We believe building strong business relationships doesn’t have to happen in a conference room. Sometimes, the best connections are made over good food, friendly competition and a whole lot of fun.

That’s the recipe we cooked up (with help from Suraci’s Italian Cafe) last month when Wyoming Valley business leaders got together at Clubhouse 315 for the first EPIC Social of 2025!

We were thrilled to host another unforgettable evening with our local business members. From tossing bags in the cornhole tournament to testing swings on the golf simulators, the event offered a laid-back and lively atmosphere for professionals to unwind, connect and get to know one another outside of the typical business setting.

Attendees enjoyed delicious bites provided by Suraci’s Italian Café, creating the perfect backdrop for conversation and camaraderie. Huge congratulations to Blueprint Benefits Group for taking home the cornhole crown! And let’s not forget Nick from Concrete Alternatives, who earned serious bragging rights by landing closest to the pin in the golf challenge.

Events like the EPIC Social are a reminder that networking doesn’t have to feel “business-y.” When you mix a little fun with a lot of community, you create meaningful connections that go far beyond business cards.

Thanks again to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to do it again!

Is your business interested in joining the EPIC family? Click here to learn more.

Easy ways to manage your money on-the-go this summer with Cross Valley’s digital tools!

Summer is made for road trips, long weekends and spontaneous fun, not long lines or office visits. That’s why our mobile app and online banking tools are packed with smart, time-saving features to keep you connected to your money wherever the season takes you.

Here are a few of our favorite features:

• Mobile Check Deposit: Snap, tap, done. Deposit checks anytime, anywhere—no trip to a branch required.
• Account Management: Check balances, review transactions and transfer money between accounts instantly. It’s like having your own personal teller in your pocket.
• Auto Bill Pay: Skip the stress of due dates and late fees. Set up recurring payments for utilities, loans or subscriptions and let us handle the rest.
• Custom Account Alerts: Stay in the loop with real-time notifications for low balances, large transactions, deposits and more. You’re always in control—even while on vacation.
• Secure Access: Our app uses the latest security technology, so your info stays safe whether you’re at the beach or the backyard BBQ.

With the Cross Valley app, your money moves at the speed of life. Download it today and make this your most organized—and relaxed—summer yet.

And when you’re in a rush but need to talk to someone, QUBE+ gives you full account access with the help of a real-life teller.

Need help getting started? We’re just a tap away. See all the ways to bank with Cross Valley.

Affordable ways to upgrade your space, with a little help from Cross Valley.

Dreaming of a home refresh but worried about the cost? You don’t have to drain your savings to boost your home’s comfort or curb appeal. With a little planning—and the right financing—home improvement can be budget-friendly and rewarding.

Here are a few tips to get started:

• Start Small – Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates like painting, swapping out hardware or refreshing your landscaping.
• DIY It – YouTube and Pinterest are goldmines for step-by-step tutorials. You’ll save big by doing what you can yourself.
• Shop Smart – Look for sales, discount warehouses and gently-used materials from local resellers or online marketplaces.
• Plan Ahead – Create a realistic budget and timeline so you don’t overspend or get overwhelmed mid-project.

And when it’s time for bigger improvements—like a new roof, basement remodel or energy-efficient windows—we’ve got your back there, too.

Our Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) offer low rates, flexible terms and borrowing power based on your home’s value. Whether you need a one-time lump sum or ongoing access to funds, we’ll help you choose the right option.

Upgrade your space on your terms.

Learn more

A beginner’s guide to launching a summer side gig, from taxes and savings to smarter money management.

Whether it’s dog walking, selling handmade goods, freelance work or delivering food on weekends, summer is the perfect time to explore a side hustle. It’s flexible, fun and a great way to boost your income. But before you dive in, make sure your finances are ready for the ride.

Here are some smart tips to help you launch your side gig with confidence:

• Open a Separate Account: Keep your personal and side hustle finances separate. Open a dedicated checking account (like one from Cross Valley Federal Credit Union!) to track income and expenses more easily. This makes tax time way less stressful and helps you see how your hustle is really performing.
• Track Every Dollar: From mileage to supplies, keeping good records is key. Use a budgeting app, budgeting spreadsheet or even a notebook to monitor what’s coming in and what’s going out. Information is power, and numbers don’t lie.
• Save for Taxes: Side hustle income is typically not taxed upfront, so set aside around 25–30% of your earnings for tax season. Consider opening a separate savings account just for taxes so you’re not caught off guard.
• Budget for Growth: Want to scale up? Save a portion of your profits for future upgrades—whether it’s new equipment, marketing or training. It’s easier to grow when you plan for it.
• Protect Yourself: Depending on your gig, you may need insurance or licenses. Do your research to make sure you’re legit and covered.
• Use Cross Valley Tools: Cross Valley offers a variety of accounts and mobile tools that make managing your hustle simple, from mobile check deposit to online transfers and alerts that help you stay on top of every transaction.

Starting a side hustle is exciting, but starting smart is what makes it sustainable. We’re here to support your financial journey, wherever it takes you.

Stop by a branch or visit crossvalleyfcu.org to learn how we can help you launch your summer side hustle with confidence.

We believe in the power of our community, our members and most importantly, people. After all, that’s how Cross Valley and every other credit union started out. A foundation built on people. As a member-owned credit union, your voice doesn’t just matter; it helps shape what we do and how we do it.

It can also help shape what others do—or don’t do.

The recent Don’t Tax My Credit Union campaign, led by America’s Credit Unions, called on members like you to speak up against a bill that would potentially alter the way credit unions are taxed and thus the products, services and savings we can offer to you.

When the proposal made its way in front of Congress, members across the country—just like you—stepped up, spoke out and made a real impact.

Here’s the scoop: Credit unions like Cross Valley don’t pay federal income tax because we’re not-for-profit and focused on people, not profits. But when lawmakers suggested reconsidering that tax-exempt status, credit union members rallied. They wrote letters, made phone calls, posted on social media, you name it. And it worked.

Thanks to those efforts, Congress left our tax-exempt status untouched in the latest budget legislation. That’s a huge win for credit unions and our members. It’s proof that your voice matters. Whether it’s protecting tax status, standing up for your financial rights or supporting community-focused banking, your advocacy helps keep credit unions strong and member-driven.

We’re proud to stand with you and credit union members across the country in protecting what makes us different. Because when we all pitch in, we’re not just speaking up—we’re making a difference. So stay connected. Stay informed. And when it’s time to act, know that your voice is powerful. Because together, we truly are stronger.

Running a business comes with plenty of decisions—and choosing the right financing partner can make all the difference. At Cross Valley Federal Credit Union, we’re proud to support our local businesses with flexible, affordable business lending options that fit your goals and timeline.

Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your space, or need a new piece of equipment, our business loans are designed to keep your operations running smoothly. With personalized service and local decision-making, we make the process simple and stress-free.

What We Offer:

Commercial Real Estate Loans – Buy or refinance property with competitive rates and terms tailored to your needs.

Equipment Loans – Finance major purchases like equipment or vehicles with structured repayment plans.

We offer expert guidance every step of the way, and our team takes the time to understand your business—not just your numbers. Because when local businesses thrive, our community does too.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Let’s grow together.

Learn more or get started here.

Summer’s heating up—and so are scam attempts.

As the days get longer, fraudsters get bolder. Cross Valley wants to help you enjoy a worry-free summer by staying alert to common seasonal scams.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Vacation Scams: If that too-good-to-be-true deal pops up for a luxury getaway or rental, it probably is. Always book through trusted sources and avoid paying with gift cards or wire transfers.
• Phishing Texts & Emails: Scammers pose as banks, delivery services or even the IRS. Don’t click suspicious links, and never share personal info through text or email.
• Fake Prize or Contest Calls: “You’ve won a free cruise!” If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win. Hang up and block the number.
• Charity Fraud: Summer disasters, unfortunately, bring out fake charity appeals. Research before donating and give directly through official websites.

Tips to stay protected:

• Enable alerts in your Cross Valley mobile app
• Monitor accounts regularly
• Use strong passwords and update them often

When in doubt, contact us directly. We’re here to help keep your summer stress-free and scam-free.

As we continue our series on the Cross Valley board, we recently had the opportunity to sit down with none other than the Chairperson himself, Richard Shields. No small talk needed—let’s dive right into it.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you first discovered Cross Valley.
I first discovered Cross Valley back in 1974 while working at the Social Security Administration, where I started as a service representative after moving to Wilkes-Barre from Monticello, NY. I ended up financing my first home and buying several cars through the credit union. Over time, I built great relationships here—even became friends with Lon Volpi in Lending.

I was born and raised in Philadelphia, served in the U.S. Army for three years, with two and a half of those spent stationed in Germany. After my service, I attended Philadelphia Community College and later Mansfield University. I got married in 1974, started a family, and enjoyed a fulfilling career before retiring after 37 years.

What inspired you to join the board of Cross Valley Federal Credit Union, and how long have you been involved?
I was inspired by a good friend, supervisor at SSA, and former Board Member, the late Al Baloga. His dedication really made an impression on me. I’ve now been involved with Cross Valley for almost three decades.

What professional or personal experiences do you bring to the board that help guide your decision-making?
Professionally, I spent many years as a manager at the Social Security Administration. That role taught me a lot about leadership, structure, and service. I’ve also served on several boards over the years, including the Red Cross and Step by Step, where I was involved for 25 years. These experiences have helped shape my perspective and guide my decision-making for the credit union.

As board chair for more than 25 years, what words of wisdom would you love to leave behind to future board chairs?
Be flexible. No two days are the same, and you never know what challenges or opportunities might come your way. It’s important to be open-minded, adaptive, and always focused on doing what’s best for the members.

Outside of your role on board, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love golfing, traveling—especially to Disney—and spending time with my grandkids. My wife Mary Lou and I enjoy going on adventures together whenever we can.

What do you think sets Cross Valley apart from other financial institutions?
It’s our commitment to our members. We’re easy to work with, accessible, and genuinely care about the people we serve. Whether it’s through convenience or community involvement, we go above and beyond.

What’s something about you that members might be surprised to learn?
Back in the day, I did a bit of tap dancing and gymnastics. I was even part of a junior team that made a local TV appearance in Philly.

If you had to describe the credit union in three words, what would they be and why?
Welcoming. Opportunity. Reliability. We’re always present in the community, especially through our Select Employee Groups (SEGs). We’re here to offer a welcoming environment, provide financial opportunity, and be a reliable partner for every stage of our members’ lives.

With Cross Valley’s Share Draft Checking and Second Chance Checking, payday comes early.

Who says you have to wait for payday? At Cross Valley, members with a Share Draft or Second Chance Checking account can get their direct deposit up to two days early*! That means more time to treat yourself, cover bills without the last-minute scramble or jumpstart the weekend.

Imagine this:

• Grabbing concert tickets before they sell out
• Beating the crowds to book that last-minute getaway
• Restocking the fridge before it’s empty
• Having a head start on savings, or that pizza night you’ve been craving

It’s your money—why not get it sooner?

There’s no catch, no hidden fees. Just set up a direct deposit with your account and we’ll do the rest. When your paycheck comes in, you’ll see it in your account up to 48 hours early.

Let payday come early. You’ve earned it.

Learn more

*Early access to direct deposit funds depends on when your employer sends paycheck data. Not every employer submits and settles their payroll early. Cross Valley Federal Credit Union generally makes these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to two (2) days earlier than the scheduled payment date. If you have questions on your payroll timing, please consult your employer’s payroll department. Credit union membership required.