Lucky winner Rita collects the keys to new car at Tullamore Credit Union AGM

THE lucky winner of the Tullamore Credit Union car draw, Rita Scully was present at the body's AGM this week to collect the keys to her winning vehicle.

The 60th Annual General Meeting of the credit union took place on Monday last, December 12 in the Tullamore Court Hotel.

The meeting was ‘hybrid’ in nature, with members attending in person and also online, using the Zoom platform. The meeting was well attended, despite the inclement weather.

The AGM was chaired by Ray Spain, who having welcomed members and taking a minute’s silence for members lost during the year, moved to his own address, where he stressed the importance and ever present ethos of being community-based.

He advised that Tullamore Credit Union Ltd had now reached its 60th year, and that many community-based events would be used to celebrate this milestone.

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His focus shifted to the future, where he outlined plans for a major upgrade to the office computer system and introduction of new services – all being provided to enhance current services.

He complimented both staff and directors, drawing particular attention to former director Brian Gunning and current director Peter Hensey, both of whom were honoured with national awards recently. He commended staff on their professional work ethic, noting that they too had won awards, both locally and nationally, for Customer Service and as a Credit Team.

Ray handed over to director Fra Mollen who walked through the financial reports. He acknowledged the continued growth in both member savings and loans, citing the continued interest in the credit union mortgage product as a contributor.
CEO Paul Shaw explained and outlined the Strategic Plan to members. He explained that having engaged with staff, the plan was based on 4 values – member, community, quality and team – and from these values, goals had been derived, which would fuel development into the future.

Paul emphasised that members were at the heart of the credit union and he appealed for members to consider getting involved directly as volunteers.

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Paul further outlined the introduction of ‘Your Credit Union Voice’ a forum set up to seek greater input from members in various areas of the common bond; he asked members to participate.

He noted the introduction of a Qualified Financial Advisor service, who would be available to meet members individually on a variety of subjects, such as budgeting, pensions and life insurance products.
Reports were delivered, questions answered and elections held.

The winner of the December Prize draw, Rita Scully and her husband Ted, were present to receive their keys from CEO Paul Shaw, Hugo Loonam Motors representative Kevin Meehan and Credit Union Ambassador Mark Milner.

All attending in person and online were entered in the ‘turkey draw’, leaving Chairperson Ray Spain to wish all members a very Happy Christmas.