media release

Head Office
2800 Tecumseh Road East
Windsor , ON N8W 1G4
p. 519.974.3100 f. 519.974.9098

For Release: Immediate

Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) Launches Biggest Transformation in its History

WINDSOR, ON - Locally owned and operated Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU), announced today that WFCU is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history. “To ensure that we (WFCU) continue to provide the highest quality products and services, we will be launching some of the most attractive and worthwhile offerings that will benefit our members and leave our non-members questioning why they have not looked to us sooner. No one financial institution in Essex County will offer the comprehensive package of products coupled with the well known and experienced top level service offered by WFCU employees,” said Martin J. Komsa, WFCU President and Chief Executive Officer.

The credit union spent the last year reviewing and dissecting the organisation from product and service offerings to its organisational structure. “Member feedback, staff input and the support of our Board of Directors were integral in the process we have undergone in assessing and planning this new and exciting strategic direction. We are proud of what we are about to embark on and we have continued confidence in the cooperative values and philosophies we've built our business on for so many years,” said Komsa.

Komsa indicates, “WFCU has been a community based organisation for over 60 years with assets that have grown from just $10,000 in 1941 to over $550 million today and over $900 million in service totals. We owe our success to our members and the staff who service their needs. It was time to really give them more of what they deserve, ‘quality products, convenience and service that is second to none’.”

Beginning June 5, 2006 the credit union will add to its list of superior products and untouchable service a number of new products and commitments including:

• ‘ABSOLUTELY’ free chequing - deposits earn interest with no monthly minimum balance
• High interest savings account - the benefits of a high rate of interest and easy access when you need it
• Lower mortgage rates
• Lower personal loan rates
• Lower line of credit rates
• Cashback mortgages
• Instant loan and mortgage approvals
• Higher term deposit rates
• Lower rates on authorized overdrafts
• On-line loan and mortgage applications
• New and improved MasterCard Credit Card program with instant approvals
• Expanded trust and estate planning services
• Enhanced commercial service lending to small and medium sized businesses
• Commercial equipment leasing
• Renewed emphasis on home, auto and life insurance needs
• Employee group pricing plans
• New retail location organisational structure
• Conditional sales contracts through local automotive dealerships
• Electronic statements
• Revised retail location hours of operation
• New corporate office - scheduled for completion in November 2006
• A greater investment in its Community Investment Program
• Expanded emphasis on providing service to all of Essex County

In conjunction with the new offerings, WFCU will introduce a new look. “Our new logo reflects who we (WFCU) are and where we are going, our values and our philosophies”, said Komsa. “We’ve created a brand here in Windsor and Essex County and we’re excited to continue to position ourselves not as a changed credit union but as a stronger financial institution that will continue to be a leader in Windsor and Essex County.” The new logo will be gradually introduced over the next month.

“The timing is right to introduce the new WFCU,” said Komsa. He adds, “Our credit union is an innovator and leader. WFCU is in touch with the uniqueness of the region of Essex County and is committed to being the best. In the financial services industry we deal with people’s livelihoods. People trust us to ensure that they receive the best advice, the best products, the best service and the best overall experience so they don’t have to worry about what tomorrow brings.”

WFCU is the largest credit union in Windsor and Essex County and the eighth largest credit union in Ontario. WFCU is ISO certified and further stresses the importance of quality by maintaining an internal 5 Star Quality Program. Ranked in the Top 25 Small and Medium employers in Canada and number two for employee benefits, WFCU values its staff and their ongoing contributions. Committed to the communities it serves, WFCU is proud to display the Imagine Caring Company logo and is one of only 100 companies in Canada to do so.

For further information please contact:

Martin J. Komsa
President and Chief Executive Officer
974-3100

Susan Stockwell Andrews
Vice President, Marketing & Community Investment
974-3100