October is Small Business Month, so I would like to acknowledge our Nova Scotian-owned member businesses. At CUA, we strive to support our commercial members however we can. With programs like our Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, and our annual Community Investment Grant Program, our team is dedicated to helping you succeed. As part of our focus on Nova Scotian-owned businesses, on October 6th, we had the privilege of sponsoring the Halifax Chamber of Commerce luncheon keynote with Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem. As the Chamber's banking Affinity Partner, CUA offers access to flexible banking solutions and preferred rates to members of the Chamber. Learn more about our exclusive banking benefits for these members.

In recognition of all of our members, we have an exciting day coming up next month. On Thursday, November 3rd we are celebrating CUA’s fourth annual Member Appreciation Day. Each year we like to recognize our members with exciting giveaways and in-branch celebrations. This year we have some wonderful prizes planned for participating members, with the contest closing at 4 p.m. on November 3rd. This includes early-bird giveaway draws each Friday throughout October, so make sure to cast your ballot early in order to be eligible. We look forward to celebrating you, our wonderful members, very soon.

As you may know, member feedback is incredibly important to our operations at CUA. That’s why we are asking you to share your opinions and experiences with us in CUA’s Annual Member Survey, which is closing on October 29th. These responses help shape the products and services we offer and guide our efforts to provide relevant and meaningful experiences for you. Members who participate in the survey will also be entered into a draw for a $1,000 cash prize, so please share your feedback for a chance to win!

For members who may be interested in a role on our Board of Directors, I’m pleased to advise that the 2023 Director Nomination and Election Process will commence on October 15th, with the nomination period closing November 30th, 2022. Any interested and qualified members can put their name forward for consideration by completing the Nomination Form, which is included in the Director Nomination Package and will be placed on our webpage on October 14th.

If you are a member who uses online or mobile banking, you may have noticed a number of recent communications around your Personal Access Code (PAC). In line with IT expert recommendations and industry standards, PACs are changing in order to provide enhanced security for members who use online and mobile banking. These members are asked to change their PAC from the current five-digit code to an eight-to-20-character alphanumeric password by the end of November 20th. Starting on November 21st, any member who has not yet changed their PAC will be required to do so before they can continue accessing their online banking. If you have any questions about the PAC change, you can find more information on our webpage or by reaching out to a member of our team. 

As always, if you have any questions about our products, services or upcoming events, you can reach us at 902.492.6500 or at info@cua.com.