Charter Bank announces $20,000 match for Eau Claire United PTA/PTO’s field trip fundraiser.

So far almost $30,000 has been raised to help fund Eau Claire area schools, and with these matching funds there is a greater chance that the $70,000 goal will be met. Since June, this organization has been working together to try and raise the necessary funds so all children have the opportunity to attend educated field trips that have been cut from the school district’s budget. Charter Bank and the Eau Claire United PTA/PTO hope that this generous pledge of support will inspire community members to join the effort and give educational opportunities back to Eau Claire students that will otherwise be lost. For a list of upcoming fundraising events, please visit their website: www.ecfieldtrips.com.

Mission Statement
Our Mission is to be a responsive, customer friendly, profitable and growing independent bank.

Giving the right gift just got easier.
MasterCard gift cards now available!

• Use the card anywhere MasterCard is accepted
• The recipient can buy what they want, where they want
• Ready for immediate use
• Unlimited online access for account information
• Cards can be purchased in any amount $10 - $1,000
• $2.50 per card processing fee
• Cards are not reloadable
• Cards are accepted at Point of Sale terminals only
• Can be replaced if lost or stolen
• Personalized gift cards for your business or organization also available.

FDIC Insurance Information
Charter Bank is participating in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program. Under that program, through June 30, 2010, all noninterest-bearing transaction accounts are fully guaranteed by the FDIC for the entire amount in the account. Coverage under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program is in addition to and separate from the coverage available under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules.

May 20, 2009
Deposits at FDIC-insured institutions are now insured up to at least $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2013. On January 1, 2014, the standard insurance amount will return to $100,000 per depositor for all account categories except for IRAs and other certain retirement accounts which will remain at $250,000 per depositor. (This supersedes the October 3, 2008 changes.)

The extension announced on May 20, 2009, does not apply to the Transaction Account Guarantee Program. The unlimited coverage under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program is only in effect for depositors at participating institutions through December 31, 2009.

As always, if you have questions regarding your accounts, please contact anyone at Charter Bank and we will be happy to assist you.

Welcome to Charter Bank

Charter Bank is an independently owned community bank, with one location at 1010 West Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire, WI. Community Banks, like Charter Bank, are characterized by their local headquarters and consequently, local decision-making that benefits the community where the bank does business.

Since opening our doors as a de novo (new) bank in 1980, we have grown to an asset size of over $500 million, which gives Charter Bank the distinction of being the largest bank in the Chippewa Valley. This growth has been accomplished by providing our clients with financial products that exceed expectations, such as Bright Future Membership, the College Fund Account, and our high-yield Savings Account. Our lending team averages over 15 years each of lending experience, resulting in exceptional growth in the number of loan clients and loan balances. In addition, Charter Bank was the recipient of the 2005 Small Business of the Year award presented by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce for our contributions to the economy of the Chippewa Valley.

Our success would not be possible without the loyal patronage of thousands of Chippewa Valley residents. We are committed to rewarding their loyalty and support by making a positive difference in our community.

Community Involvement

Scholarship Program
Charter Bank is proud to offer scholarships to our clients who may be attending a College, University or Technical College. Charter Bank has awarded over $37,000 per year in scholarships. Awards are made (dependent upon the institution applicant will attend) in the amounts of $1,000 or $500 for one academic year and may be renewed.

Number of Scholarships Awarded
For high school senior applicants:

1. Eight college or university scholarships of $1,000 per year.
2. Three technical college scholarships of $500 per year.

For post high school applicants:

1. Two college or university scholarships of $1,000 per year.
2. Two technical college scholarships of $500 per year.

Application Procedure

1. Application forms are available at Charter Bank.
2. Application must be postmarked no later than March 15th.
3. Send completed application to:
   Charter Bank
   Scholarship Committee
   P.O. Box 1146
   Eau Claire, WI 54702-1146

Eligibility

Applicant must be:

1. A high school graduating senior who is a client or whose parent(s) or guardian(s) is/are a client* of Charter Bank Eau Claire. OR
   1. A post high school Charter Bank Eau Claire client*.
   2. Applicant plans to attend an accredited college, university, or technical college located in the United States in a full-time undergraduate or associate degree program.
      
2. Applicant must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.

*Charter Bank Eau Claire client is defined as an individual who maintains an account (i.e. savings, checking, loan, college fund, individual retirement account or certificate of deposit for a minimum of two years prior to the date of application (March 15).
(Charter Bank employees and their children are not eligible.)

Renewal Process

• Renewal(s) will be limited to three one-year renewals, per college or university recipient.
• Renewals will be limited to one one-year renewal, per technical college recipient.
• To be eligible, recipient must be a full-time student in good standing and demonstrate regular progress toward a degree within a normal time period.
• Recipients must request and complete a renewal application. The renewal application and a copy of the applicant's most recent transcript must be postmarked by March 15th by the Scholarship Committee to receive consideration for the upcoming academic year. College freshman need only submit their most recent college transcript.

Selection Procedure
The Scholarship Committee will select recipients. Scholarships will be awarded based on information contained in the application form. Consideration will be given to the following:

• Education and career goals
• Academic performance
• School and/or community involvement
• Written communication skills
• Character references

Award Notification
All applicants will be notified by mail of selection results by May 1st. Recipients will be announced in the local media and Charter Bank Eau Claire newsletter and at their high school award ceremony, if applicable.

Conditions of Scholarship

1. Each scholarship will be awarded for one (1) academic year (see Renewal Process).
2. If an interruption in studies occurs, all scholarship disbursements shall cease. Upon resumption of attendance at a university/college as a full-time student, the recipient may petition the Scholarship Committee for reinstatement of the scholarship.

Disbursements
Scholarship award will be paid directly to the college, university or technical college to be credited to the recipient's account in September.

Refunds
Any unused scholarship funds shall be returned to Charter Bank Eau Claire. Each institutional refund policy shall govern the amount returned to the scholarship fund.

Questions
Questions should be addressed in writing to:

Charter Bank Eau Claire
Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 1146
Eau Claire, WI 54702-1146

All information submitted with scholarship application
will become the property of Charter Bank Eau Claire
and will be maintained in confidence.