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.
![Local “Bite of Reality” Recognized](https://blog.midoregon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BofR-Realms-HS-Students-at-Transportation-Table.jpg)
Local “Bite of Reality” Recognized
The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) acknowledges Mid Oregon Credit Union’s work educating high school students about budgeting and money management. The effort of our local “Bite of Reality” experience has been recognized with a national financial literacy award.
Youth and Adult Financial Education Award
Mid Oregon has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association in the northwest region with an Alphonse Desjardins Youth and Adult Financial Education Award. Mid Oregon’s Bite of Reality program received accolades for teaching high school students about budgeting and money management.
Financial Simulation Using App
The Bite of Reality program app guides students through a day in the life simulation of an adult’s financial responsibilities. Each student receives an occupation, income, partner, child, and possible debt using an app. The student purchases necessities, including rent/mortgage, car payment, groceries, and lifestyle items. They also navigate financial setbacks, such as medical emergencies, surprise bills, and cash windfalls.
Last year, Mid Oregon Credit Union hosted three Bite of Reality events attended by 120 students from Central Oregon schools. The credit union also regularly presents free financial workshops for adults.
In 2020, before COVID-19 changed the education landscape, Mid Oregon presented four additional simulations in three Central Oregon high schools. Three more on the schedule were cancelled. A new virtual version has recently been made available, and should allow the progress to continue.
Virtual Awards Celebration
![Local "Bite of Reality" Recognized. | Mid Oregon Credit Union Bite of Reality Team](https://blog.midoregon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Mid-Oregon-Credit-Union-Bite-of-Reality-Team-Desjardins-Award-300x254.jpg)
Mid Oregon Credit Union’s team members (Kyle Frick, Jodie Rogers, Tiffany Dyer – in the photo,
and Wayne Hanson) who worked on the Bite of Reality program
On December 2, eight credit unions from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington will receive regional CUNA awards at the Northwest Credit Union Association’s virtual awards celebration. For additional details, visit this link.
“We are honored to be recognized by CUNA in our region. It’s rewarding to see our community efforts with financial literacy, especially those focused on younger generations, achieve recognition. We look forward to expanding this program to more schools in the future,” says Kyle Frick, VP of Marketing for Mid Oregon Credit Union.
About CUNA
The Credit Union National Association is a national trade association for both state and federally chartered credit unions located in the United States. CUNA provides member credit unions with trade association services, such as lobbying, regulatory advocacy, professional development, and professional services management. For more information, visit cuna.org.
About NWCUA
Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing more than 175 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, with associate members in Alaska and Hawaii. Their support helps northwest credit unions of all sizes thrive for their 7.3 million members. For more information, visit nwcua.org.
![Announcing Updated Mid Oregon Website](https://blog.midoregon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/new_website_hero_image_laptop_blog.jpg)
Announcing Updated Mid Oregon Website
Refreshed site with new features
Our updated Mid Oregon website has a new look! The new design is easier to use on all your devices. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer, you’ll have faster loading, great-looking graphics and easier to find features.
Access your account from any page
We’ve updated our Account Login button so it’s now available from anywhere on the site—no matter where you go, just click the green “Login” button on any page to go straight to your account. No more scrolling, no more having to go back to the home page to log in.
Accessibility tools customized for every user
We know that all users are different. For members who have physical or visual limitations that make some websites difficult to use, we’ve introduced our ADA widget. Just click the ADA button on any page, and choose the settings or options that work best for you. Type size, colors, and settings to work best with adaptive technologies—you’re in control.
Choose with confidence
Looking for a checking account, but don’t know which one is best for you? Our automated Checking Chooser can help you narrow down your choices and find the account that will save you money and make life easier.
Click the “Help Me Choose” button on the home page or our Checking Accounts page. We’ll walk you through an easy series of questions to narrow down the best option. Then, open your account online, or ask someone to contact you by email or phone to help you get started. It’s easy and fun!
We’re excited to show our members the changes on our updated Mid Oregon website (midoregon.com), so please feel free to take a look around and let us know what you think! Send us a message anytime to submit your comments or suggestions for improvements.
![Fast, Responsive Service on Home Loans](https://blog.midoregon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/father-daughter-playing-outdoors-fall-home-blog.jpg)
Fast, Responsive Service on Home Loans
Now is a great time to refinance—maybe too great!
With mortgage rates dipping back down again, many homeowners are looking at refinancing their home loan. By lowering their loan rate, they can lower their monthly payments, pay off their loans faster, or even consolidate home loan and other debt into a single lower payment. They also consider getting fast, responsive service on home loans a priority.
Unfortunately, with so many homeowners rushing to take advantage of excellent low rates, some lenders are struggling to keep pace with demand.
![Photo of Mid Oregon Home Loans Manager Matt Mitchell](https://blog.midoregon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Matt-Mitchell-2012_lo-res-200x300.jpeg)
Mid Oregon Home Loans Manager Matt Mitchell
According to Matt Mitchell at Mid Oregon Home Loans, this rush is causing problems for homeowners. “I’ve heard several stories recently of local borrowers not hearing back on the status of their loans, or waiting weeks for a response when contacting their lender,” he says. “As a credit union dedicated to the idea of people helping people, that’s not acceptable to us.”
Faster response, better communication
Mid Oregon Home Loans is committed to fast response, clear communications, and straight answers. Although every situation is different, Mitchell says his team at Mid Oregon Home Loans are delivering mortgage closing times within 30 to 45 days in most cases. “Of course, loans that are sold to the secondary market may have longer closing times,” he says. “But regardless, we answer our phones and we return calls. You’ll know the status of your loan request.”
If you’re not receiving a call back from your mortgage loan provider, we’re here to help. Give Mid Oregon Home Loans a call at 541-382-1795, send us an email, or click to learn more.