Conversion Opponents Have Signatures ToForce Board Recall

DEARBORN, Mich. - (04/11/06) Despite reported name-calling, vulgarlanguage and the watchful eyes of DFCU Financial employees lastweekend, members picketing at several branches report they havesucceeded in gathering "more than ample" signatures to force aspecial meeting and vote to recall nine board members who arebacking a plan to convert the credit union to a bank. But during ameeting last night here, some of the more than 60 people inattendance shared stories of alleged negative and unprofessionaltreatment by DFCU employees during attempts to protest theconversion bid and gather signatures to recall its board. BillBeery, a 50-year member of DFCU Financial, said a branch manager inLivonia called him a "scum and bum" for picketing and threatened tocall police if he didn't stop passing literature out to passersby.Member Bruce Gearns said Mark Shobe, President/CEO of DFCU, made asnide comment as he walked passed a member who was signing Gearns'recall petition. The credit union has declined to comment. Thegroup is now in the process of collecting applications from membersinterested in serving on DFCU board, should their recall attemptsucceed. They are also urging members to continue collectingsignatures as a way to educate members about theconversion.