Dear Members,

It’s hard to believe the New Year is upon us. I hope you had an enjoyable holiday season and wish you all the best for 2010.

Prior to talking about some exciting news for 2010, I would like to reflect momentarily on 2009. I think most of us can say, without hesitation, that the economic conditions posed uncertainty for many throughout our great nation. And although these conditions are still lingering, I am cautiously optimistic the economy is turning the corner and on the path to recovery. In terms of your credit union, it was business as usual. Our staff and management team continued to work hard to be sure we were there for you when you needed us. I can say with confidence that your credit union is living proof that our industry philosophy of “people helping people” is alive and well.

Dutch Point donates dictionaries to the 5th grade students of the R.J. Kinsella Magnet School in Hartford.

During 2009, the Dutch Point team continued to build on our strategic core values of service excellence, community outreach, and relationship management. I would like to share with you some of the initiatives we’ve implemented. In terms of service excellence, we were very proud to design a program of customized lending solutions and affordable loan payments which helped many members who were financially strapped. Our community outreach programs continued to grow. We participated in the Connecticut Financial Reality Fair for students and Governor Rell’s Student Loan Program. Most importantly, our commitment to Read-to-Achieve raised over $13,000 which benefits local schools and underserved children. And a special thanks to all our members who helped our fundraising efforts with their contributions and support of The Connecticut Credit Union League Charitable Foundation, Blue Jeans for Babies, CT Foodshare, and the Children’s Miracle Network.

All of our success is due to the financial relationships established with our members over the past 49 years. As a reward, we introduced relationship pricing in 2009. Our long-term members can share in some new benefits such as discounted loan rates and low or no fees on other credit union services. I invite you to stop by and discuss this program with our Member Service Representatives.

Much talk these days has been on the recently enacted federal legislation known as the Credit Card Act of 2009. As a result of this legislation, we had to make some changes to our credit card program. Those holding our Platinum and Classic cards were notified of this in November. I want to assure you that, despite these changes, your Dutch Point card still remains one of the most competitive cards in the market -- you will still receive the many great benefits that come with our card, such as rewards points, no annual fee, low monthly minimum payments, plus much more.

We are very excited about 2010 because it marks our 50th anniversary. Our plans include a special member celebration sometime later this year. We will notify you in future newsletters and on our web-site when the date is set. We are also in the process of conducting a comprehensive review of our data processing system. We feel the delivery of state-of-the-art technology is critical to the long-term success of your credit union. When we have completed the review, one thing is certain, the results will determine our direction for moving forward in providing enhanced convenience and easier access to your financial transactions.

In closing, on behalf of our Board of Directors and entire staff, I once again would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. During these most difficult times, as a member/owner, you can count on Dutch Point to be there for your financial needs. After all, the strength of your credit union is solely a result of your trust and loyalty, and the entire Dutch Point staff will continue to work hard to earn your business.

Sincerely,

Francis R.N. Proto
President and CEO