Dear Members,

The first day of business in a new year is always exciting for us at Dort Federal. We look forward to welcoming new faces to our growing membership, making plans for enhancements to better serve you, and striving to increase the value of your Dort Federal membership.

This year, we think you’re going to love the changes coming to Dort Federal Credit Union. Our focus is specific. Our message is to the point: Doing what we do best—making loans simple, and giving you the most bang-for-your-buck.

To start, we’re kicking off 2008 with a major change in the way we think about auto lending. Back in the 1980’s, Dort Federal was blazing trails with a business model designed to increase our share of auto financing in the area. We were the first to direct our members to dealerships to handle their car purchase and financing. Over the years, other area credit unions and banks implemented the same strategy. Naturally, dealers began referring members to the lender who paid them the highest fee. This business strategy doesn’t fit our credit union philosophy as we feel. Dort Federal can offer members the best financing terms and the lowest cost insurance products such as credit life, disability, GAP and extended warranties. So we’re making a change, and we think you’re going to love it!

As of January 2, 2008, members who call or visit Dort Federal and get pre-approved for auto financing will receive a 1% financing rebate when they purchase a new or used vehicle. No strings, no hassles. It’s simple:

• Just call us or visit one of our offices and let us know that you're in the market for a new vehicle


• We'll start your application process and issue a pre-approved certificate


• You shop the dealers* for your best deal


• Come to Dort Federal to close your loan; we'll cut the check


• We'll deposit 1% of the financed amount in your account


• You pick-up your new car, truck or RV...

Straight forward and easy. You'll get a 1% financing rebate for doing what you already do---business with Dort Federal.

And, for those members who are happy with their current vehicle, but financed somewhere else, we want your business, too. Bring your loan to us and we’ll give you $100 on loans of $5000 or more. Loans under $5000 will receive $50.

This isn’t a promotion, it’s our way of showing our appreciation for your membership and loyalty and giving you the most value in your auto purchase.

This year you can also expect to see additional changes to our service offerings including deposit and checking transferring funds from other institutions to your Dort accounts.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our new locations! Our Lapeer and Fenton offices will both be open for business in early March. Our Holly Road office that opened in July 2007 is doing very well and gaining new memberships by the day. We expect that Lapeer and Fenton will follow suit as they offer these communities a convenient option for local banking. Our existing membership in Fenton and Lapeer has expressed their anticipation of having us close to home. We’re looking forward to increasing our presence in these areas and supporting the local communities in a variety of ways.

We’re excited and eager as we look forward to the year ahead. We’re thankful to have you as one of our faithful members and we can’t wait to share all of the great things happening to Dort Federal with you!

Our doors are always open. Please visit us at our any of our seven locations (with Saturday hours, too). We think you’re going to love what Dort Federal has to offer!

Wishing you peace and prosperity in 2008,

Martin R. Smith

President/CEO