At the time of this writing, Russia has invaded Ukraine, causing uneasiness and fear around the world, and likely motivating hackers to be even more active.  We want to continue to reassure our members that your deposits are safe and insured, up to $250,000, but we need your help to be vigilant about protecting your financial information. Please read the Fraud-related article in this issue.

Don’t be a Victim of Fraud

Unfortunately, we’re finding more and more members falling victim to fraudsters and hackers every day because they are trusting those they don’t know. 

When you are putting together a household, it isn’t unusual to delegate responsibilities. One spouse or partner may take on the laundry, while another takes on the shopping. You might also decide which one of you vacuums and which one of you dusts. This is a perfectly fine way to divvy up household tasks and chores.

Trina Cardoza

Member Services Manager

Willow Creek & Hoopa

Managing two locations and two teams includes maintaining coverage when impacted by devastating fires in the summer, snow storms in the winter, and of course a global pandemic. Trina somehow finds time to volunteer on the Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce Board as well as Dream Quest, which provides local youth with vocational and creative opportunities.  She was an active volunteer with fire relief efforts of Pay it Forward Humboldt, helping families at the evacuation site in Willow Creek.  She was also recently recognized for creating a solution to PG & E crews’ lack of electricity at their meal site when they were in town following snowstorms (the generator at CCCU).  Congrats and thank you, Trina!

Coast Central proudly provides over $425,000 in grants, sponsorships, and scholarships annually.  This level of giving is only made possible because of you, our members, and your loyalty.  Created over three decades ago, our college scholarship program has enabled hundreds of local young people to further their education.  This year, our Board of Directors approved an increase to a total of 19 scholarships, up from 11 awarded historically.  These are 4-year, $5,000 awards available to high school seniors in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties.  Recipients are selected based on financial need, an essay on overcoming adversity, academic performance or consistent improvement, and community and/or school involvement. Students must plan to attend Cal Poly Humboldt, Chico State, College of the Redwoods, or Shasta College for at least the first two years.  2022 recipients will be announced by the end of April.

We checked in with three recent recipients to get updates on their accomplishments and plans for the future.  Meet Brianne, Hunter, and Taylor!

We are excited to announce the addition this spring of a Virtual Assistant, a “ChatBot,” on our website. This program uses Artificial Intelligence and natural language processing to interpret written language and respond appropriately. 

Holiday Closures 

Credit Union Quiz