The Bottom Line
Small business is important to Central Oregon, and to Mid Oregon. Find tips and resources for business, and information about Mid Oregon’s commercial services and business members.
Picnic in the Park is Here!
We are excited that this Wednesday, July 22, the 2015 Picnic in the Park free concerts get underway! In the spirit of “Credit Unions Working Together”, Mid Oregon has again teamed up with Oregonians Credit Union as Title Sponsors for the 11th Annual series, which is brought to Central Oregon each year by the Crook Country Foundation.
Again set in beautiful and convenient Pioneer Park in downtown Prineville, the first night will kick off at 6 pm with “The High Street Band”. With the large variety of music they play, including swing, Motown, classics and modern, there is sure to be something for everyone.
The Prineville Farmers’ Market will have local vendors set up again this year in the park so come early to check out their offerings. Weather, at times a challenge in the past, promises to be nice. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show!
As Title Sponsors we have the privilege of welcoming the attendees at each concert, so come down and see us on Wednesday’s at Picnic in the Park through August 26th (Except for August 5th which will be at the Crook County Fair). We look forward to seeing you!
Concerts and Artists:
- July 22: The High Street Band
- July 29: Carrie Cunningham and the Six Shooters
- August 5: Brady Goss Band (At the Fair)
- August 12: Derik Nelson & Family
- August 19: Alexis Ebert
- August 26: The Fire Weeds
Keep up with the latest on the concerts at the Crook County Foundation Facebook Page.
Millennials: Rethink Credit vs. Debit
Millennials: Rethink Credit vs. Debit
There is a generational divide when it comes to shopping: A CreditCards.com survey indicates that boomers and millennials both choose plastic, but for the older cohort the word is “credit,” and for the younger it is “debit.” Do millennials need to rethink credit vs. debit?
Both systems work well but boomers might point out to their juniors that using debit to the exclusion of credit has its handicaps. Millennials prefer debit over credit by a ratio of nearly 3 to 1, according to the survey, even though debit cards offer fewer protections and rewards and don’t help young people build credit.
Matt Schulz, senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com, suggests that psychology may be a factor in the decision; consumers may be trying to limit spending to the money they have by using a debit card, which pulls money directly from a checking account. But if a scammer gets hold of a debit card, the consumer could be liable for unauthorized charges of $500 or more. Credit card holders are only responsible for up to $50, and can report a bogus purchase as fraud.
“If your debit card information gets stolen, somebody can take real money out of your account that you won’t be able to use to make a car payment or pay a doctor’s bill,” Schulz says. “That money may be gone for a week or two.”
Credit Union National Association Center for Personal Finance editors point out that, by choosing “debit” and entering a personal identification number, your transaction is treated as an ATM transaction. The editors advise, “Instead, when you’re making retail purchases with your debit/ATM card, choose “credit.” You’ll bypass any potential fees—and the funds still come out of your share draft/checking account.” Another good reason: Credit transactions require a signature, which helps guard against fraud.
If you have questions about our credit or debit cards, give us a call at (541) 382-1795 or visit our website at www.midoregon.com.
Bill Anderson Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Bill Anderson Celebrates 25th Anniversary as Mid Oregon Credit Union President
William R. Anderson celebrates 25 years of dedication and service as President and CEO of Mid Oregon Credit Union. When he came to the Credit Union in 1990, there were 10 employees, 5,975 members, one Bend location, and $19 million in assets. Currently Mid Oregon exceeds $200 million in assets, they have six branches, nearly 25,000 members, and 75 employees. Mr. Anderson’s devotion to credit union ideals, his identity with the principles on which credit unions are built upon, and his strong core values contributed to the stability in growth and success that Mid Oregon Credit Union enjoys today.
Commitment to Central Oregon
“We pride ourselves on the fact that our impactful community service is second to none”, remarked Bill. “As the region prospered, so did the Credit Union. When the region suffered, so did the Credit Union. I am proud of how we weathered the recession and the position the Credit Union is in to succeed going forward. What has stayed the same is the focus on Central Oregon and how best to serve our growing membership and communities.”
Serving Central Oregonians Since 1957
“As a cooperative, there is no organization more “local” that Mid Oregon Credit Union”, continued Bill. “In 1957 it was created by a small group of educators in Prineville and is literally owned by its 25,000 members, the vast majority of which live and work in Central Oregon. The credit union exists solely for the purpose of serving its members. While it must generate positive earnings, the bottom line is not financial, it is value. Mid Oregon exists to help members meet their needs and achieve their dreams.”