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Dear Members,

As we enter the fall season of 2026, I am pleased to report that your credit union remains financially strong and continues to rank among the most successful credit unions in Connecticut. As one of the largest credit unions in the state, Connex has proudly surpassed $1 billion in assets, a milestone reflection of our significant growth while maintaining the financial strength and stability our members have come to expect. This significant growth has allowed us to continue to invest in new products, technology, our community, and our employees, all of which are embedded in our mission statement.

Connex was once again designated a Five-Star “Superior” organization by Bauer Financial ©, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating and research firm. This prestigious recognition is reserved for financial institutions demonstrating excellence in capital, asset quality, profitability, and other key measures of financial strength. We recently concluded our most recent regulatory examination by the Connecticut Department of Banking and National Credit Union Administration, which was shared with our Board of Directors and included notable positive comments about our financial condition and performance, and our external accounting firm, Whittlesey, will soon be conducting our annual audit of our September 2026 fiscal statements. 

These accomplishments reflect the strength and dedication of the Connex team, whose hard work and commitment help ensure the continued safety, soundness, and success of your credit union every day.

Special Savings Opportunities from Connex!

At Connex, putting our members first means looking for ways to help you make the most of your money. Starting October 5th, we’ll be offering two highly competitive deposit rates designed to help your savings grow. 

Money Market — Rates up to 3.65% APY (Annual Percentage Yield) - Enjoy a competitive rate while keeping convenient access to your funds.

10-Month CD — 4.35% APY- Lock in a great rate and give your savings the opportunity to grow over the next 10 months.

Whether you’re building your nest egg, saving for something special, or simply looking for a better return on money you already have, these limited-time deposit specials can help you make more of your hard-earned dollars.

And getting started is easy. Beginning October 5th, these special deposit promotions will be available online at connexcu.org or at any of our eight convenient local branches. 

Your money works hard for you. Let Connex help it work even harder.

ConnexCares Awards $30,000 in Grants

From January through June of 2026, ConnexCares received dozens of applications from inspiring local organizations, and our ConnexCares Board faced the exceedingly challenging task of selecting which would receive funding. In the end, six nonprofit organizations were awarded grants, and ConnexCares proudly contributed a total of $30,000 in charitable funds. The recipients included:

• Project 1:99 Corporation of New Haven – empowers youth through structured mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on learning. Through its Royal Girl Society program, participants engage in STEM, financial literacy, and community service while progressing through a leadership-based system that builds confidence, discipline, and real-world life skills.
• Global Roots Community Foundation of New Haven – supports underserved individuals, families, and youth through financial literacy, housing stability, education, and community partnerships.
• Off-the-Streets - Bridgeport – serves people experiencing homelessness in Greater Bridgeport and Fairfield County by providing security deposits directly to landlords for eligible individuals who can afford monthly rent but lack security deposit funds.
• Youth Entrepreneurs, Inc. of Hamden – empowers youth from marginalized communities by providing entrepreneurial education, leadership development, and financial literacy training. Its mission is to equip the next generation of innovators and changemakers with the tools they need to foster economic mobility and develop creative, real-world solutions.
• Laundyns Act of Love of New Haven – empowers families of children facing illness by providing financial assistance, emotional support, family coaching, and community resources. 
• Our Piece of the Pie - provides 150 low-income, underemployed youth in Hartford with the foundational information, comprehensive financial literacy education, and $100 baseline savings account seed money required to achieve long-term economic mobility.

As President and CEO of Connex, I am thankful to the ConnexCares Board for their thoughtful review and commitment throughout this process. It is truly rewarding to see the positive impact we can make by supporting such remarkable nonprofits in their tireless efforts to uplift our communities. The next grant window begins in October. Please visit our website, connexcu.org, for more information. 

ConnexCares Community

Our commitment to community service also continues to grow. This past quarter, employees volunteered their time building a new Habitat for Humanity home in New Haven. Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven’s mission is to eliminate poverty and substandard housing by building decent, affordable houses for working low-income families, which in turn contributes to the revitalization of New Haven’s neighborhoods. 

In addition, Connex is proud to partner with Wealth Beacon Group and SHINE (Smart Habits Inspiring Next Level Excellence) Academy in providing a series of financial education seminars. The SHINE Academy program is all about creating pathways to financial freedom, stability, and new beginnings. When individuals and families begin their journey to independence, many start without the tools or knowledge they need to succeed. This program ensures every participant receives life-changing education in budgeting, credit repair, savings, and homeownership preparation.

On August 14th, ConnexCares proudly supported New Haven’s Sam Tilery Back-to-School Rally at Bowen Field. Alongside many community organizations, we provided valuable information and distributed thousands of free school supplies to the nearly 4,000 parents, guardians, and children in attendance. It is truly rewarding to give back to our communities and support our children as they prepare for a new school year. Wishing all students a successful and enjoyable year ahead!

On September 23rd, Connex participated in Southern Connecticut’s College and Career Fair in Bridgeport. The Career Fair gave all students and parents the opportunity to meet and learn about colleges, universities, businesses, military, and gap year programs from Connecticut and across the country. As a community-focused credit union, Connex was proud to be part of this event and to connect with students who are beginning to think about their financial futures, career aspirations, and the possibilities ahead. Events like this allow us to engage with our local communities, support young people as they plan for their futures, and reinforce Connex’s commitment to helping our members and the communities we serve.

I am incredibly thankful to our employees for their ongoing dedication and passion for making a positive impact in the communities we serve. If your nonprofit organization has volunteer opportunities available, please contact LeAndre Dupree, AVP of Community Development, at ldupree@connexcu.org.

Is Your Financial Institution Actually Calling? How to Spot an Impersonation Scam

Fake “bank alerts” are a classic trick to get your attention. However, the latest version of a financial institution impersonation scam is much more convincing. It usually starts with a text or call about a charge you do not recognize. Even if you do not use that financial institution, scammers exploit fears of identity theft to keep you on the hook.

Once they have you talking, they ask you to jump on another platform, turn up the pressure, and tell you to join a video call. To make everything look official, the person on the screen will be dressed as a police officer or FBI agent sitting in a professional office. They will try to scare you by claiming your name is linked to serious crimes and insist that the only way to “clear your name” is to share your confidential information. 

In a financial institution impersonation scam, fraudsters target your most sensitive information to exploit your financial life: 

• Personal and Financial Information: Your Social Security number, bank account details, and driver’s license. 
• Your Money: Once they have your banking details, they can drain your existing accounts.
• Your Identity: They can use your ID to open new loans, create synthetic identities, or commit other crimes in your name. 

Spot the Red Flags: Legitimate banks/credit unions will never ask you to move a professional conversation to a private messaging app like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Signal. 

Hang Up and Verify: If you receive a suspicious text or call, stop responding immediately. Call the financial institution directly using a verified number from the back of your card or their official website. 

Never Share via Unsolicited Calls: NEVER share personal or financial information with a person or business you did not contact first. 

Trust Your Gut: If the story feels like a “spy thriller” or is overly dramatic, it is likely a scam.

Connex will NEVER call, text, or email you and ask for PINs, passcodes, usernames, card numbers, or other personal information. If you receive a suspicious call or text, hang up, do not return the call to the original caller, and call us directly at 203-603-5700.

If you’ve already shared information or are worried about bank impersonation scams, do not be embarrassed; these criminals are pros at manipulation. Contact the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). Their advisors are experts who provide free help and a plan to keep you safe. Contact the ITRC for free help at 888.400.5530 or live chat on the company website at idtheftcenter.org.  

Net Promoter Survey 

At Connex, our Customer Advocacy mission is to meet our members' needs and help improve their financial lives. One way we stay connected is through our annual Net Promoter Survey. As many of you who have participated in the past know, this survey asks one key question: “Would you recommend Connex Credit Union to a family member or friend?”

While that is the central question, the survey also gives you an opportunity to tell us what you value most about being a Connex member, why you chose and continue to choose us, and, most importantly, how we can continue to improve your experience.

In past years, we heard from a tremendous number of members who wanted a convenient, person-to-person payment option. We listened, and in January, we introduced Zelle®, a popular and secure way to send and receive money with friends, family, and people you trust, right within the Connex Online and Mobile Banking experience you already know.

With just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number, you can send and receive money in minutes. It is completely free for Connex members, with no additional app to download once you’re enrolled. Your account information remains private, with only your name, email address, or mobile number shared with the recipient. For more information and to enroll, click here.

You asked. We listened. We delivered. That’s what being a member-owned credit union is all about. Your feedback helps us strengthen our role as your trusted financial partner, a role we’ve proudly upheld for over 85 years as a member-owned cooperative.

This year’s survey was sent on September 21st by an independent research firm that will collect and tabulate the results. By participating, you’ll help us grow and serve you even better. As a thank you, ten randomly selected members will receive a $50 bonus. We look forward to hearing from you and deeply appreciate your continued support.

This has been another excellent year of growth and prosperity for Connex. Thank you for your continued commitment to Connex, and I look forward to helping you pursue your possibilities for financial success throughout the rest of the year.