate unwrapped gifts. By contributing a new toy or game, you can help brighten a child's holiday and bring the joy of the season to families across West Michigan!

"At KCCU, the true spirit of the holiday season is found in giving back. We're excited to once again host our annual toy drive to bring joy to the children and teens in our community," says Tracy Miller, CEO of KCCU. "This year, we invite both our members and the entire community to join us in making a meaningful impact by donating a toy or game. Together, we can brighten a child's holiday and make this season even more special."

Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day: Why It Matters10/8/2024

At KCCU, we believe in celebrating diversity and inclusion within our community. One way we do this is by honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day that reflects on the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous communities across North America. Observed on the second Monday in October, this day offers a critical opportunity to recognize the past, while uplifting and supporting the resilience of Indigenous peoples today.

A Day of Reflection and Respect

For generations, Indigenous peoples have played an essential role in shaping the cultural, environmental, and societal landscapes of our world. However, this history has often been overlooked or marginalized in favor of narratives that omit or distort the Indigenous experience. Indigenous Peoples' Day allows us to reflect on the true history of these communities, acknowledging their contributions as well as the injustices they have faced.

Supporting Indigenous Communities Today

Indigenous Peoples' Day is not just about reflection—it's also about action. By supporting Indigenous businesses, advocating for policy changes that protect Indigenous lands and rights, and fostering education on these issues, we can help build a more just and equitable future. KCCU encourages our members to take this day to learn more, participate in local events, and find ways to support Indigenous communities.

Why It Matters to KCCU

At KCCU, our mission is to serve and support all communities, recognizing that diversity strengthens our shared experience. Indigenous Peoples' Day aligns with our commitment to equality, respect, and social responsibility. We believe that by acknowledging and honoring Indigenous histories and cultures, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.

This Indigenous Peoples' Day, we invite you to join us in honoring the strength, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Let’s take this time to reflect, learn, and celebrate together.
 

All About International Credit Union Day9/24/2024

 

Celebrate 'One World Through Cooperative Finance' on International Credit Union Day® at KCCU

On October 17, 2024, credit union members around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day®, an annual event to commemorate the credit union movement’s impact and achievements. This year marks the 76th anniversary of this annual event, which will be celebrated under the theme of “One World Through Cooperative Finance”. In honor of this special day, KCCU invites its members to visit a branch for giveaways and refreshments to celebrate everyone’s contribution to the credit union community.

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions for more than 403 million members in 98 countries worldwide. More than 82,000 credit unions exist globally, providing a plethora of financial services for their members, recognized as a force for positive economic and social change.

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day® has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. Each year, the international event affords the opportunity to remember credit unions’ proud history and promote awareness of and support for the credit union and financial cooperative difference.

There are still 1.4 billion people across the globe who are unbanked. Credit unions truly have the perfect business model to serve underserved populations and that is a message we hope our entire global movement will celebrate and promote on Thursday, October 17.

International Credit Union Day is organized by World Council of Credit Unions, the global trade association and development platform for credit unions and other financial cooperatives, as well as numerous national credit union trade associations and federations around the world.

Join Team KCCU on Thursday, October 17th for refreshments and giveaways at your favorite KCCU branch!

Why Should I Get Preapproved?7/2/2024

 

Q: What are the reasons to get preapproved for a loan?

A: For a large purchase, such as a home or car, having that preapproval in hand before you start shopping is crucial. A preapproval is a written letter from a lender specifying how large of a loan you will be eligible for. The letter will also detail your estimated interest rate on the laon.

Here are some other key advantages of getting a preapproval:

1. You'll know what you can afford

Having this information in hand will simplify your search. It will also help you avoid disappointment later. Be sure to calculate other monthly costs, such as property taxes, home insurance, and increased auto insurance rates when determining the amount of money you'll need to shell out each month.

2. Don't get taken for a ride

When you're unsure about how much you can spend on a car, the dealer can capitalize on your uncertainty by trying to sell you a car that barely skims the maximum amount you've told them you can afford. They may also focus only on a monthly amount you can afford. They'll then try to inflate the payment with unnecessary charges and fees only because they fit within your named payment amount. In contrast, when you show the dealer your preapproval letter, they will have to show you cars with price tags that fit within your loan amount.

3. Be taken seriously

A car dealer will take you more seriously when you walk in with a preapproval. Having that information in hand shows you're ready to buy. When purchasing a home, a real estate agent will be able to assist you more efficiently when you know exactly how much house you can afford. They'll also give you better service since you're showing that you're serious about buying a home. In fact, many realtors will only work with buyers who've obtained a preapproval.

4. Know you have financing you can trust

When you show up at the car dealership with a preapproval from KCCU, you know the deal is in your best interest. Many dealers have access to several financing options and they're almost always going to offer you options that are in their own wallet's best interests.

5. Purchase your dream home

A preapproval helps you stand out from the pack. If you're house-hunting in a competitive market, having your preapproval will give you a leg up on bidding wars. A seller will be more eager to work with someone who's already started mortgage process.

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In the market for a new home or car? Don't forget to call, click, or stop by to hear about our fantastic rates on mortgage and auto loans!

Ways to Honor Memorial Day5/20/2024

The importance of Memorial Day can get lost in all the shopping and grilling, so take some time to acknowledge the service members who gave their lives to protect this country. Here are 15 ways to honor Memorial Day this year. 

1. Fly the American flag

Memorial Day is the perfect time to hang out the red, white and blue. Let that star-spangled banner fly! 

2. Brush up on your knowledge of American history

Learn about the major events that shaped our country and read up on why we celebrate Memorial Day each year.

3. Take a moment of silence

However you spend your Memorial Day, you can take a moment of silence at 3 p.m. for The National Moment of Remembrance.

4. Watch a patriotic movie

Watching a patriotic movie, like Black Hawk Down or The Hurt Locker, can help you feel their stories and appreciate what they do for our country.

5. Donate flowers for soldiers’ graves

Make a donation to Memorial Day Flowers, a foundation that places flowers on the graves of soldiers. 

6. Volunteer

Do something for someone else in the spirit of Memorial Day. You can help an elderly neighbor, pay it forward for someone at the coffee shop, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or find another way to spread kindness.

7. Shop at a veteran-owned business

If you plan to do any shopping or eating out this Memorial Day, you may want to make a stop into a business that is owned and/or operated by a veteran or military family. You can find a list of some veteran-owned businesses here.

8. Learn how to play a patriotic song

Dig out the guitar and dust off the piano, and then learn how to play a patriotic song in honor of Memorial Day. You can learn God Bless the U.S.A. or American Soldier. 

9. Take a virtual tour of the White House

In the digital age, you can take a tour of the White House from your living room. You’ll find a full virtual tour of the White House at Google Arts & Culture. There, you’ll learn all about the building’s architecture and about the historic events that took place in each room.

10. Create patriotic chalk art

Get out the sidewalk chalk and create some beautiful patriotic-inspired art on your driveway or the sidewalk in front of your home.

11. Write letters to soldiers and their families

Show your kids that Memorial Day is more than just a day off from school by having them write letters to active-duty soldiers and veterans.

12. Listen to veterans’ stories

Get a feel for the veterans’ stories by listening to a memoir like Band of Brothers or The Things They Cannot Say.

13. Donate to a military cause

Look up some trusted military charities and nonprofits, and then choose one that most speaks to you.

This year, KCCU donated to the Red White Blue Foundation of Calhoun County through local Biggby franchise owner, Charles Solano. On May 3rd, Mr. Solano attempted to break the Guinness World Record for The Most Chin Ups In 12 Hours, and he did it! This record was set in 2016 at 4,649. He ended up setting the new record at 5,107! In the process he also beat the 8-hour record with 3,755 chin ups, which was also set in 2016 with 3,751. All funds raised for this record-breaking attempt were donated to this foundation.

14. Put together care packages for soldiers

Operation Gratitude hosts several events over Memorial Day weekend. You can donate toys to kids who are living in combat zones, host a neighborhood fundraising event or collect toiletries for the troops.

15. Attend a Memorial Day parade

Find a local Memorial Day parade and join the festivities in the spirit of the day.

Use these ideas to celebrate Memorial Day this year. How are you going to celebrate Memorial Day this year? Tell us about it in a short video.

Kellogg Community Credit Union Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients5/15/2024

Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) is proud to help local students achieve their educational goals and pursue their dreams by awarding ten outstanding student members with the 2024 KCCU Scholarship! The scholarship provides $1,000 towards tuition for students attending an accredited Michigan college, university, or trade school.

KCCU would like to congratulate these ten deserving recipients, who each show a strong commitment to furthering their education and improving their communities:

Alexis Downs is a class of 2024 Pennfield High School graduate and Salutatorian. She also attended the Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center and was dual enrolled at Kellogg Community College. During high school she was involved in varsity & travel softball, National Honor Society, and volunteered at her school’s concession stand. Alexis plans to attend Albion College, being a part of Prentiss M. Brown Honors Program, and majoring in geological sciences.

Anshul Mohanty is a class of 2024 Portage Northern High School graduate. He also attended the Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center and was on their computer science team. During high school he was the captain of his school’s tennis team and was a student ambassador. He also participated in marching band, FIRST Robotics, and National Honor Society. Outside of school he was a general class-licensed radio operator and tutored & mentored other students. He participated in hundreds of hours of community service, including giving his time to Talons Out & Breadlift. Anshul plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in computer science to hopefully go into a career with AI & machine learning.

Brock Messenger is a class of 2024 Harper Creek High School graduate. During high school he was on his school’s tennis and golf teams. He also had an internship at Duncan Aviation. Brock plans to attend Lansing Community College in a trade program to jumpstart his career plan of becoming an electrical lineman.

Cade Isenhoff is a class of 2024 South Christian High School graduate. During high school he was involved in football, track, and student council. Outside of school he was a junior cadet counselor at his church, went on mission trips, and worked at a local nursing home. Cade plans to attend either Calvin University or Grand Valley State to major in secondary education on his way to becoming a teacher.

Garrett Barton is a class of 2024 Climax-Scotts High School graduate. He was also dual enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. During high school he was involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), excelled in a mechatronics course at KRESA, and earned a SACA industry 4.0 Associate-Basic Operations certification. Garrett plans to continue attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College before transferring to Western Michigan University for mechanical engineering.

Halla Reed is a class of 2024 Harper Creek High School graduate. During high school she played softball and volleyball. She was also in student council, participated in the National Honor Society, and was the high school girls’ swim & dive manager. Halla plans to attend Michigan Technological University to study biomedical or mechanical engineering with a focus in aerospace.

Kailyn Peak is a class of 2020 Lakeview High School graduate. While in school, she volunteered and had an internship at a homeless shelter, worked at a daycare, and volunteered locally to help families in need. Kailyn plans to attend Spring Arbor University, as she recently received her associate degree from Kellogg Community College.

Keegan McIntyre is a class of 2024 Portage Northern High School graduate. During high school he played football, baseball, and basketball. Outside of school he mentored & coached at youth clinics for baseball & football, participated in the Junior Achievement Titans challenge, and participated in Breadlift. Keegan plans to attend Hope College, Calvin University, or Concordia University. He is planning to play collegiate football while studying accounting or finance.

Mackenzie Swift was homeschooled and a class of 2022 graduate. During school she was involved in her church’s Victory Life & Impact youth groups and worked multiple jobs. Mackenzie plans to attend Kellogg Community College to pursue a career as a physical therapy assistant.

Madeline Kue is a class of 2024 Marshall High School graduate. During high school she was the team captain for women’s varsity swim & dive, participated in symphonic orchestra, and was the men’s swim team manager. In school she was also student council class president and National Honor Society vice president. Outside of school she participated in ballet and competition dance for over 10 years, was employed at a local dance company, and donated much of her free time to multiple local volunteer causes. Madeline plans to attend Hope College to major in biology on the pre-med track.

"Education plays a pivotal role building robust communities and grooming the leaders of tomorrow," said Tracy Miller, CEO of Kellogg Community Credit Union. "We commend these remarkable students not only for their scholastic achievements but also for their steadfast dedication to enriching their local communities. It brings us great joy to support their educational journey and we extend our best wishes for their future endeavors."

The Kellogg Community Credit Union Scholarship Program was established to assist KCCU members who are planning to attend or currently attend an accredited Michigan college or university or are working towards a certification or degree program in the trades at state supported community colleges. 2024 marks the thirty-sixth year of KCCU’s scholarship program, and since its inception they have awarded roughly $195,000 to local students. KCCU’s Board of Directors, Management, and Staff congratulate the 2024 scholarship winners, and thank the many other exceptional students who applied.

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Kellogg Community Credit Union, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan is a full-service financial institution serving people who live, work, worship, or attend school in the state of Michigan. With $895 million in assets, KCCU proudly serves over 52,000 members in Michigan, with branches in Battle Creek, Marshall, Kalamazoo, Portage, Richland, Grand Rapids, and Three Rivers. A community leader since 1941, KCCU consistently outperforms other financial institutions with outstanding service satisfaction ratings and a long history of growth. For more information, please visit www.kccu4u.org. Connect with Kellogg Community Credit Union on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

KCCU Wins Prestigious Newsweek "America's Best Credit Unions" Award2/27/2024

KCCU is thrilled to announce they have been honored as one of America's Best Credit Unions for 2024 by Newsweek, placing them in the top 250 credit unions in the nation!

Newsweek, in partnership with the market research firm Plant-A Insights Group assessed over 9,440 financial institutions, obtained feedback from over 35,000 members, and evaluated 149 million online reviews. In their results, they spotlighted the top 250 credit unions in the United States on Newsweek.com, and KCCU is honored to be named to this list! Credit Unions were highlighted in their own category as being recognized that they are a financial cooperative owned by their members.

Plant-A Insights Group based their assessment on factors of the financial institutions profitability, lending activity, overall financial health and stability, operational performance, and reputation.

“This award is a true testament of how committed we are to providing our members with the best value and service possible to help them reach their financial dreams,” stated Tracy Miller, KCCU’s CEO. “I cannot express enough how grateful we are for the dedication of our team, and the loyalty of our members to the credit union.”

“Regional banks and credit unions play a pivotal role in meeting the needs of communities across the nation.  Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to announce, “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2024,” highlighting local lenders that are committed to the needs of their communities.” – Nancy Cooper – Global Editor in Chief – Newsweek

You can find more detailed information on Newsweek’s website, www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-best-regional-banks-credit-unions-2024.

KCCU Hosts Toy Drives to Help Bring Joy to Children This Holiday Season11/13/2023

KCCU Toy Drive 2023

Donations accepted at all branches now through December 15th

Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) is excited to begin their annual toy drive for children who may not otherwise receive a gift during the holidays. This will mark the twenty-first consecutive year that KCCU will collect toys and gifts for children in need. 

KCCU is partnering with the Salvation Army to have Angel Trees at all their Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids locations. The Three River’s branch will support the St. Joseph County United Way toy drive for local foster children, and the Marshall Branch is partnering with There’s Enough. These charitable organizations are looking for new toys, games, or gift cards for children ages infant to 17 years old. Donations can be dropped off at a KCCU branch now through December 15th and the gifts should be unwrapped. By making a toy or gift card donation to one of these programs, you can directly impact a child in West Michigan while sharing the joy of the holidays! 

“At KCCU we believe the real magic of the holiday season lies in helping others. We are thrilled to host our annual toy drive to provide gifts to the children and teens in our community again this year.” says Tracy Miller, CEO of KCCU. “We welcome both KCCU Members and the community to come together to make a difference in a child’s life this holiday season by donating a toy or gift card. Together we can make a child’s holiday brighter.”

KCCU Hosts Winter Coat Drive To Help Support Communities9/29/2023

KCCU Winter Coat Drive 2023

Donations accepted at all branches October 1st-31st

Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) is ready to kick-off its annual coat drive to help the members of the communities in which they serve stay warm this winter. The coat drive will run from October 1st – 31st, and items can be dropped off in the lobby at any KCCU branch location. Financial hardship can make it difficult for some families and individuals to ensure that they’ll be dressed properly this winter, making this annual coat drive arrive at the perfect time. KCCU knows their team, members, and the community will come together and show support for this worthy cause, as they have done for many years past.

KCCU is adamant about helping to provide cold weather gear to those who may need assistance, so they are collecting new and gently used coats, snow pants, hats, mittens, and scarves, that are clean and in good condition, in all sizes from adults to infants and everything in-between. Then the items that are collected will be distributed to local families in need by our community partners.

“KCCU is passionate about being able to support the communities that we serve in any way that we can. With the cold months quickly approaching we want to ensure that members of our community have the cold weather gear they need to stay warm,” stated KCCU’s CEO, Tracy Miller. “This is just one of the ways we can give back to the community and live out our people helping people philosophy. And working together, we know we can make a positive impact on the lives of the families and individuals who may need some assistance this year. It’s an honor to partner with our wonderful charitable organizations to support our local initiatives. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donates to our Coat Drive!”

KCCU’s vision statement includes “providing opportunity and lifelong value to our members and our community.” KCCU takes this statement seriously, and for the past nineteen years they’ve hosted a Coat Drive in partnership with community-based organizations, as part of their commitment to their vision.

KCCU Receives Best Workplace Award10/14/2022

 

_{Photo caption: Pictured from L-R: SWMI First Chamber Director, Clarence Lloyd; KCCU CEO, Tracy Miller; KCCU CCO, Amber Mallernee; KCCU VP of HR, Jessica Bissenden; SWMI First Chamber Membership & Events Coordinator, Kevin Crittenden; Chamber Ambassador, Rex Simpson, Owner of Hobby-Sports}

 

KCCU receives Best Workplace award

October 14, 2022

Kellogg Community Credit Union is thrilled and honored to announce that we have received the Best Workplace award for 2022 by the Southwest Michigan First Chamber!

The 2022 Chamber’s Choice awards exist to partner with our community to recognize and celebrate the businesses and leaders that are making a huge impact in Kalamazoo County. There are currently (8) Chamber’s Choice awards and (10) Best of Kalamazoo County awards. One of the Best of Kalamazoo County award categories is Best Workplace which recognizes an organization that is a leader in workplace employee happiness, engagement, culture, retention, and attraction. Based on this description and after the votes were tabulated, Kellogg Community Credit Union received the highest total number of votes in this category!

“The Southwest Michigan First Chamber is honored to celebrate the team at Kellogg Community Credit Union as the winner for the Best of Kalamazoo County – Best Workplace award for 2022,” stated Clarence Lloyd, Director, Southwest Michigan First Chamber. “There has never been a more critical time for companies to focus on building world-class employee culture and serving their business mission by first serving their teams. Congratulations to the team at KCCU for being awarded this community recognition.”

“We feel truly honored to receive Southwest Michigan First’s 2022 Best of Kalamazoo County Award for Best Workplace!” said Amber Mallernee, KCCU’s CCO. “KCCU was nominated and selected by public vote, based on our workplace culture and engagement. We are incredibly grateful for our team, our members, and the community!”

 

KCCU to Open Convenient New Branch in Downtown Marshall3/4/2022

February 23, 2022

We are excited to announce that our Marshall branch will move to a new location in 2022! KCCU recently purchased the historic building located at 107 N. Park Avenue – across the street from the Brooks Memorial fountain and just down the road from their current branch.

KCCU Featured in CreditUnions.com Article3/1/2022

Kellogg Community Credit Union was featured in a recent creditunions.com article. The article showcases KCCU's balance between loan growth and member impact, and how KCCU strives to provide greater value in the products and services offered to members. Want to learn more? Read the article here.