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Advocacy
Credit Unions For A Cause
At Limestone FCU, we proudly advocate for the interests of our members and the communities we serve. From supporting legislation that strengthens the credit union movement to championing initiatives that promote financial well-being, we’re committed to creating meaningful change.
Becoming A State Chartered Credit Union
In 2024, Limestone FCU expanded its field of membership to serve individuals and businesses across the entire state of Michigan. This expansion demonstrates the credit union’s dedication to providing personalized, community-focused financial services to a broader membership. Limestone FCU also adopted a new name, Limestone Financial Credit Union—symbolizing an exciting new chapter of growth and opportunity.
LFCU Annual Business Meeting
In May of 2025, we hosted the LFCU Annual Business Meeting and celebrated 70 incredible years of serving our members! Thank you to everyone who joined us—including our Board of Directors, dedicated team, and valued members.
Congratulations to Dr. Kristina Hansen and Judie Zerilli on their re-election to the Board of Directors—we’re excited for what’s ahead!
2024-2025 Internships
In April of 2025, our 2024–2025 interns presented on their year-long internships at the Lukenda School of Business—and they did an incredible job!
Alexis Tyslicki and Emma Jones (Marketing and Accounting Interns) and Domenic Rizzo (IT Intern) reflected on the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience they’ve gained throughout the academic year. We’re proud of the impact they’ve made at both Limestone FCU and LSSU—and we can’t wait to see what’s next for these future leaders!
Say It In “Seven.”
Sophie Shepard, Branch Manager and Loan Officer at The Hub @ LSSU, presented at MCUL’s “Say it in Seven” in Quarter One 2025! In this dynamic 7-minute session, Sophie shared how our internship program empowers students with hands-on experience across various business units within the credit union—while also highlighting our broader financial literacy efforts on Lake Superior State University’s campus. We’re proud of the impact our internship program is making and grateful to Sophie for representing Limestone and sharing our story!
Superior Health Foundation Grant Award
Limestone FCU was awarded a $1,700 grant from the Superior Health Foundation’s Fall Equipment Grant Cycle. These funds were used to purchase an AED for our Main Branch Lobby.
A huge thank you to the Foundation for helping us keep our community safe and for inviting us to the celebration!
In 2024, Michigan credit unions reached a total of 67,335 residents through financial literacy efforts.
Nationally, the credit union movement reached 365,938 students and 295,362 adults via financial education presentations.¹ We’re proud to announce that Limestone Financial Credit Union placed 3rd in the “Most Students Reached” category for credit unions with assets of $150 million or less, as listed in CUFEN’s 2024 Annual Report.
Leadership Program
In April of 2025, we had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Sault Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet—and celebrating one of our own!
Congratulations to Kariann Paoli, Member Service Representative of Lending and Deposit Operations, on graduating from the 2024 Leadership Program! Her dedication, growth, and commitment to leadership are truly inspiring.
Coffee with Jack Bergman
Our Board Chairman, Jim Blanchard and CEO, Jennifer Watson, had the opportunity to sit down with Congressman Jack Bergman to discuss issues affecting credit unions and our members.
We appreciate the opportunity to meet with Lawmakers to discuss common sense regulation.
Michigan Credit Union League Annual Governmental Affairs Conference
LFCU attended the Michigan Credit Union League’s annual GAC event in Lansing, MI. Attendees heard from lawmakers, received an update on the current regulatory landscape. Attendees also have the opportunity to advocate for credit unions with members of the Michigan State House and Senate including members in leadership and on key committees.
Received the State PAC Chairman’s Award
In 2022, Limestone FCU received the State PAC Chairman’s Award in recognition of outstanding efforts for the State PAC.
Visiting Washington, D.C.
Every year, credit union professionals have the unique opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and walk up to Capitol Hill to speak to their local representatives on important issues facing credit unions and our members. On two occasions in 2019, several of our Limestone staff members got to travel to D.C. and meet with several State Representatives such as Rep. Jack Bergman and discuss cannabis banking, debit card fraud, cyber security, and more.
More from Washington, D.C. Trips
The staff also had the opportunity to tour the Credit Union House while in Washington, D.C. According to their website, the concept of Credit Union House “took shape during a major legislative battle in 1998 and a resolution to increase credit unions’ political involvement and advocacy efforts at the national level. This was the beginning of a giant step in credit union history”. During the Hike the Hill in October 2019, Senator Debbie Stabenow and Rashida Tlaib visited and expressed support for credit unions and the efforts to make their communities better.
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Community
Community
We’re more than just a financial institution—we’re a dedicated part of the community. From supporting local businesses and schools to organizing events that bring neighbors together, we’re committed to making a positive impact. Explore the many ways we give back and work to strengthen the places we all call home.
School Supplies Drive
Through donations and contributions of our partners, member owners, volunteers, vendors, and local businesses, Limestone FCU committed to providing the essential school supplies for every K-5 classroom in Manistique. This goal was achieved in September of 2024.
Downtown Manistique Stays Connected
In partnership with Lake Effect Art Gallery, Limestone FCU generously donated free Wi-Fi to the downtown of Manistique in December of 2023 - our holiday gift to the community that holds a special spot in our hearts.
Summer Street Parties
Each summer, Limestone FCU along with Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce, and the Manistique Merchants host the Summer Street Party. A local event in Schoolcraft County that aims to bring the community together with live music, games, food, charity initiatives, and so much more.
First Aid Certified
In February of 2024, our team became First Aid Certified. Thank you to Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital for providing this training.
This initiative sparked the idea of placing an AED within our branch. In the fall, we were awarded a grant from the Superior Health Foundation Fall Equipment Grant Cycle to purchase the AED for our office (see Superior Health Foundation Grant Award on the Advocacy tab). We are proud to have a team that is trained on keeping our community and members safe.
Morning Brew
Learn MoreHosted by our CEO, Jennifer Watson, our Morning Brew program was implemented in 2024 as a way to bring our community together as a networking opportunity. Our Morning Brew events feature local leaders, heroes, and business owners with a goal of fostering conversations in the community.
Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital: Festival of Trees
In 2024, Limestone FCU donated a wreath to Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital’s (SMH) Festival of Trees fundraiser. This donation helped deliver close-to-home quality healthcare and specialty services to our rural residents in Schoolcraft County.
A huge thank you to SMH for all that you do for our community.
The Charles Burley Memorial Scholarship
In May of 2024, The Charles Burley Memorial Scholarship was presented to Austin Hinkson during the Manistique Area Schools Honors Night. This $1,000 scholarship presented annually is awarded to a student pursuing a degree in Accounting, Business, or Education. Applicants who have participated in our education projects such as The Grind Coffee House are given preference.
Austin is now attending the University of Michigan-Flint, and pursuing a degree in Business/Finance.
Successful Flu Shot Clinic with SMH
In October 2024, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital (SMH) hosted a successful Flu Shot Clinic at our Main Branch in Manistique! This collaborative effort brought essential healthcare services directly to our members, helping protect against seasonal illnesses and promoting community wellness. We are truly grateful for the dedication and expertise of the SMH team, who work tirelessly every day to ensure the health and safety of our members and the greater community.
The clinic was a great opportunity for members to prioritize their health conveniently, and we were thrilled to partner with SMH in this initiative. A special thank you to Susette St. John, Licensed Practical Nurse at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, for her role in making this event a success.
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Education
Education
At Limestone FCU, we’re dedicated to empowering financial education within our community. Through workshops, impactful initiatives, and engaging events, we equip our members with the tools to make informed financial decisions—making a real difference in the lives of our members and strengthening their financial futures.
Financial Counselor Certification
As a cooperative organization we abide by the cooperative principles with a focus on our mission of building a better financial tomorrow through service, education, and advocacy. This commitment is exemplified by the recent achievement that over 70% of our team has earned certifications as financial counselors. This accomplishment underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering our member owners, fostering financial literacy, and facilitating the journey toward financial independence.
Students Reached
We reached 833 students through youth financial education in 2024.
Internship Program
The Internship Program at The Hub @ LSSU has proven highly successful, equipping interns with essential skills directly applicable to their careers. The internship not only enhances resumes but also imparts lifelong skills crucial for personal and professional development, that shapes the future workforce and spreads awareness of our movement. Beginning in member services, our interns acquire fundamental and financial skills applicable to any career path. Following a 90-day period in this unit, interns have the flexibility to transition into their preferred department: Marketing, Accounting, IT Systems, or Executive Clerk. In these roles, interns collaborate directly with departmental teams to acquire essential skills and techniques crucial for their future career advancement.
Financial Literacy Program Reaches 82% of youth in Schoolcraft County
In an inspiring journey toward financial empowerment, a robust financial literacy program has successfully reached 82% of students in Schoolcraft County since LFCU’s partnership with MSU Extension/Schoolcraft County 4-H began on May 1, 2023. The initiative, aimed at fostering financial literacy among young individuals, has proven to be a critical step in addressing the financial challenges that many students face as they transition into adulthood. By focusing on key areas such as budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit, the program has provided students with the tools they need to make informed financial decisions.
Expanding Employee Education
At Limestone FCU, we are dedicated to fostering the professional growth of our team. In 2024, Jennifer Benedetto, our Information Technology Director, achieved a significant milestone by graduating from Credit Union Management School and earning her CCUE designation. Click the link below to explore Jen’s inspiring journey and the transformative impact of this program on her career.
Workplace Excellence Training at LSSU
In 2025, UP Michigan Works! and Limestone FCU co-hosted a Workplace Excellence series on the campus of Lake Superior State University! Participants learned the soft skills employers are looking for through the no-cost Workplace Excellence series. Upon course completion, each participant was awarded a certificate of achievement.
Adulting 101 at LSSU
In 2024, we hosted our Adulting 101 course, a four-week financial course designed to help students build confidence in managing their finances. This no-cost series offers practical tools to navigate personal finances, whether participants are just starting out or refreshing their skills. Sessions cover topics such as identifying financial goals, budgeting, and managing student loans and credit cards. Each session includes interactive exercises and guidance from our team to help make informed financial decisions and take control of finances.
Youth Education Programs & Events
Since the beginning of our Youth Financial Program in 2004, LFCU has been committed to spreading financial literacy and job skills to our area youth. With the cost of daily living on the rise and the job market becoming more competitive each year, it has never been more imperative for students to learn the basics of money management and to develop a good work ethic.
Learn It. Plan It. Pitch It.
Limestone FCU and Upward Community Youth, Inc. host the first Learn It. Plan It. Pitch It. Event at Manistique High School. Learn It. Plan It. Pitch It. is a program modeled after Shark Tank where young entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas! We look forward to future events like this one in the near future.
Financial Reality Fairs
The purpose of Financial Reality Fairs is to give students a glimpse into life after high school or college graduation. From renting an apartment to buying a car and choosing between cooking at home or grabbing fast food, students face real-life scenarios and make financial choices based on their assigned budgets. This hands-on experience is an eye-opener, helping students understand the importance of budgeting and making responsible financial decisions.
We continue to host Financial Reality Fairs, with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, with the support of our team and community volunteers. These events simulate the challenges of “adulting” in the real world. Participants are assigned a salary, along with student loan and credit card debt, and a credit score. They then visit various stations to select housing, transportation, and other lifestyle expenses—working toward a balanced budget.
Middle School Financial Reality Fairs
In 2025, we partnered with Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe School to host our first-ever Middle School Financial Reality Fair for 8th grade students—with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation! We also brought this new experience to middle schoolers in Newberry.
Tailored for students in grades 6–8, this version of our traditional Financial Reality Fair offers an early and engaging introduction to budgeting, smart spending, and money management. We’re excited to keep the momentum going and look forward to hosting more Middle School Financial Reality Fairs in the future!
Financial Literacy Month
As part of our 2025 Financial Literacy Month initiatives, Alyssa Swanson, Chief Operations Officer, and Kariann Paoli, Member Service Representative of Lending and Deposit Operations, visited local classrooms to read Save It! by Cinders McLeod. The storybook, which follows a young bunny learning to save money, taught students the importance of spending wisely, setting goals, and planning ahead—helping young learners understand the value of saving.
St Francis de Sales School Carnival
We brought financial learning to life at the St. Francis de Sales School Carnival in April of 2025.
Families who visited our booth explored how small coins—and small habits—can lead to big financial wins. Helping kids build confidence with money today lays the foundation for stronger financial futures tomorrow.
The Explorer Store
The 5th grade students at Emerald Elementary School have been able to get hands-on business experience operating their very own spirit store since 2009! The spirit store sells many items, such as apparel, school supplies, toys, tricks, and more! The spirit store is meant to provide the 5th grade students will the opportunity to run a store, order inventory, learn best practices in customer service, and count money.
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Volunteerism
Volunteerism
Volunteering is at the heart of who we are at Limestone Financial Credit Union. Our team is passionate about giving back and making a difference in the communities we serve. Whether it’s lending a helping hand at local events or supporting impactful causes, we believe in building stronger, more connected communities through our actions.
Credit Union Kind Day Initiatives
Limestone Financial Credit Union proudly supported two impactful initiatives in Chippewa and Schoolcraft counties on Credit Union Kind Day, October 14, 2024. In Schoolcraft County, Limestone FCU organized a heartfelt event where volunteers crafted No-Sew Tie Blankets. These blankets were donated to patients receiving hospice care through Schoolcraft Memorial HomeCare & Hospice, offering warmth and a sense of comfort during their care journey. In Chippewa County, Limestone FCU volunteers prepared home-cooked meals, which were frozen and shared with families supported by Hospice of the E.U.P. These efforts extended care and compassion to community members in need.
Volunteerism
As our mission states, Limestone FCU is committed to building a better financial tomorrow through service, education, and advocacy. At the heart of this mission is service. Collectively, our team volunteered 574 hours in 2024—a 35% increase from 2023’s 424.75 hours.
Volunteered at The LSSU Kids Camp
Our partnership with Lake Superior State University (LSSU) brought us multiple opportunities to engage and volunteer with young entrepreneurs and incoming college students. During this camp, our team held a financial literacy session at Lake Superior State University. This session drew concepts from the children’s book, Owl and Otter and the Big Yard Sale, by DK, a program made possible in part by Michigan Credit Union Foundation. A book, Owl and Otter and the Big Yard Sale (made possible by the Michigan Credit Union Foundation) was paired with a lemonade stand, providing students ages 6 to 12, the opportunity to raise over $500 for two local charities. Ultimately, supporting our local community all while educating our youth on financial literacy.
Area Youth Baseball Program
Team Chevrolet of Manistique announced that they would donate $500 to the Manistique 4H Baseball/Softball Club if they could get 20 vehicle test drives during June of 2023. Team LFCU answered their call! We sent multiple staff over to Team Chevy to test drive vehicles and show our support for the Manistique 4H Baseball/Softball Club. We sent enough staff to test drive 20 vehicles and helped the club reach their goal.
Volunteered at the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Annual Gala
Annually, the Limestone team volunteers at the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital (SMH) Gala! It’s always a night filled with laughter and memories. Thank you for all that you do for our community, SMH.
Organizations We Served in 2024
American Cancer Society, Bay Cliff Health Camp, and Community Charities (CBC), City of Sault Ste. Marie, Doyle Township, Folkfest in Manistique, General Federation Women’s Club, Habitat for Humanity, Independence Day Committee, Indian Lake Golf Club, Lake Superior State University, Lions Club, Manistique Area Schools, Manistique Hockey Association, Manistique Merchants, Manistique Senior Center, Manistique Rotary Club, Michigan Credit Union Foundation, Michigan Credit Union League, MSU Extension of Schoolcraft County, Schoolcraft County Community Foundation, Schoolcraft County Economic Resiliency & Recovery, Schoolcraft County Housing ERC, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce, St. Francis de Sales School, St. Vincent de Paul, Unified Branding Committee of Schoolcraft County, and Veterans Administration.
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Impacts
Impacts
We are dedicated to making a difference across the communities we serve. From innovative partnerships and on-campus initiatives to statewide services and opportunities for students, we focus on creating meaningful impacts. Together, we’re fostering growth, connection, and opportunity for a stronger future.
Elevating Small Businesses Through FHLB of Indianapolis
In September of 2024, Limestone Financial Credit Union, partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis), to provide grant opportunities to small businesses within our community. This initiative has helped to secure a $19,693.00 Elevate Small Business grant for The Grind Coffee House.
The On-Campus Credit Union
Limestone FCU opened it’s doors to The Hub @ LSSU on July 15, 2023, with a grand opening celebration on August 22, 2023, on the campus of Lake Superior State University (LSSU). This initiative expanded our membership to the Chippewa County and LSSU communities. Allowing us to serve a wider audience and implement financial literacy efforts on both the campus and in the county.
Increasing Financial Literacy Through An Education Program
Limestone FCU partnered with MSU Extension of Schoolcraft County on May 1, 2023, to enhance financial literacy within the community. This collaboration led to the development of an Education Program, overseen by Jill Connin, Education Coordinator at Limestone FCU and Program Coordinator for Schoolcraft County 4-H.
Through this initiative, we have expanded our financial literacy efforts in Schoolcraft County with programs like Money Carnivals at local schools, Financial Reality Fairs, the Learn It. Plan It. Pitch It. Youth Entrepreneurial Program, and much more. In 2024, we reached over 833 students through our Education Program.
Building Credit Union Career Success Stories
Limestone FCU is dedicated to strengthening our community while also prioritizing the growth and development of our employees. From high school to college and into their professional careers, we support our team in achieving both personal and professional success. Check out Alyssa Swanson’s inspiring career journey—from starting with us in high school to her promotion to Chief Operations Officer.
From Internship to Career
Whether through internships, part-time roles, or full-time opportunities, we’re committed to supporting team members at every stage of their journey. We take pride in offering real opportunities for students to explore their interests, gain hands-on experience, and grow both personally and professionally.
JoLynn Zellar is a great example of that journey. She began as a summer intern in 2024 and, with the support and mentorship of our team, transitioned into a full-time role as a Member Service Representative. Check out JoLynn’s inspiring internship-to-career story—her path from intern to career professional highlights our commitment to building confidence, skills, and lasting growth beyond the classroom.
LiPiPi Participant Lands Professional Project with Tour da Yoop, Eh
Leiona Deyo, an 8th grader at Manistique Middle & High School and participant in the Learn it. Plan it. Pitch it. (LiPiPi) program, recently turned a classroom opportunity into a professional design project. She impressed Michigan entrepreneur and Tour da Yoop, Eh founder, James Studinger, with her creativity, professionalism, and design talent. Leiona was recognized by Studinger for her exceptional work in designing the new Northern Lights Plaid Jersey.
Health & Security Workshop
In 2025, we hosted a Health & Security Workshop tailored for local seniors. Attendees heard from guest speaker Brian Felczak, Insurance Agent at Superior Insurance Agency, and host speaker Jen Benedetto, IT Director at Limestone FCU. Together, they shared valuable tips on staying safe, secure, and informed. We’re proud to bring informative, community-focused events like this to those we serve!
Bring Your Own Device Day
In 2024, we hosted several Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Day events, where members were invited to have their devices checked for vulnerabilities by Shiner Technologies, LLC (formally known as SineTech, LLC), cybersecurity professionals. These events, held at the LSSU Health Fair and our Main Branch, helped uncover and address over 22,880 vulnerabilities, reinforcing our commitment to keeping your data safe.
Eco-Friendly Initiative for Schoolcraft County
Limestone FCU has set up a mini recycling facility in their vestibule where members of the community can bring plastic, paper, and other recyclable items. The dedicated staff at Limestone FCU voluntarily sort and store the items at their main office. The recycling service at Limestone FCU is entirely volunteer-based, with their team working diligently to sort and store the items, and Swanson Storage & Services handling the transportation to the Escanaba Recycling Center. Rex & Judy Slingsby also contribute by transporting the cardboard rolls to Lakestate Industries in Escanaba. These rolls aid in the creation of the famous Yooper Fire Starters.
Member of our community can drop off recyclables at our Main Branch in Manistique. Contact us to learn more.
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Some members have reported receiving fraudulent text messages or calls claiming to be from the Limestone Fraud Department. If you receive a suspicious message or call, do not click any links or share personal information. Contact us directly at 906-341-5866 to verify any communication.
