Ron's fall 2025 message to members
I would like to take a moment to update you on the latest happenings within your credit union. First, let’s talk about security. Your safety online is very important to us. Scammers are always finding new ways to get your personal information through phone calls, text messages, emails and even AI tools. At OCCU, we regularly review our security protocols to keep your information safe. Our protection technologies are excellent, and we have a dedicated team monitoring our systems to ensure everything remains as secure as possible in this ever-changing landscape. We take this very seriously, and I am proud of our efforts.
Your role in protecting yourself online is crucial, too, however. October, Cybersecurity Month, is the perfect time to review your data privacy settings, update operating systems and refresh anti-virus software to ensure they are up to date and that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your information and devices. Beyond updating your data privacy settings and software, it's essential to set up alerts for suspicious activities and utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA significantly enhances security by requiring not only a password but also an additional form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone. This added layer of protection makes it far more difficult for cybercriminals to access your accounts even if they obtain your password. You can find additional resources and tips in the Learn section of MyOCCU.org to help you stay safe.
October also means college sports are back, and we hope you will join us at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University for some action-packed games this fall. Our partnerships there are a big part of who we are — we started nearly 70 years ago at the University of Oregon in Eugene after all! Today, we offer a Duck debit card and Duck credit card to help you show your Duck pride while taking care of your everyday banking needs. We also have a strong partnership in Corvallis and are a proud member of Beaver Nation, offering a Beaver debit card and Beaver credit card for those who prefer the orange and black.
Speaking of college, we recently launched Kickstart Cashback, an account designed for members ages 16-25 who are just starting out, navigating their first debit card and learning firsthand the benefits of good money management. So far, our younger members love it, especially the cash back benefit it provides.
Kickstart Cashback is not the only new product; we’ve also introduced a new online tool called Retirement Simplified by Silvur. This free platform offers OCCU members access to easy-to-use tools and personalized resources to help navigate retirement with financial confidence. And, for our members aged 64 and up, we now offer one-on-one appointments with licensed experts at
Silvur Insurance who can offer personalized Medicare guidance. This is a no-cost, no-obligation benefit available to OCCU members. Learn more and schedule your appointment today by visiting us online.
Lastly, and most importantly, thank you for being a member of OCCU. We value your trust in us as your financial partner. If you ever have any questions or need assistance, please contact us. We are here to be your resource as you go through your financial journey. Let us help you to enrich your life!
Respectfully,
Ron Neumann
President & CEO
P.S. Did you know we now have online chat with a virtual assistant to answer questions around the clock? Look for the chat bubble on our website and in online and mobile banking!
