MEDIA CONTACT: CORPCOMM@KINECTA.ORG

Week-long celebration promotes e-Statements and other ‘green’ initiatives

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., October 8, 2008 – Kinecta Federal Credit Union is leading the charge to make financial services synonymous with conservation. Over the past year, the local credit union has focused on environmentally friendly business practices that promote conservation without sacrificing the quality of member service.

The Manhattan Beach-based credit union has consistently reduced its reliance on paper by promoting Online Banking and e-Only, i.e. paperless, services to its more than 220,000 members. Since July, those who prefer paper statements have received them printed on 100% recycled paper and in envelopes made with 100% recycled paper and biodegradable windows.

Members who take advantage of e-Only and other services will be rewarded with gifts of reusable shopping totes when they visit a branch during Kinecta’s Green Week, October 14-18, which also celebrates the cooperative spirit in recognition of International Credit Union Day on October 16 (see attached Kinecta News article for a complete list of qualifying services). In addition, Green Week will mark the official debut of Kinecta’s Green Guide at www.kinecta.org/green, a Web site devoted to sharing earth-friendly tips and resources.

“Kinecta believes we all have a role to play in conserving resources by changing the way we approach our day-to-day activities,” said Kinecta President/CEO Simone Lagomarsino. “Even small habits, such as using a ceramic mug instead of paper coffee cups, help cut down on waste. When it comes to financial services, we’re proud to offer paperless alternatives such as automatic bill pay that can be even more convenient to our members.”

“Green” practices have also been incorporated into Kinecta’s office environment. Recent remodels incorporated carpeting and partition walls that contain fabrics made from environmentally friendly materials. Energy-saving sensors automatically switch off the lights when the room is not occupied. And for more than two years an employee RideShare program has been offering incentives for Kinecta staff members who carpool, take public transportation or bike to work.

“These measures are helping Kinecta broaden the credit union’s core philosophy of people helping people,” Lagomarsino added.

Kinecta Federal Credit Union is one of the nation’s largest credit unions, with more than $4.4 billion in assets, 25 branches and more than 220,000 members nationwide. Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, Calif., Kinecta offers its members a full range of financial products through the Credit Union and its subsidiaries, Kinecta Financial & Insurance Services, Apollo Agencies, and Kinecta Alternative Financial Solutions, dba Nix Check Cashing. Kinecta Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that is owned by its members, and exists to provide a safe and convenient place for member/owners to conduct their financial business. Our earnings are returned to our members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits and lower fees. For more information about Kinecta, visit www.kinecta.org. For more information about Nix Check Cashing, visit www.nixcheckcashing.com.
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