In today’s digital world, financial fraud is an ever-present threat for businesses of all sizes. At Cross Valley Federal Credit Union, we want our local business community to stay informed and protected against these risks. From phishing scams to data breaches, fraud can come in many forms. But with the right precautions, you can safeguard your business.

Here are a few key steps you can take to protect your business and your employees:

• Educate Your Team: Ensure that your employees understand the common types of fraud, such as phishing emails, fraudulent invoices and unauthorized wire transfers. Regular training sessions can help staff recognize and avoid potential scams.
• Implement Strong Security Protocols: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all company accounts. Encrypt sensitive data and regularly update software to patch vulnerabilities. A strong password policy is essential—make sure employees use unique, complex passwords and change them regularly. We can’t stress this enough.
• Monitor Financial Transactions: Keep a close eye on your business’s accounts for any suspicious activity. Setting up alerts for unusual transactions can help you detect potential fraud early. Frequently reconciling your accounts ensures discrepancies are caught and addressed promptly.
• Work with a Trusted Financial Partner: Choosing a reliable financial institution like Cross Valley Federal Credit Union means having experts on your side who can offer fraud detection tools and guidance. Outside of financial security, our EPIC and WealthWise Team are here to assist, support and guide you and your company to continued success.

By taking proactive measures and staying vigilant, your business can stay ahead of financial fraud. If you ever need advice or want to learn more about fraud prevention tools, we’re here to help—contact us today! Together, we can protect your business and our community.

Putting the word Ultimate in front of anything is a pretty hefty statement. That’s some serious talk that requires an even more serious walk. But we didn’t call this the Ultimate Auto Loan for nothing. Besides seriously low loan rates, for a limited time, auto loans from Cross Valley come with some bonus features you won’t find anywhere else.

1.00% cash back¹ on your loan amount. You read that correctly. When you get an auto loan or refinance one from another lender, we’ll give you 1.00% cash back on your total loan amount1.

Free GAP Insurance². Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance is like a special shield for your car. If your car gets totaled or stolen and the car isn’t worth as much as what you still owe, GAP insurance steps in and pays the difference. And with Cross Valley, GAP insurance (valued at $500.00) is on the house!

No payments for 45 days³. And now, the icing on the cake! When you use Cross Valley for your auto loan or refi, we’ll give you 45 days off from making a car payment, giving you more time and more money to focus on what matters most this season.

And on top of that, now through December 31, 2024, when you fund your next vehicle purchase or refi from Cross Valley, you’ll be automatically entered to win one of two year-long unlimited car wash packages from our friends at Cloud10 Smartwash⁴.

Learn more

¹ 1.00 Cash Back: 1.00% cash back applies to both new and used vehicle loans or loans refinanced from another institution only and does not apply to any indirect vehicle purchase. Maximum cash back allotted is $500.00. This offer is not valid to refinance an existing Cross Valley FCU loan. If you participate in this offer: 1) You may receive a Form 1099-MISC at year end; 2) the 1.00% cash back award will be forfeited and added to the payoff amount, if the loan is closed within 120 days of opening. Cash back will be deposited into your Cross Valley FCU Primary Share Account within seven (7) business days of loan closing. This promotion cannot be combined with any other specials and is valid through December 31, 2024. Offer subject to change without notice.

² Free GAP Insurance: Free GAP Insurance: All direct vehicle loans come with complimentary Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance, valued at $500.00. GAP value based on 2024 Cross Valley FCU funded auto loans. Offer subject to change without notice.

³ No Payments for 45 Days: Approval is subject to credit criteria. Interest will begin accruing at the time of loan. This offer can change or be discontinued at any time.

⁴ Unlimited Car Wash Sweepstakes: Close on a new or used auto loan from Cross Valley FCU between October 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and you could win one of two (2) year-long unlimited car wash packages from Cloud10 Smartwash. Odds of winning are based on the number of auto loans closed during October 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and the number of entries received. Drawings will be held on January 10, 2025. Current Cross Valley FCU auto loans are not eligible for this offer. Winners will be selected at random. NO PURCHASE, APPLICATION OR OBLIGATION IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. For details, including how to enter without securing a new or used auto loan, application or obligation, visit any Cross Valley FCU branch location. Employees and Board Members of Cross Valley FCU and their immediate families are not eligible for this offer. Cloud10 Smartwash is not a sponsor of this promotion or affiliated with the Cross Valley FCU. Offer subject to change without notice.

The Nominating Committee has considered the petitions for nomination and has nominated the following members for open positions on the Board of Directors. The nominees are:

Richard Shields, Chair - Mr. Shields has been a member of the credit union since 1976 and a director on the credit union’s board since 1997. He has served as Chairman since 2000. He is a member of American Veterans Post 189, American Legion Post 585, Exeter Lions Club (served as Past President), Pittston Knights of Columbus Council 372 and Assembly 948 (served as Past Grand Knight, Former Faithful Navigator and Former District Deputy). Mr. Shields also served as past Chairman of the Step-by-Step Advisory Board. Mr. Shields retired from the Social Security Administration where he retired as District Manager after nearly thirty-five years of service.

Jessica Evanko, Vice Chair - Ms. Evanko has been active with the Cross Valley FCU since 2018. She is the Chair of the Supervisory Committee and accepted a Board of Directors position in 2019. Ms. Evanko is an accounting educator at King’s College and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and serves in various leadership roles.

Other nominations may be made by obtaining a “Nominations Form” from the credit union. The form must be signed by at least 1% (173) of the current membership of the credit union which is 17,258. Current Employees are not allowed to sign the petition.

Before obtaining a nomination form, we ask that you present a formal resume. For any additional questions or to submit your resume, please email our Chief Experience Officer, Jill McGlynn at jmcglynn@crossvalleyfcu.org, or call (570) 823-6836 ext.1071.

Please note that completed forms must be returned to the credit union’s Main Office at 640 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, February 21, 2025.

This year the Annual Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 21st, 2025. Please be sure to visit www.crossvalleyfcu.org for future details on this event including time and location.

Besides amazing rates, a variety of loan options and fewer fees, your membership here at Cross Valley also comes with access to affordable insurance benefits from our partners at American Income Life Insurance.

We understand every dollar counts, which is why we’ve partnered with American Income Life to bring you a suite of affordable, customizable insurance products to protect your family for years to come. As a Cross Valley member, you may be receiving a call from an American Income Life representative to ensure you and your family are getting the best (and most affordable) coverage available.

For more information on insurance options through Cross Valley, click here.