Tri-Co credit union opening celebration draws a crowd

AUGUSTA - When Tri-Co Federal Credit Union held the grand opening of its new, expanded facility at 47 Rte. 206 in Augusta on Saturday, Oct. 29, long lines had already formed in front of the building when the doors opened at 9 a.m. The first 200 adults to arrive at the new office each had the opportunity to spin a “Wheel of Cash” and win instant money, from $1 up to a grand prize of $500. The first 50 adults in line also received a N.J. lottery ticket. Robert Comeau of Wantage won the $500 prize; Karl Huttman, another area resident, won the second largest prize of $100. Other highlights of the day included a live remote broadcast from the office by radio station WSUS, a face-painting clown, free hotdogs and soda, musical entertainment provided by a three-piece Dixieland band, and free pumpkins. The day also marked the start of a month-long “Happy-Go-Lucky Sweepstakes” featuring a first prize of $2,000 in “Travel Bucks,” a second prize of two season passes to the Mountain Creek Ski Resort for the 2005/06 season, and a third prize of $500 in “Gas Bucks.” The credit union is also offering specials on financial products through Nov. 29, including free checking with no per-check charges, no minimum deposit, free first order of 50 personalized checks, and more. When someone opens an account, Tri-Co will “buy back” unused checks from his or her current bank for 5¢ each up to a limit of $10. Another special is a 17-month CD that offers - for a limited time - an annual percentage yield of 4.59% on a minimum deposit of $500. There is also a branch-wide 1% discount on all auto loan rates. “We are extremely pleased by the reception we received on opening day,” said Michael R. Prettyman, Tri-Co president and CEO. “We’re looking forward to creating many long-lasting relationships with our current members, those who joined us opening day, and those who will join us in the months ahead.” Like all credit unions, Tri-Co is owned by its members. Those who are or are related to school district teachers, administrators, and ESPs; county government employees or officials; members of parent-teacher associations; employees of colleges or universities located in Sussex, Morris or Warren counties; business owners, members of any Sussex County senior citizen group; and members of any professional organization are all eligible for membership. The new Tri-Co facility has a large, comfortable community room in the building available on a first-come, first-served basis to any community group that needs a place to meet. Branch manager of the new Augusta office is Helen Trimper. For information, call 973-300-0545, or toll free at 888-391-7991.