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C. Janine Grice, CFP Hamilton, Cayuga, SimcoeInvestment Advisor905-388-7296 Carolyn Humby, CFP, FMA, CMI, FCSINiagaraInvestment Advisor905-988-3562 David Smith, PFP Hamilton Investment Advisor905-538-5324

Jim Trueland, CFA Halton Investment Advisor289-288-0038

John FraoneNiagara Investment Advisor289-219-4753

Jun Kim St. CatharinesInvestment Advisor289-257-0166

Joe Fehrman Western Region, Oxford CountyInvestment Advisor289-527-2051

Philippe Hamon, CHS Hamilton, HaldimandInsurance & Estate Planning Specialist905-574-5637

Richard Westberg, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C.Hamilton, Halton and NiagaraInsurance and Estate Advisor289-439-7867

WealthManagement

*Mutual Funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc. and *Mutual funds, other securities and financial planning are offered through Credential Securities Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Unless otherwise stated, mutual funds, other securities and cash balances are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer that insures deposits in credit unions. Mutual funds and other securities are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Credential Securities Inc. is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. ®Credential is a registered mark owned by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under licence. FirstOntario Insurance is a program provided by Credential Financial Strategies Inc. offering financial planning, life insurance and investments to members of credit unions and their communities. Trademark(s) of FirstOntario Insurance are used under licence.

Carey SmithChair, Board of Directors

Ejaz Nadeem, MA, CFP, CLUVice President,Wealth Management

Contact a Wealth Advisor today ChatOn behalf of your Board of Directors, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. As we prepare to face the New Year, I feel it is important to review the foundation we built over the past 12 months that has helped us reach this point.

I am always amazed at what our credit union has accomplished in the eight years since the economic downturn in 2008. While other corporations faltered, FirstOntario not only grew but continues to grow. We are the second largest credit union in Ontario in terms of assets under management and we are over 104,000 Members strong. We have embraced the co-operative principles that exemplify the co-operative movement and have become part of the cultural fabric that unites the communities we serve.

In 2015, we became naming partner in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. This centre is quickly becoming a hub for arts and culture in the Niagara Region. In Hamilton, we continue on with FirstOntario Centre, once again supporting the culture of the communities we serve. We also continue to help our Members save money by offering better rates, lower service fees and free chequing. “Money doing better”, our new brand statement, was introduced in 2015. We

strongly believe in this statement as we truly work towards making your money do better. From helping you to realize your financial dreams to developing products and services that save your money, money doing better at FirstOntario means something to everyone. We have also leveraged the number “1” in our logo to invite our Members and the communities at large to “Talk to us 1st” for all of your investing, borrowing and business needs. You will see this message displayed in all of our branches in the new year.

We renovated our Dundurn branch in 2015 and we are currently doing the same to our Niagara Falls branch located on Montrose Road. We opened a new branch in the new Oakville Hospital and are currently working on a flagship branch located in North Oakville. We are expanding our reach into Oakville, introducing FirstOntario to the local communities, and making them aware that there is someone new in town who has more to offer than simply everyday financial products. We are a true community partner and we are anticipating great success in the Oakville market.

Finally, we ended the year with our FirstOntario Annual General Meeting (AGM) in December. FirstOntario hosted its 16th AGM at White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our AGM was once again a well attended event and there were four seats up for election or re-election on your Board of Directors. We had nine impressive candidates running this year, and I would like to thank all of these candidates for their interest in supporting our continued success. The results are in and congratulations go to Dianne MacLean, Sandy Gribben, Stuart Walker and new comer Peter Pennacchietti on their election. I would also like to extend a special thank you to those who stood for election. Thank you as well to the staff and volunteers who helped with elections and the ballot process, and who assisted in making the AGM possible. During our AGM we had a number of resolutions that were passed. One of the more important resolutions was the changing of our fiscal year-end. This resolution was passed unanimously and FirstOntario’s fiscal year end has now moved from August 31st to December 31st. This change means that our next AGM will be in March or April of 2017, so stay tuned for more details. I invite you to check out our annual report which details our financial and community successes in 2015. Our annual report has been posted online at www.FirstOntario.com.

The tremendous success of 2015 is due to the support of over 400 dedicated employees, our leadership team, your Board of Directors and you – our Members. Thank you for your continued belief in FirstOntario and all the good work we are doing. We will continue to grow in 2016 and look forward to making your money do better for both you and your community.

As always, I’d like to hear from you – owner to owner - about anything; where we did well, where we stumbled, or just to say hello... please feel free to email me at Chair@FirstOntario.com.

FirstOntario’s Wealth Team is Growing

Welcome to 2016. This year promises to be an exciting one for your wealth team as we continue to grow and have more opportunities to serve you. The FirstOntario wealth team provides full service to all of our Members in Hamilton, St. Catharines, Halton and Western Ontario regions.

This spring, FirstOntario will be opening a large branch on Dundas Street in North Oakville. On top of fulfilling Members daily banking needs, this branch will feature a full-service wealth management centre dedicated to serving the investment and insurance needs of our Members and the Oakville community.

On the heels of this good news, I am also happy to report that we will be adding new investment and insurance advisors to the FirstOntario team. In fact, we have added four wealth professionals to the team in the past six months, specifically

John Fraone, Jun Kim, Joe Fehrman and Richard Westberg. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce these fine individuals and share a bit of their backgrounds.

Investment Advisor, John Fraone serves our Members in Niagara Falls, Welland and Thorold. John has been involved in the financial industry for 14 years. He is experienced in a variety of areas of financial services, making it easier for him to help his clients see the big picture. John is committed to building long lasting relationships based on trust, communication, confidentiality and integrity. John and his wife are raising their two children in the Niagara region.

Investment Advisor, Jun Kim is part of our St. Catharines wealth team. Jun has worked closely with many different clients with diverse income and demographic backgrounds. Jun grew up in Hamilton, where he and his siblings learned the values of hard work and self-reliance by helping their immigrant parents run a small business. Jun likes to develop a great advisory relationship with each client to enhance their financial knowledge. He also helps to develop an individual plan to meet their needs, accumulate, protect and grow their nest egg.

Investment Advisor, Joe Fehrman covers our Western region and Oxford County. Joe prides himself on getting to know his clients, working in partnership to help them achieve their goals. He does this in a simple, easy to understand manner with an eye to what the client needs. Joe has worked as an advisor for major banks, meeting clients, and helping them by developing financial plans to help them achieve their goals.

Insurance and Estate Advisor, Richard Westberg’s business objective is simple – to ensure every client he deals with makes measurable progress in attaining their financial objectives. He does this by bringing more than 30 years of professional experience to the table. Richard holds professional designations of Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC). He is proud to be a member of the FirstOntario team and an integral part of the success of our Members and community.

As a Member of FirstOntario, you have access to our team of highly qualified wealth advisors who are ready to assist you. Book your consultation at no cost and no obligation, you’ll be glad you did.

Winter 2016

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We’re here to help. Visit your local branch, call 1-800-616-8878, or go to www.FirstOntario.com.

Take your Small Business to the Next Level

Consider Applying for FirstOntario’s 1Awards

Applications will soon be accepted as local small businesses compete for FirstOntario’s 1Awards in 2016.

For five years, FirstOntario and 1Awards partners have offered help to local businesses by rewarding new ideas and community-focused plans. This year, the 1Awards are expanding to the Niagara region.

Winners in each region will share cash and in-kind professional services from our sponsors.

In the last four years, FirstOntario and 1Awards partners have invested over half a million dollars into Hamilton’s small business landscape.

If you think you have an idea that will take your business to the next level - FirstOntario can help. A call for submissions will begin in mid-February.

This year’s award submission deadline is March 31, 2016. Stay tuned to www.FirstOntario.com for details.

FirstOntario Soupfest Tickets are Available Now

Once again, FirstOntario is the proud title sponsor of this year’s 14th Annual Soupfest in downtown Hamilton where the community gathers to support youth-at-risk while getting a taste of delicious soups from the area’s top chefs and restaurants. Local celebrities and foodies will be at the event to serve the dishes and decide who will win the award for Best Soup, Most Creative Soup, Best Display and Best Grow Local.

Please join us on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s, from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Advance tickets are already available at FirstOntario branches in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Brantford, Burlington and Oakville and you can purchase them online at www.livingrock.ca or at the door on the day of the event.

Come out and and show your support for youth-at-risk!

Advance ticket prices - $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $10 for children.

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Celebrates Grand Opening

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre hosted a wonderful grand opening event on the weekend of November 14. The celebrations in St. Catharines included a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception followed by performances by some very talented artists including Juno Award-winning Serena Ryder. Everyone was invited to the free community open house on Sunday, where thousands of people stopped by to see the new state-of-the-art facility for themselves.

New Mobile AppReady for Download

FirstOntario’s new and improved mobile app was unveiled in December, just in time for the busy holiday season.

Check your balances and account activity, pay bills, manage your bill payees, transfer money between your accounts and set up scheduled payments - it’s that simple, and there are many other advantages that come with mobile banking.

Visit www.FirstOntario.com for all of the details. You can also check out our app in action short video and download the free app from the APP Store or Google Play Store.

Follow us on Twitter @FirstOntarioCU

Like us on Facebook

FirstOntario recently recognized four more Blue Wave volunteers who have reached their 96-hour milestone! Congratulations to Nancy Bachorski, Rose Idzenga, Dorothy Thomas and Leslie Williams for continuing to make a difference in in our communities.

A special milestone was also acheived by Denise Weaver, who was recognized for her second Blue Wave milestone of 192 hours. This is the first time one of our Blue Wave volunteers has reached the second wave of achievment. Thanks to all of our Blue Wave volunteers who continually give their time to help out in so many different ways.

FirstOntario’s Newest Branch is Open for Business

FirstOntario’s newest branch opened up its doors in December in the brand new Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.

Located at 3001 Hospital Gate, the branch is stationed just inside the west entrance and offers a full range of banking services including an ATM machine, Personal Assisted Teller (PAT) and wealth options. This location is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hours through PAT (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

In other branch news, plans have begun for FirstOntario’s new flagship location in North Oakville, which is slated to open in late spring 2016.

Renovations are well underway at the Montrose Road branch in Niagara Falls. The new and improved site should reopen in March 2016. Thanks to all of our Members for their patience while using the temporary location.

FirstOntario Recognizes Blue Wave Milestones