2026: A New Year of Financial Possibilities
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
On behalf of the entire Erie FCU team, I want to wish you and your family a very safe and prosperous New Year. We thank you for making 2025 an incredible year for our credit union. As we progress into 2026, I am reminded of what it means to be a member-owned cooperative. At Erie Federal Credit Union, our work goes far beyond simply processing transactions. It is a reflection of the trust our members place in us to support and safeguard their financial well-being. Rooted in the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” we remain committed to making your financial journey easier and more secure.
While economic indicators point to another year of cautious growth, Erie FCU remains financially strong as we celebrate 90 years of dedicated service to our members and community. We are strengthening our commitment to you by enhancing our digital tools and branch experiences while preserving the personal touch you deserve.
REFINING OUR PURPOSE: MEET VS. SERVE
“Youarenevertoo oldtosetanother goalortodream anewdream.”
~C.S. Lewis
The vision of Erie Federal Credit Union is to be the #1 most trusted financial resource in our region. This past year, we refined our mission statement ever so slightly to better reflect our commitment to you and the communities we serve: “To responsibly deliver financial solutions that serve the needs of our community.” By changing “meet” to “serve,” we place further emphasis on our community-focused, non-for-profit approach to financial services. Whether through our financial literacy initiatives—which have reached thousands of students and local seniors—guiding you through your first home purchase, or offering personalized local service that big banks simply cannot match, we are here to help you thrive. We are deeply grateful for you—our members—who give purpose to our mission. I am particularly proud of the ways in which we fulfilled that mission throughout 2025.
CORE VALUES IN ACTION
Erie Federal Credit Union’s culture is grounded in five core pillars, each focused on delivering a 5-star member experience:
• Service Excellence: We are committed to delivering exceptional service from a warm greeting to proactive financial solutions.
• Professional Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of professionalism building confidence through account ability and respect.
• Collaborative Teamwork: We foster a supportive and inclusive environment encouraging respect, empathy and collaboration building a stronger organization.
• Community Engagement: We actively contribute to our community by embracing service and volunteerism as an expression of our values.
• Continuous Advancement: We embrace growth and innovation to remain relevant and continuously enhance the efficiency of our work.
Together, these five pillars are more than written statements—they form the foundation of our credit union’s commitment to helping every member grow and thrive.
2025 HIGHLIGHTS AND MILESTONES
In 2025, Erie Federal Credit Union continued to build on its strong foundation by advancing innovation, supporting our community, enhancing member experience, and earning recognition across the region. We remained unwavering in our commitment to the values and principles that guide us each day, and the accomplishments of this past year reflect that dedication. I am proud to share the remarkable achievements we realized this past year:
• Record Growth: We proudly welcomed our 80,000th member during the summer of 2025—a milestone reflecting the continued trust our community places in us.
• Erie’s Choice Awards: The Erie community named Erie FCU Erie’s Choice in Credit Unions for the 13th consecutive year.
- We were honored to be selected as Erie’s Choice in Mortgage Lender for the 6th straight year.
- Erie Advisors earned Erie’s Choice in Financial Advisory Group for the 6th time.
- Erie FCU was also voted Erie’s Top Employer in the 101–500 employee category—and, for the first time ever, Erie’s Best Place to Work.
• Erie Reader Recognition: Erie FCU was voted “Erie’s Best Bank/Credit Union” by Erie Reader readers for the 12th consecutive year.
• Innovation: We launched MAE, our AI-powered Member Assistant Expert, who has already handled thousands of interactions to deliver faster, more efficient support to members. We also enhanced several digital banking tools to give you greater control—while ensuring our team remains available for the moments that deserve a human touch.
• Community Impact: Our team dedicated thousands of hours to local causes, including our “Feed the Need” program (featured in this newsletter) and our continued support of Lincoln Elementary School, remaining engaged with young students and their families. Our employees contributed nearly 2,500 volunteer hours in 2025—making a meaningful difference across our community.
• Business Support: We expanded our Member Business Lending team and introduced the Microenterprise Steps 2 Success (ME S2S) small-business loan program—designed to empower entrepreneurs who often face barriers to traditional financing.
• Facility Improvements: We modernized our East 38th Street branch with energy-efficient upgrades and honored the local history of our State Street office with vintage-inspired signage that reflects the heritage of the historic Exchange Building.
• Protecting Your Interests / Advocacy: With your support, we proudly supported the industry-wide “Don’t Tax My Credit Union” campaign. The Senate’s decision to maintain credit unions’ tax-exempt status ensures we can continue reinvesting in the communities we serve—delivering an estimated 1,300% return on investment back into local economies. Together, these accomplishments reflect our steadfast dedication to exceptional service, financial empowerment, and community impact. They underscore the strength of our mission and our ongoing commitment to the members and communities we serve.
LOOKING AHEAD
While broader economic indicators suggest a period of cautious growth, Erie FCU remains on solid financial footing as we commemorate 90 years of dedicated service to our members and community. Our continued investment in digital innovation and branch enhancements reflects our enduring commitment to deliver exceptional service without compromising the personal relationships that define our credit union.
Thank you for trusting us as your financial partner. Here is to a healthy, successful, and prosperous 2026!
Brian J. Waugaman, CEO
NEED HELP? Call or Chat with MAE
Best of Erie 2025
2025 Was a Milestone Year—and it’s All Thanks to You, Our Members! With that said, we were thrilled to be kicking off our 90th anniversary year by sharing with you that Erie FCU was voted (with over half a million Erie Reader voting page visits reported) “Erie’s Best Bank/Credit Union” for the 12th year in a row!
As a proud credit union, we are extremely honored with this recognition and humbly accept this award on behalf of our over 80,000 members (and counting) and all Erie area credit unions who are making a difference in the lives of their members each and every day. This recognition also reflects the dedication and 5-star member service our team brings every day. Thank you again for your support, but as always, our biggest honor is in serving our community and our valued membership. Helping our members achieve their financial goals is our ultimate reward !
Erie Federal Credit Union Again Donates $20,000 for Food Assistance in Erie County
Our community is facing some of the highest levels of hunger in years. We know from our partnerships with local food assistance programs that they were experiencing record demand during the holiday season. To combat this growing community issue, and for the 5th year in a row, Erie FCU once again offered its “Give Hope – Feed the Need” campaign in support of local hunger awareness and food assistance.
Through this initiative, $20,000 was distributed to these 10 Erie area organizations this past December, helping ensure that support stays close to home and reaches the neighbors who need it most:
• Meals on Wheels
• Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network Food Pantry
• Emmaus Soup Kitchen
• Community of Caring
• St. Martin Center Food Pantry
• Wesleyville Interfaith Food Pantry
• Home House of Erie Food Pantry
When you call Erie FCU, you will be greeted by MAE, Erie FCU’s Virtual Assistant. You may have met MAE online, but now she is here to simplify your phone banking experience. MAE will provide self-service options for simple requests and will give you a prompt response, without going through a long phone menu. And, if necessary, she’ll connect you to the appropriate “live” team member (during normal business hours). MAE is available via phone and chat to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more: www.eriefcu.org/news/have-questions-ask-mae-2
• Bethany Outreach Center
• Mercy Center for Women Food Pantry
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest, PA
Each of these critical organizations received a $2,000 check used for programs affiliated with supplying meals, nourishment and warm companionship to families and individuals who were affected this winter.
As a community partner, Erie FCU believes that no one should go hungry.
Here is a message we received afterwards: “Because of your gift, lives will be touched, hope will be renewed, and families will experience real relief during difficult times”.
Tax Season is Here!
Do You Need Help Filing Your Taxes?
2025 Tax Filing Options - Income Based Tax Filing Assistance Available
Erie FCU is proud to serve our community, and once again, offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. VITA is a no-fee program that helps anyone with low to moderate income to file their Federal, State, and Local taxes for free. This preparation service is available to members with household incomes of $69,000 or less.
Drop-Off service available at the
Erie FCU
Glenwood Office
3503 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16508
Here’s what you need to do:
4 Please pick up your packet at any of our branches and complete at homePackets are now available.
4 Place all tax documents in envelope with your completed paperwork. Packets must be complete prior to drop off.
4 Drop off at Glenwood Branch at the Peach Street / West Entrance only. There will be a drop off box. Location pictured above.
4 Drop off hours will coincide with Branch hours –www.eriefcu.org/atms For more information – www.eriefcu.org/taxes
Find Everything for Your Home in One Place at the Erie Home & Garden Show!
Kitchen, bath, windows, remodelers, building supplies, and more.
Erie FCU is a proud sponsor of this event. Come see us at our booth!
March 20 – 22, 2026
BAYFRONT CONVENTION CENTER - Erie, PA
FRIDAY: NOON –7 PM
SATURDAY: 10 AM – 7 PM
SUNDAY: 10 AM – 3 PM
Got a Shiny New Connected Gadget? Do
These Safety Steps First
If you unwrapped a brand-new internet-connected device this holiday season, you’re not alone. Smart gadgets, tablets, gaming systems, and home devices are hotter than ever—but before you dive in and start exploring, there are a few must-do safety steps to keep cybercrooks out of your digital space. Even if you’ve already set it up, it’s worth double-checking that you didn’t miss anything.
Change the Admin Password Immediately
The very first step—before apps, photos, or playing around—is changing the default administrator password. Criminals know the factory passwords for most devices because they’re easy to find online. Leaving it unchanged is like leaving your front door wide open. Follow strong password basics:
• At least eight characters
• Mixed upper/lowercase letters
• At least one number and one special character
• No personal info (birthdays, pet names, etc.)
• Avoid real dictionary words
These rules help protect you from brute-force attacks that can crack weak or predictable passwords in seconds.
Install All Available Updates
Devices often sit in warehouses long before they reach your hands. That means security patches may already exist. Head to the manufacturer’s app or website and install any software or firmware updates right away. This closes vulnerabilities before you start using the device.
Secure It From Physical Access
If your gift is a mobile device, set a lock screen PIN or password immediately and choose the shortest auto-lock time available. Even a quick moment of distraction in a public place—like setting it down at a café—could give someone the chance to snoop or steal it along with a lot of personal, and very valuable data.
Protect It From Remote Threats
Only download apps from official stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play. Unofficial sites often hide malware behind flashy “free” downloads. Add reputable security software to help block malware and phishing attacks.
Stay Alert for Phishing Lures
New gadgets often attract scammers who send fake delivery notices, “account alerts,” or gaming invites designed to trick you. Remind kids, too—gaming systems are a huge target for phishing attempts.
Back It Up Regularly
Backups aren’t just for businesses. After setup, back up phones, tablets, and computers routinely. External drives are inexpensive, easy to use, and can save you from losing photos, documents, and important data if something goes wrong.
Once you’ve checked all these boxes, enjoy your new tech with confidence–knowing you’ve taken the right steps to keep your digital world safe.
Whether you’re saving for your children’s education, planning for your retirement or securing your family’s financial future, you can depend on Erie Advisors to help you find strategies to address your long-term financial objectives. Unlike some financial companies, our focus is in investment strategies and service. You can feel confident that you’ll receive the same level of personal service together with the knowledge you need to make sound financial decisions.
Through LPL Financial, Erie Advisors offers a vast array of exceptional wealth management products and services including:
• Comprehensive Financial Guidance • Retirement Planning and Income Strategies
Investment Management
Insurance Needs Analysis
897-2500
3503 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16508
Official Notice of Election of Directors
Three-Year Term Commencing May 11, 2026
The Erie FCU Board of Directors consists of seven directors who each serve a three-year term. The duties of a Director include: setting operational policies for personnel; reviewing investments; and ensuring guidelines for asset–liability management and federal regulatory compliance. A director must also be committed to the Credit Union Philosophy, understand Federal NCUA Regulations, and make competent policy decisions. Members in good standing who are interested in learning more about how the credit union operates may request to serve in the Associate Volunteer Program
Requirements to hold the Office of Director:
1. Attend a full-day orientation session and meetings scheduled by the Chairperson.
2. Attend state, national and local meetings as required.
3. Attend specialized training sessions on Asset-Liability Management, Investment Polices, and other training as required by NCUA.
4. Complete all required board training provided by the credit union.
Members interested in becoming a candidate for the Office of Director must be at least 18 years of age and a member in good standing.
The petition process requires a candidate to obtain signatures from 1% of the primary Erie FCU membership and submit them by March 31, 2026. If there are nominations by petition*, an election will be held by email or paper ballot.
Petition and additional information can be obtained by calling 814-825-2436, Ext 1037.
*Erie FCU will not conduct the election by ballot and there will be no nominations from the floor when the number of nominees equals the number of open positions.
Nominated by Committee:
Rick Macer, Dr. Pablo Reyes, Robert Langley
Rick Macer, joined the Board of Directors in 2019, following his service on the Supervisory Committee and participation in the Associate Volunteer Program.
Dr. Pablo Reyes, became a member of the Board of Directors in 2021 after serving on the Supervisory Committee and contributing through the Associate Volunteer Program.
Robert Langley, was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2024, having previously served on the Supervisory Committee and been active in the Associate Volunteer Program.
Need to Free Up Your Budget in the New Year?
Our member Skip-A-Pay program* is now year-round, not just during the summer and holiday months as previously offered. If you need a little extra room in your budget in the New Year, you can now skip a payment up to two times throughout the year. Erie FCU Personal, Auto, RV, Boat, or Motorcycle loans are eligible. Forms are available at all branch locations or you can skip a payment in your online banking.
Learn more: www.eriefcu.org/special-offers/skip-a-pay
*A $30 fee applies. See credit union for eligibility requirements and complete details. Erie FCU MasterCard®, mortgage, home equity, courtesy pay, and FreshStart loans are not eligible. Certain restrictions apply.
Community!
Here are some of the latest shots of our team in action.
Erie FCU takes great pride being a part of the local community it serves. It is our hope that we can make a meaningful difference by volunteering our resources, time and talents. #TeamAOK’s outreach efforts allow us to bring awareness and support to local charities and organizations, who need it most.
Home Buying Seminar
Tuesday, March 24th
6:00 pm to 7:15 pm
WHAT:
Looking to buy a home in 2026?
Wondering about the process?
Erie’s Choice in mortgage lender, Erie FCU, is hosting a FREE, no-obligation Home Buying Seminar! Learn and get answers to your questions from our home buying experts!
Seminar is a must attend if you’re looking at becoming a home owner and is open to members and non-members!
WHERE:
Erie FCU Community Room B at our Glenwood Office 3503 Peach Street, Erie, PA.
WHEN:
• Registration starts at 5:30 PM
• Seminar will begin promptly at 6:00 PM. Register here:
www.eriefcu.org/events/free-home-buying-seminar
3503 Peach Street • Erie, PA 16508-2741
Office Locations & Hours of Operation
38th Street Office 1109 East 38th St. Erie, PA 16504
Lobby Hours Mon-Thur: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM
9AM-5PM • Thur-Fri: 9AM-6PM
9AM-1PM
Bayfront Office 1005 Greengarden Rd. Erie, PA 16501
Lobby Hours Mon-Thur: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM
9AM-5PM • Thur-Friday: 9AM-6PM
Fairview Office 7141 West Ridge Rd. Fairview, Pa 16415
Lobby Hours
Mon-Thur: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM
Drive Thru Hours: Mon-Wed: 9AM-5PM • Thur-Fri: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM
Important Information
Routing Number: 243380927
Website: eriefcu.org
E-mail: memberservices@eriefcu.org
E-Z Phone: 814.825.2436, say, “Transfer to E-Z Phone” Toll Free: 800.480.0494
Lost/Stolen Debt & Credit Cards
Glenwood Office 3503 Peach St. Erie, PA 16508
Lobby Hours Mon-Thur: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM
9AM-5PM • Thur-Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM Drive
Drive
Buffalo Road Office
2436 Buffalo Rd. Erie, PA 16510
Lobby
9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM
Mon-Wed: 9AM-5PM • Thur-Fri: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM
Edinboro Office 101 Washington Towne Blvd. Edinboro, PA 16412
Drive Thru Hours:
Mon-Wed: 9AM-5PM • Thur-Fri: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM Lobby Hours Mon-Thur: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM
Erie FCU No Surcharge & No Fee ATMs
As an Erie FCU member, you can make withdrawals and deposits at our ATMs or Fast Branch/ATMs using your Erie FCU Debit Mastercard ® and you will not be charged a surcharge or Out-of-Network Fee. For a current listing of all ERIE FCU ATMs, visit www.eriefcu.org/atms
9AM-1PM Drive Thru Hours: Mon-Wed: 9AM-5PM • Thur-Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM
State Street Office 518 State St. Erie, PA 16501
9AM-5PM
Peach Street Office (Walmart Supercenter Peach & I-90 ) 1825 Downs Drive Erie, PA 16509
9AM-5PM
9AM-6PM Friday: 9AM-7PM Saturday: 9AM-3PM Drive
Zuck Road Office 5500 Zuck Rd. Erie, PA 16506
Hours Mon-Thur: 9AM-5PM Friday: 9AM-6PM Saturday: 9AM-1PM
Debit Mastercard® or ATM Card: 1.866.820.2868 (After Hours)
Mastercard® Credit Card: 1.866.611.4864 (After Hours)
Erie FCU NMLS #414454
Privacy Policy Notice - The Erie FCU privacy policy has not changed. You may obtain a copy at www.eriefcu.org/pp or contact us at (814)-825-2436 or
Holiday Hours & Closings
President’s Day Monday, February 16, 2026
All branches will be closed
Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2026 All branches will be closed
Financial Statistics