November is Financial Literacy Month!

Did you know that the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada celebrates Financial Literacy Month annually in November?

November 2020 marks the 10th Anniversary of Financial Literacy Month and we are very excited to announce that we are ready to launch VantageOne’s New Financial Ability page on our website, with brand new videos and an exciting contest!

We know it has been a challenging time for many of our members, with many people struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we continue to support them in understanding their finances and gaining financial confidence to make informed decisions by equipping them with practical tips and tools from VantageOne.


New Website Page
Check out our brand new website page with planning & advice blog posts and informative videos.

 

Contest with Beach Radio – You Could win 1 of 2 $250 Term Deposits with VantageOne!
Simply answer a few quick questions about financial literacy and hit ENTER! Learn more about the contest here!

 

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VantageOne Business Members Win Big at Vernon Business Excellence Awards

Local businesses create jobs, diversify our local economy and strengthen OUR communities. Their innovation and fortitude make the Okanagan a better place for all of us!

VantageOne is proud to be an important part of helping all of our members grow and couldn’t be happier to see these great local businesses receive these honours.

Please join us in congratulating the following VantageOne business members on their awards from the Vernon Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Check out our video to learn more!

@teassentialspecialtyteas

@TurningPointsCollaborative

@Undergroundbrews

@fillvernonsrefillstore

@vernonchamber

#localbusiness #creditunion #keepitlocal

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Small Business Week Contest

Dear Small Businesses,

Thank YOU for creating jobs, diversifying our local economy and strengthening OUR communities! Your innovation and fortitude make the Okanagan a better place for all of us!

– The VantageOne Commercial Services Team

As a thank you for your continued support, we invite local businesses to enter into our draw for 1 of 8 $100 prizes.

ENTER HERE
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International Credit Union Day®Thursday, October 15, 2020

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Credit Union Day is a special day that we get to celebrate with our members. A day to celebrate and promote the Credit Union difference. For VantageOne, our members are OUR difference….YOU are our owners and give us the ability to positively impact our communities and the local economy.

This year the Credit Union Day celebration is focused around “Inspiring Hope for a Global Community”.

What is International Credit Union (ICU) Day®?

This special day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognize hard work and share member experiences. International Credit Union (ICU) Day® has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948.

The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more engaged. October 15th will mark the 72nd anniversary of International Credit Union Day. Since 1948, this day has been celebrated annually by thousands of credit unions across the globe.

VantageOne is just one of more than 68,000 credit unions in the World serving 235 million+ members.

How are we celebrating?

This past year has shown us that “we’re stronger together” and sharing our own stories and experiences have brought us closer together with people locally…. and from around the World.

We invite you to celebrate with us virtually this year by sharing something you are thankful for, a story of inspiration or a lesson you have learned so far through this pandemic, by commenting on our social media channels. All with the intention of spreading hope and messages of resilience.

Instagram – @vantageonecreditunion

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter – @VantageOneCU

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Masks Required in Branch Starting October 14th

Important Notice – We Wear Because We Care
As we progress through the pandemic and prepare for a potential second wave, we are seeing many changes, in regards, to the wearing of face masks. Many major retailers, schools, and transit systems are moving in the direction of wearing masks in these indoor settings.
Effective October 14, 2020, VantageOne will be requiring face masks for all members, clients and visitors when they visit any of our locations and/or have appointments with any of our staff.

 

We are in this together!
As of September 14, all of our staff have been required to wear face masks in-branch and in our administration office settings, when outside of their personal office space or outside of their plexiglass barrier area, or when in an appointment with a member.

 

Why are we making these changes?

As a highly regulated business, we need to follow our society’s authorities that govern health and we know that there are many diverse opinions on the decisions made. We believe it is good in our society to have these diverse views. It has been clear; however, we must follow a three-step model:

  1. Try to avoid contact
  2. If avoidance isn’t possible use physical distancing (remain approx 2 meters apart)
  3. If physical distancing isn’t possible wear personal protective equipment including masks.

Given we are heading into the winter season, we don’t want to have members standing out in the cold so we expect to have to queue in the branch. As a result, we may not be able to follow the physical distance protocol, meaning we must follow the protective equipment model by requiring masks for all.

Thank you for your understanding, remember….we are in this together for the health of our community!

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E-Transfer Fee Reduction

Over the last few months, we have offered temporary free Interac® e-Transfer services to our members. This temporary offer is coming to an end on October 31st.

Effective November 1st, we will be reinstating the e-Transfer fee for outgoing e-Transfers, but with a significant reduction. The e-Transfer fee will be reduced from $1.50 to $0.75 cents per transaction. REMINDER: If your banking account package includes a set amount of included free e-Transfers, they will still be free!

Please contact us to review your account package options.

or Click here to learn more about our account packages.

 

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Main Branch Update

Main Branch Exterior Update

You may have noticed our Vernon Main Branch & Administration building downtown are currently undergoing a renovation.

As we communicated in our Fall 2019 member update, the tiles on the exterior of our building are coming to their end of life. This type of failure can result in a safety issue if we don’t address it soon. As a result, we have moved forward to update the exterior of our building in Vernon, removing the tiles and going to a more cost-effective and durable stucco finish. This work will run through October of this year.

While the branch remains closed to member traffic (see below) access is available to our ATM’s, Night Deposit and entrances and exits to the building while this work goes on.

Main Branch Closure

Main Branch will remain closed to all cash and frontline teller services as part of our Pandemic Contingency Plan, which saw this branch close to member traffic starting on March 23, 2020. This remains our course of action as we lead into a potential end of summer or fall pandemic wave.

This allows us to ensure we have a controlled environment for our staff so that we can continue to operate and provide support to the other branches through our administrative staff here at Main.

Our Commercial Services team is available at Main Branch by appointment from 10am to 4pm. You can also access your safety deposit box from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, by contacting us and booking an appointment.

What are my Banking Options?

As a reminder, any branch is your branch! As a valued member of VantageOne Credit Union, you have access to your account and services at any of our 5 other locations. For more information about our branch locations and hours click here.

Looking for ways to bank without having to leave your home? We’ve got the solutions for you!

Mobile App
If your mobile device is what you use to stay connected on a daily basis, you’ll find our app convenient and easy to use! Learn More

Online Banking
Manage your accounts from anywhere at any time with online banking. Learn More.

Solutions Centre – We’re Here to Help!

Want to talk to a real person – that lives in your time zone?! You can call our local staff! Our Solutions Centre is staffed by a group of knowledgeable and professional staff who can assist you with a variety of banking needs:

  • General account, products and services inquiries
  • Coordinating account applications or phone call appointments
  • Opening and managing chequing and savings accounts for current members
  • Transferring funds
  • Opening and managing term deposits
  • Credit card applications or questions
  • Assisting with debit card issues
  • Resolving Online Banking and Mobile Banking issues
  • Security questions or concerns
  • RRSP, TFSA or RESP contributions
  • Bill payments
  • e-Transfer assistance
  • + so much more!

Connect with us in a variety of ways including phone, email and EasyConnect – which includes online chat, audio call and live video!

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Local Business Spotlight: Rusty Spur Tack, Feed & Pet

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Local business matters to VantageOne, and it always has. We have been committed to helping grow our members, local businesses and communities since 1944. As part of our commitment to supporting local businesses, our commercial services team is highlighting some of our outstanding local business members. The featured business we are shining the spotlight on right now is Rusty Spur Tack, Feed & Pet.

Tell us a bit about your business and history.
The Rusty Spur Tack, Feed & Pet has been a fixture in the Lumby area for years and we just opened a new location in Enderby last week! Since 2004, our family run shops have been bringing ranchers, hobby farmers, pet owners and horse owners the highest quality products, unbeatable prices, and outstanding customer service.

We provide nutritional, health and safety products to farm and household animals, non-prescription veterinary products, new and consignment horse tack and supplies, and farm supplies to farmers, hobby farmers, horse owners, enthusiasts and pet owners.

We pride ourselves on our nutritional knowledge and providing exceptional service to customers from Kamloops to Edgewood and beyond.

What do you love most about being in Lumby & Enderby?
Lumby and Enderby are central locations for our business. We are surrounded by farmers, hobby farmers and pet owners.  Our customers visit us from Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Cherryville, Nakusp, Edgewood and beyond. And, our online store reaches customers nationwide!

We pride ourselves on being part of the community both personally as we live in Lumby and with our business supporting many local and regional events and charities such as the Vernon District Riding Club, the Lumby Stars Hockey Teams, Feed the Valley, the Whitevale Community Centre, local School PAC fundraising and many, many others.We’re looking forward to serving the tight-knit community of Enderby with our new location!

If you could give one piece of advice to new business owners or those thinking of starting a business what would it be?
Either buying or starting a business, it is paramount to have a thorough understanding of the value you provide to your customers and whom those customers are and then tailor everything you do to those customers. Also, know your costs inside and out and track, monitor and manage them on an ongoing basis.
As a small business, it is important to manage your sales, margins and expenses closely and adjust accordingly. Have a plan, write it down, follow it and measure your business against it. Don’t be afraid to adjust the plan when necessary with forethought and planning. And, listen to your gut. It’s usually right.  If you know your market, including your customers, products and competition, you should be able to make informed decisions on moving your business forward.

How has VantageOne helped you start, succeed in or grow your business?
Buying our business, part of our plan was to expand our product lines, add new products and build our online presence. VantageOne gave us the ability to manage our liquidity as we built our inventory, our online platform and expanded our physical and online presence. This has allowed us to add new customers, grow our individual receipts/sales and hence grow our business.

Visit Rusty Spur online here to learn more!

 

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Earn 50% More Rewards on Your VantageOne Credit Card

Earn 50% More Rewards on Your VantageOne Credit Card

Whenever you use your VantageOne Collabria credit card, you automatically earn reward points that can be redeemed for cash, travel, event tickets, gift cards and more.  And here, we’re always looking for ways to help you earn more rewards.

That’s why we are offering you 50% more reward points whenever you shop at discount and stationery stores.1 You can purchase, stationery, books and pens, printers and laptops, headphones and accessories from select merchants – and earn while you spend!

Wondering how the extra reward points work? Well, whenever you shop at a store that falls under merchant category codes classified as discount, stationery and office supplies stores (codes 5310, 5943 and 5111), you’ll automatically earn 50% more rewards.

All you have to do is take your VantageOne Collabria credit card with you when you go shopping – it’s as easy as that! This offer is valid from Aug 1 – Oct 31, 2020, and all rewards-earning cards are eligible.  

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Learn more about the Terms and Conditions

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Applications open for CEBA 3.0

VantageOne Credit Union is committed to supporting our business members through this difficult time. We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the federal government’s Canada Emergency Business Account program for non-deferrable expense-based businesses (CEBA 3.0).

Program Eligibility:

  • The Borrower is a Canadian operating business in operation as of March 1, 2020.
  • The Borrower has a federal tax registration.
  •  For applicants with Cdn.$20,000 or less in total employment income paid in the 2019 calendar year:
    • The Borrower has a Canada Revenue Agency business number and has filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return.
    • The Borrower has eligible non-deferrable expenses between Cdn.$40,000 and Cdn.$1,500,000. Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance. Expenses will be subject to verification and audit by the Government of Canada.
  • The Borrower has an active business chequing/operating account with VantageOne Credit Union, which is its primary financial institution. This account was opened on or prior to March 1, 2020 and was not in arrears on existing borrowing facilities, if applicable, with the VantageOne by 90 days or more as of March 1, 2020.
  • The Borrower has not previously used the Program and will not apply for support under the Program at any other financial institution.
  • The Borrower acknowledges its intention to continue to operate its business or to resume operations.
  • The Borrower agrees to participate in post-funding surveys conducted by the Government of Canada or any of its agents.
  • The Borrower must also agree to participate in post-funding surveys conducted by the Government of Canada or any of its agents.

​​​​The Eligible Non-Deferrable Expense Categories are the Following:

  • Wages and other employment expenses to independent (arm’s length) third parties;
  • Rent or lease payments for real estate used for business purposes;
  • Rent or lease payments for capital equipment used for business purposes;
  • Payments incurred for insurance-related costs;
  • Payments incurred for property taxes;
  • Payments incurred for business purposes for telephone and utilities in the form of gas, oil, electricity, water and internet;
  • Payments for regularly scheduled debt service;
  • Payments incurred under agreements with independent contractors and fees required in order to maintain licenses, authorizations or permissions necessary to conduct business by the Borrower.

CEBA 3.0 Application Process

Businesses with annual payroll less than $20,000 during 2019 and eligible non-deferrable expenses for 2020 projected to be between $40,000 and $1.5 million, can apply via a 2-step process.

Step 1: Initiate an application through VantageOne

  • Log in to your Member Direct Small Business online banking
  • Click on Account Services
  • Then click on the CEBA button
  • Start your application for CEBA 3.0
  • IMPORTANT NOTES
  • Corporations – required to supply VantageOne with most recent T2
  • Sole proprietors & Partnerships – required to supply VantageOne with most recent T1
  • In the application in the screenshot below, please DO NOT hit NEXT, before you have submitted your documents to the EDC through the please click here link.

Step 2: Upload evidence of non-deferrable expenses via the Government of Canada’s CEBA website for verification.

To complete this application process, members will need to have:

  • a 9-digit CRA Business Number;
  • the ability to provide verifiable business information from their most recent CRA business tax filing (2018 or 2019); and evidence of eligible non-deferrable expensesOpens a new window in your browser. for 2020, like commercial leases, property tax statements or utility bills, to upload to the federal government’s website

More information is available on the following sites:

More information: https://ceba-cuec.ca/
Application: https://application-demande.ceba-cuec.ca/

Funding Timelines

Please be aware, the CEBA 3.0 version has more complexity in the application process and the actual processing time – from application to receiving funds takes more time. The Government of Canada has advised us to expect a 15 business day turnaround from when you submit your application.

Remember, the Commercial Department of VantageOne Credit Union is here to help. Please reach out to us for any support you require!

– The VantageOne Commercial Department
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