San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union officials announced today plans to open a new location in Brownsville, Texas. The new 3,000 square foot facility will be located inside the Morrison Crossing retail shopping development located at 4345 South Expressway 77/83. Anticipated to open before the end of the year, the new location will feature four teller stations, six member service offices, a drive-up ATM and a deposit night drop.

“We are pleased to be able to expand our presence in the Rio Grande Valley, especially since we currently already serve more than 5,000 members in the area,” says John Worthington, senior vice president for Security Service. “A new location in Brownsville will certainly provide them with added services and more convenience.”

In 2007, Security Service Federal Credit Union merged with Kilowatt Federal Credit Union and now operates two locations in Pharr and Harlingen. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school and other legal entities located inside Cameron and Hidalgo Counties. Membership is also open to members registered with the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union is offering a financial disaster relief program to assist members and potential members as they recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Dolly. Residents in the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend areas in need of financial assistance will have access to the following options to help them get through the next several weeks:

• $1,000 pre-approved emergency relief loan @ 3.95% for a maximum term of 12 months for existing SSFCU members
• $2,500 qualifying emergency relief loan @ 4.95% for a maximum term of 24 months for qualifying SSFCU members
• Emergency 30-day Skip Payment with no fee

“We’re offering these options to assist our members as they work to get things back to normal during this difficult time,” said David Reynolds, president and CEO for SSFCU. “Security Service is committed to helping our members and the community, especially when they are in need of our support the most.”

Through recent mergers with Kilowatt Federal Credit Union and Horizon Credit Union, Security Service operates locations in Pharr, Harlingen, Portland, Ingleside and Aransas Pass. The credit union also operates one location in Corpus Christi. All locations have power and are open for business. Those needing assistance may visit one of the local offices or call 1-888-415-7878 for further information.

Credit Union membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school and other legal entities located inside Cameron, Hidalgo, Aransas, San Patricio and Nueces Counties. Membership is also open to members of the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Colorado Springs, CO: Star Colorado Springs Sky Sox baseball player Sean Barker (above) teaches children of military members how to catch a fly ball at a youth baseball camp hosted by Security Service Federal Credit Union and Operation Homefront Cares in late June. Sky Sox players and coaches taught 81 children how to pitch, field ground balls, run bases and catch fly balls at Security Service Field. “It’s always a pleasure to give back to our military members,” said Rick Weber, Senior Vice President for Security Service. “The baseball camp is a fun way to show our appreciation for their service to our country.” The children’s families are stationed in Colorado Springs at Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, The US Air Force Academy, Schreiver Air Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) employees, friends, sponsors and vendors were teeing it high and letting it fly to raise funds for San Antonio area charities at the credit union’s 21st Annual Charity Golf Classic recently held at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club.

With more than 100 local sponsors, and some 250 tournament participants, the event raised more than $80,000 for the Security Service Charitable Foundation, which supports a number of San Antonio area charities through volunteerism and corporate sponsorships.

“This year’s Charity Golf Classic was our first event to raise funds for the Security Service Charitable Foundation,” said David Reynolds, SSFCU president and CEO, “We appreciate the strong support of our vendors and sponsors. Their loyalty and patronage contribute to our efforts to help worthwhile causes that strengthen our community.”

The annual Security Service Charity Golf Classic has helped the credit union contribute more than $1 million to San Antonio area causes since its inception in 1986.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union’s commercial services department has relocated to 3522 Paesano’s Parkway, suite 104. Previously housed out of the credit union’s corporate offices at La Cantera Parkway, the new location will provide additional office space as well as more accessibility for members interested in applying for commercial loans. Additionally, the new 2,800 square foot facility will provide offices for eight staff members.

“This is a great move for us and for our members,” says William Cichoski, vice president of commercial services. “Members will appreciate the new location, and our newly expanded team of loan officers.”

Security Service Federal Credit Union is a preferred SBA lender and is the number one credit union lender in the state to loan the most dollars to small businesses. For more information about Security Service’s commercial loans, members can visit www.ssfcu.org or email businessservices@ssfcu.org. Members may also contact the commercial services team by telephone at 1-866-397-4480.

(San Antonio, TX – May xx) Employee wellness programs typically wither in the heat of summer, but one San Antonio organization is adding some cool energy behind keeping its employees fit. Security Service Federal Credit Union (FCU) has partnered with athletic clubs in Texas and Colorado to provide an incentive-based, voluntary program for its employees.

With the new CU Fit program, all 1,300 Security Service FCU employees are eligible to receive a free health club membership, packed with rewards-based activity incentives and online support. Since starting the program in mid-May, almost 85 percent of all employees have signed up. The credit union is picking up the cost.

"It’s a significant investment," says David Reynolds, president and CEO for the credit union, Reynolds who is championing the benefit and has already enrolled in the program along with his entire executive management staff. "These are well-spent dollars that mean our employees are healthier, happier and more fit and that benefits them, their families, the credit union and our members."

In San Antonio, the program is being offered through Spectrum Athletic Clubs. "Security Service has really embraced this program," says Jeff Skelton, vice president of sales for Spectrum. "The leadership team is fully behind the program, not only encouraging employees to make healthy lifestyle choices, but giving them all the tools they need to improve their health."

All employee memberships incorporate Virgin Life Care’s HealthMiles, an interactive, web-based reward program that encourages employees to embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle. Similar in concept to frequent flyer programs, HealthMiles members earn miles by exercising, tracking results and improving key body metrics such as blood pressure, body fat, weight and BMI. Those miles can then be redeemed for products from over 50 leading U.S. retailers.

Employees can track their personal progress, while the credit union receives aggregate data showing the achievements of its staff.

This latest move by Security Service FCU is an example of two major shifts in corporate wellness programs. First, more businesses are taking on the responsibility for developing and implementing these programs that traditionally have come through insurance companies. A study released this year by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine found 62 percent of all companies now offer some type of wellness program.

Second, there’s a growing movement towards values-based benefit programs where benefits are viewed as a corporate investment, rather than an expense. "We definitely view this as an investment in our employees and their families," said Reynolds. "We value our employees. CU Fit is a beneficial program that we hope will contribute to their success, just as they contribute to the success of the credit union."

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in San Antonio and the 10th largest in the nation. The credit union has over $4.6 billion in assets and more than 640,000 members in Texas, Colorado and around the world. There are 30 South Texas locations and 13 Colorado service centers. For more information about SSFCU products and services visit www.ssfcu.org or call 1-888-415-7878.

About Spectrum Athletic Club
Spectrum is the tenth largest fitness company in the United States. It currently has 8 locations in the Alamo City, 12 locations in the Los Angeles area, 1,500 employees and more than 130,000 members. Operating for more than 32 years in San Antonio, Spectrum offers spacious, modern facilities, highly trained staff, the latest in fitness equipment, high-end amenities and a full range of fitness programming for people of all ages - at consistently competitive and affordable rates. For more information about Spectrum Athletic Clubs visit www.spectrumclubs.com or call 1-877-A-STEP-UP

About Virgin HealthMiles
Virgin HealthMiles brings the latest in health & fitness innovation to the United States, as part of the Virgin group headed by Sir Richard Branson. Virgin, a leading branded venture capital organization, is one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. Virgin USA oversees and is responsible for the expansion of the Virgin brand in North America, blasting into markets where the customer is underserved, offering value for money, good quality, innovation, exceptional customer service, fun and a sense of competitive challenge. Building upon the success of existing businesses such as Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Mobile, Virgin continues to look for opportunities in North America where it can offer something better, fresher and more valuable to consumers. Visit www.virginhealthmiles.com for more information.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union’s Yvonne Fernandez, Assistant Vice President of Commercial Services, received the Financial Services Champion of the Year award presented by the South-West Texas Border Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. She was recognized at the Small Business Week Awards luncheon in support of the San Antonio District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Fernandez holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and has nearly 20 years of experience with Security Service. She is responsible for the development and maintenance of commercial relationships at the credit union. Fernandez built the business department at Security Service from one to five employees, and created an active business lending department, quickly becoming a Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, an Express lender and, finally, a preferred SBA lender.

In addition to her professional duties, Fernandez has led the credit union to be recognized by the Central Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (CTAGGL) for SBA loan production. She is also President of the UTSA Alumni Association, and a UTSA Development Board Member. She is an advocate of the SBDC, an alumnus of the North San Antonio Chamber Leadership Lab and a member of the Central Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders. She has also contributed her time as a Board member of the Academy of Finance at Business Careers High School in San Antonio, Texas.

Fernandez has made numerous contributions to the success and growth of Security Service and to the San Antonio community, and is most deserving of this recognition.

Colorado Springs, CO: The Colorado Springs Business Journal named Donna Williams of Security Service Federal Credit Union the winner of its 2008 Rising Star Award. Presented to professionals under the age of 40, Williams was recognized for her outstanding professional accomplishments and community involvement. Williams is a six-year veteran of Security Service and currently serves as manager of its Briargate service center in Colorado Springs.

“We are proud that Donna has been presented with such a prestigious award,” says Rick Weber, senior vice president for Security Service. “Donna does an outstanding job motivating her staff to offer the best member service available and she is truly dedicated to serving our community through her volunteer efforts. She is very deserving of this award.”

Williams is a member of the Pikes Peak United Way Funds Allocation Committee and also serves as a Junior Achievement instructor for all grade levels. She was recently named one of the top volunteer instructors for Junior Achievement. Additionally, Williams is also a member of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Rising Professionals Organization and is currently helping to establish a Toastmasters Chapter in Northern Colorado Springs.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union officials celebrated the opening of its new Pleasanton Service Center in the Oaklawn Terrace Retail Center at 1360 West Oaklawn today. The new 2,000 square foot facility is the credit union’s 30th service center in the South Texas area. The Pleasanton location will provide more accessibility and convenience for its already more than 7,500 existing members in Atascosa County. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school and other legal entities are eligible to join Security Service Federal Credit Union.

“Security Service is excited to have a full-service location for its members living in Pleasanton and surrounding areas,” says John Worthington, senior vice president for the credit union. “We appreciate our members’ business and we look forward to providing them financial services where they live and work.”

As part of the opening celebrations, Security Service donated $3,000 to the Atascosa 4-H Council to assist with 4-H Club programs and activities.

“The 4-H Club is a terrific organization that helps our youth develop strong leadership skills,” adds Worthington. “We are pleased to be able to provide the Atascosa 4-H Council with this donation as we celebrate the opening of our newest service center.”

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union was firing on all cylinders in the second annual Military Saves Week, February 24 through March 2, when it doubled the number of military members signed up. The goal of this nation-wide campaign was to advertise and encourage military members to enroll in the Military Saves Program. The program educates service members by providing savings tips, strategies and awareness materials to improve savings behavior.

Part of the success of this year's program was due to the efforts of the credit union’s service center employees. Every one of the credit union’s service centers’ lobbies was decorated with eye-catching displays that called attention to the program.

Security Service enrolled an impressive 3,033 military men and women during the one week campaign. This number represents approximately 20 percent of the national total and is twice the number Security Service enrolled in 2007. The credit union promoted the program beyond the scheduled week of the campaign through the end of March, enrolling an additional 818 military members into the program.

"I’m extremely pleased with our performance in this year's Military Saves campaign," commented David Reynolds, President and CEO for Security Service, "Our employees did an excellent job with the promotion and their efforts were instrumental in helping our military members become better savers."

PURCHASE, N.Y., April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- MasterCard Worldwide today announced MasterCard Integrated Processing Solutions(TM) (IPS) -- a powerful MasterCard-engineered debit processing platform. MasterCard IPS offers financial institutions a complete processing solution to help create differentiated products and services, enabling them to quickly expand their payments portfolios across banking channels.

Through a single connection, MasterCard IPS provides banks with a suite of branded debit network and card issuer processing services including PIN, signature, and ATM driving. The platform also introduces a user-friendly customer interface, MasterCard Portfolio Viewer, which greatly simplifies the process for banks to package cardholder data into customized reports. Banks can quickly and easily change the Portfolio Viewer configuration and report parameters with no hard coding.

Security Service Federal Credit Union (Security Service FCU) will be the first MasterCard customer to implement MasterCard IPS, reaffirming its commitment to MasterCard debit offerings with an exclusive agreement. Beginning in the second quarter of 2008, MasterCard will provide Security Service FCU with complete branded debit network and issuer processing.

"MasterCard IPS offers the debit payment innovations we need to differentiate ourselves and grow our business in a competitive financial services market," said David Reynolds, president and CEO, Security Service FCU. "As consumers increasingly embrace electronic payments, aligning with MasterCard ensures that we are well positioned to quickly respond to member demands by offering the most advanced debit products and services."

"Using MasterCard IPS is like moving from the highway to the runway," said Tim Murphy, president, U.S. Region, MasterCard Worldwide. "The platform streamlines the launch of next-generation payment systems to help our customers' businesses take off. With traditional cobbled-together legacy systems, banks may achieve their business goals eventually, but that path is time-consuming and unreliable. MasterCard IPS has been built as an integrated solution from the ground up with the most advanced software, so it is unencumbered by the constraints of legacy systems."

MasterCard IPS simplifies product differentiation by using a parameter- based system to rapidly design and deploy innovative payment products and services that can be specifically customized at the local, regional and national levels yet still operate within a secure global framework. Banks can streamline the rollout process and save considerable time and resources by providing data for the platform's pre-determined parameters to customize a host of product or service options.

MasterCard IPS also helps banks realize greater value from next-generation automated teller machine (ATM) networks by transforming them into advanced distribution channels that integrate with other channels. They can now provide greater options to leverage products, transactions, marketing, promotions and cardholder preferences. For example, a bank wishing to increase debit transaction volume could direct a promotion to frequent ATM users to encourage their use of debit cards for purchases.

MasterCard IPS, together with the sophisticated MasterCard data warehouse, delivers aggregated data across accounts and product lines. It not only provides a 360-degree view of information but also has the flexibility and intelligence to supply customizable geographic and demographic data to its financial institution customers.

"With MasterCard IPS, we have eliminated the need for banks to dedicate significant time and resources to learning and managing payment portfolio interface systems," said Rob Reeg, MasterCard chief technology officer and interim president of MasterCard Global Technology and Operations. "Portfolio Viewer is a substantial advancement for the industry because it is intuitive and easy for users of any skill level, and it provides banks with an unprecedented ability to customize the processing platform interface while freeing them from interaction with the back-end system mechanics."

MasterCard IPS is expected to be available in the United States in mid-2008, offering ATM terminal driving, debit issuing processing and branded debit network functionality as well as expanded rewards capabilities. In developing the platform, MasterCard integrated into its global infrastructure the most advanced in-production payments software from ACI Worldwide and CAMS II Card & Merchant System from Computer Sciences Corporation.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) is awarding $16,000 in college scholarships to 16 top high school seniors in Texas and Colorado.

The San Antonio area students include: Anthony David Fisher, Roosevelt High School Design and Technology Academy; Bethany Fowler, Uvalde High School; Jacob Greene, Communication Arts High School; Laura Marie Hernandez, Fox Technical High School Law and Research Magnet Program; Kanesha Ann Hines, Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz, Texas; Brittany Sierra Loza, McCollum High School; Jazmin Ariana Perez, East Central High School; Noah Anthony Pierce, Tom Clark High School; Alex Adam Ramos, John Jay Science and Engineering Academy; Alex Roberts, MacArthur High School; Kate Wiemers, Hondo High School; and Brandt Zook, Medina Valley High School.

The Colorado area recipients include: Jamar Harrison, Sand Creek High School in Colorado Springs; Amanda McGrath, Pueblo West High School; Alyssa Mitson-Salazar, Centauri High School in Manassa; and Sabrina Lee Norton, Pueblo County High School.

"All of these students are incredibly talented individuals, many of them valedictorians and class presidents. More importantly, they are great examples of hard work, integrity and determination," says David Reynolds, Security Service FCU president and chief executive officer. "We’re happy to be able to help them achieve their dreams."

The awards are part of the Security Service scholarship program, which has awarded more than $128,000 to more than 180 college-bound students in the last 18 years. Students are chosen based on outstanding academic achievement, character and community involvement.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) officials announced that they have reached more than $4 billion in loans.

SSFCU began with only eight members and $25 in deposits, in 1956, and approved its first loan five months later. By 1959, not only did assets and membership size increase, but member loans had reached more than $700,000. A decade later, Security Service had lent more than $20 million in loans to its members, and now, more than 50 years after its opening, continues to grow and expand its lending services.

“We are proud of this milestone and look forward to continuing to provide our members the resources to help them realize their financial goals,” says SSFCU President and CEO, David Reynolds.

Security Service has been a leader among financial institutions in offering a variety of competitive products and services to meet its members’ needs. The credit union’s array of loans is no exception, which range from auto and mortgage loans to line of credit and student loans. Among other recognitions, Security Service FCU is the number one auto lender and fifth largest mortgage lender in San Antonio, and is a Preferred Lender with the Small Business Administration.

San Antonio, Texas: Having recently received final certification from the National Credit Union Administration, Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) officials are pleased to announce that the merger between SSFCU and Horizon Credit Union (HCU), Portland, Texas, is complete with an effective date of January 1, 2008. The partnership between the two entities will expand products and services to the some 6200 former HCU members. Additionally, it will enable the $4.3 billion Security Service to provide local service to its existing membership in the Coastal Bend area, more than 2,300 members, and grow its field of membership in the South Texas and Coastal Bend areas. Officials from both organizations agreed that the merger was a strategic vision to help improve credit union benefits to members and provide expanded technological delivery channels for better service.

“The merger of Horizon Credit Union with Security Service Federal Credit Union is an exciting opportunity that will greatly benefit both organizations,” says David Reynolds, president and CEO for SSFCU. “This action will allow us to increase community support and volunteerism, and it will assist us in providing top-notch service to new and existing members living in the Coastal Bend area.”

A vote in late 2007 by HCU members overwhelmingly ratified the merger between the two credit unions. The merger adds three locations to Security Service’s existing 26 service centers located in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Uvalde, Harlingen and other South Texas communities. SSFCU entered the Coastal Bend market in June 2007 through the acquisition of the Diocese of Corpus Christi Federal Credit Union in Corpus Christi.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) is pleased to announce its 2008-2009 Board of Directors:

Chairman of the Board, Bob Egger; 1st Vice Chairman, James O’Farrell, 2nd Vice Chairman, Tim McCallum; Treasurer, Joe Coleman; Secretary, Pete McNamee; and Directors; Max Giovannini, Bill Ballard, Mary Holub, Grover Jackson, James Tattini and Robert Johnson.

San Antonio, Texas: Committed to making a positive environmental contribution, Security Service Federal Credit Union, has saved more than 2.6 million gallons of water, in 2007, after implementing a new water conservation program, at its 16-acre corporate headquarters. The success of the program has resulted in lower operating costs, a 50 percent reduction in consumption, and most importantly, the conservation of a diminishing natural resource.

“We appreciate the need for conserving our natural resources and are proud to be able to do our part,” says SSFCU President and CEO, David Reynolds. “We know that the proactive steps we take today will pay dividends for our community and environment in the future.”

The high tech software, Aquador.NET, provided by Acequia, Comprehensive Irrigation Management, not only allows Security Service to determine the precise amount of water necessary to irrigate its landscape without consuming additional, wasted water, but also generates remote adjustments, over the internet, to accommodate precipitation and temperature changes.

San Antonio, Texas: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) officials announced today plans to open a new service center in Pleasanton, Texas. The new 2,000 sq. ft. facility will be located inside the Oaklawn Terrace Retail Center at 1360 West Oaklawn, and will feature four traditional teller stations and three member service offices. Security Service has more than 7,500 members living in Atascosa County, and has had an Atascosa County location in its plans for several years.

“We have heard from many of our members living within Atascosa County that they wanted a local service center that would provide convenient service closer to where they live,” said John Worthington, senior vice president for Security Service Federal Credit Union. “We are pleased to be able to provide this added service location to our Atascosa County members and are confident they will enjoy the convenience having a location closer to home.”

Previously, Security Service’s Mobile Service Center provided service to members living in the Atascosa County area. SSFCU officials anticipate the Pleasanton location will be open for business sometime this April. The credit union offers more than 1,000 ways to join. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school and other legal entities in Atascosa County are eligible to join Security Service Federal Credit Union.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union

Security Service Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in San Antonio and the 11th largest credit union in the nation. SSFCU has over $4 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members. There are 29 South Texas locations and 13 Colorado facilities. For more information about SSFCU products and services, please call 1-888-415-7878 or visit www.ssfcu.org.

San Antonio, Texas: Reclaiming her title for a second year in a row, Marilyn Hartmann, senior commercial loan officer for Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU), is the North Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year for 2007. Hartmann, a North Chamber member for four years, received the award for having greater participation and involvement in Chamber events than any other ambassador. Additionally, she referred numerous potential members to the Chamber and provided extensive volunteer assistance throughout the year.

In addition to her award, Hartmann served as team captain on various committees for the past three years, earning “Team of the Month,” honors four times this year alone and currently serves on the Small Business Leaders Awards committee.

Recently promoted to senior commercial loan officer, Hartmann has been with Security Service for three years, and specializes in SBA lending.

Exceeding its goal, the San Antonio Food Bank, in conjunction with Security Service Federal Credit Union, News4 WOAI, KJ97 and the San Antonio Express-News, raised just over 1.1 million pounds of canned food during its annual Food4SA food drive in November.

The month-long drive resulted in more than enough food to make nearly a million meals for thousands this holiday season and on into the new year. In all, the Food Bank collected enough to make 859,375 meals or feed 44,000 people three meals a day for six months.

Security Service Federal Credit Union also held a two-day drive to collect turkeys for the Food Bank to distribute at Thanksgiving. More than 5,000 pounds of the frozen gobblers were collected, helping to provide 500 families a special holiday meal.

The San Antonio Food Bank feeds more than 40,000 families each month in 16 counties in southwest Texas. Security Service Federal Credit Union is the 11th largest credit union in the nation and the largest credit union in San Antonio.