Mike

Michael Zahn Appointed to National Council for Community Bank Leaders

American Bankers Association has selected Michael Zahn, President and CEO, First Federal Savings Bank, to serve on ABA’s Community Bankers Council.

Zahn attended the ABA Community Bankers Council meeting in Washington, November 14-16.

Bankers had discussions on the impacts of mid-term elections results, legislative priorities for the new Congress, debit and credit card interchange, data aggregation, P2P payments liability, cannabis banking, ECORA, NSF fees, central bank digital currency and other deposit substitution threats, and bank ownership changes. Council members also had a chance to share ways rising rates and inflation have affected the business of banking, and exchange ideas on operational and business best practices.

“Community banks play such an important role in our banking industry,” Zahn said. “This appointment gives me the opportunity to represent Indiana and advocate for the continued success of America’s hometown banks.”

ABA’s Community Bankers Council, which meets twice a year, is made up of approximately 100 bankers from across the country from institutions with generally less than $5 billion in assets. Members are appointed by the ABA chair. Michael has been with First Federal Savings Bank for 26 years. He currently serves on the board for the United Way, Huntington County Economic Development, Indiana Bankers Association, and the Foundation Board at Huntington University.

First Federal Savings Bank's Employees Jeans Days Help Support Non-Profits

Each month of the year, employees at FFSB vote for a local non-profit to support with their "Fun Fridays". The employees select the organizations supported and are able to wear blue jeans to work for a small donation each Friday. The organization chosen generally has FFSB employees who are involved or volunteer with the agency. Our employees are very passionate about supporting local non-profits and the missions they serve. Over the last year, we have donated more than $ back to our communities.

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Moola Moola Holiday Craft Party!

After a couple years without Moola Moola events for our Moola Moola Kids, we are happy to announce that they are back! We recently hosted our Moola Moola Kids at our annual Holiday Craft Party at the Knights of Columbus in Huntington. Those in attendance were greeted with cookies, punch, and craft goodie bags from Santa and the lovable Moola Moola.

To learn more about our Children’s Savings Program and how to get your child involved in Moola Moola events, contact your local branch.

Scam

Protecting Yourself from Online Scams

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. The National Council on Identity

Theft Protection states that identity theft victimized more than 5.7 million people in 2021.It occurs

when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge or permission for financial

or other gain. Prime targets include children, college students, military members, veterans, and seniors,

but it can be anyone at any time. While no one is safe from identity theft, there are steps you can take to

lower your risks.

Here are just a few:

  • Never reply to messages asking for personal information, whether the message was sent over the

phone or by email, text message, or through an ad. Do not call phone numbers or click on links

contained in these messages. You could be a target of phishing (when cyber thieves send you emails

that try to lure you into providing or confirming personal information).

  • Make a list of your card account numbers, expiration dates, and customer service phone

numbers. Keep the list in a secure place that you can access quickly if your cards are lost or

stolen.

  • Limit what you share on social networking sites. Consider increasing your privacy settings.

In terms of COVID-19 related scams, the CDC recommends that consumers:

  • Be wary of ads for test kits. Many test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA and aren’t necessarily accurate.
  • Learn the difference between a real contact tracer and a scammer. Legitimate tracers need health information, not money or personal financial information.
  • Ignore offers for vaccinations and miracle treatments or cures. Scammers are selling products to treat or prevent COVID-19 without proof that they work.

Check out these websites for more information:

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.indentitytheft.gov
  • Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov/Individuals/Identity-Protection
  • The Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org
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Now is the Perfect Time to Start Saving for Next Year!

Did you know that we offer a Christmas Club Savings Account? It is a savings account that you can make deposits in at any time during the year, and we will cut you a check in time for your holiday shopping! It is a great way to budget for the holidays.

It only takes $10 to open, and there are no monthly service charges or transaction fees. If you felt like the holiday crept up on you this year, it's the perfect way to be prepared in 2023!

Ben Capper

Meet the Staff!

Ben Capper joined First Federal Savings Bank in September as Vice President, Commercial Lending and Business Development at the Southwest Fort Wayne Branch. He attended Taylor University and then graduated from IPFW. Ben has been in the banking industry in Fort Wayne for 14 years, and in commercial lending for the last 10 years. He is married to his wife, Brittany and they have two children, Kathryn (11) and Nolan (9). His family loves the lake life during the summer months. Ben and his family have been active members at their church, Blackhawk Ministries, for several years. He has also served on the board for the Children’s Autism Center in Fort Wayne.

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