ANNOUNCEMENTS

Employee of the Month!

Congratulations to Kathy Young on being selected as the winner of the President's Award for Service Excellence for February. While her contributions may go unnoticed by our customers, they certainly do not inside the bank. Kathy is First Federal's Controller and has many key responsibilities in our Accounting Department. Kathy is a very deserving recipient of this award. Thank you Kathy for all your hard work!

Big changes in store for U.S. Savings Bonds!

Paper savings bonds will not be sold through financial institutions or mail order after December 31, 2011.   You can buy electronic savings bonds online through TreasuryDirect: www.treasurydirect.gov.

The Treasury Department is Phasing out Paper Checks
for Federal Benefit Payments:

The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a final rule to extend the safety and convenience of electronic payments to all Americans receiving federal benefits and non-tax payments. Those already receiving paper checks will need to switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013. For those who do not have an account at a financial institution, they can opt to receive their payments on a prepaid debit card (Direct Express). People applying for benefits on or after May 1, 2011 must choose an electronic payment option at the time they sign up for their benefits.

For additional information:

• www.GoDirect.org
• U.S. Treasury Processing Center's toll-free helpline at 1-(800) 333-1795.
• Ask your local Social Security, VA, or other federal benefit agency office.