Local banks offer aid to those affected by shutdown

Those suffering financially from the state government shutdown can find extra assistance from area financial institutions — even if the shutdown ends soon.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union announced Thursday it will set aside $25 million for a loan program that will offer aid to cover skipped loan payments, refinancing or low-interest loans for customers in financial trouble.

The credit union will hold State Shutdown Aid Fair events at its locations statewide Friday.

“Our biggest thing is making sure that whatever we do for an individual is customized to their situation,” said Charlotte Roraff, branch manager of the Winona location.

Affinity Plus isn’t the only bank with an area presence that offers assistance.

On Wednesday, Wells Fargo announced several options for those affected by the shutdown.

The bank is making adjustments to help customers with home mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, credit cards, personal loans and auto loans.

While no specific programs have been offered at Merchants Bank or Winona National Bank, both banks said they have always worked with clients in need.

“We’re doing what we’ve always done in situations like these,” said Mary Polus, marketing director at Winona National Bank. “We are making sure our clients are protected and living the lives they want to lead.”

While a possible agreement to end the shutdown brewed Thursday at the state Capitol, the Friday event at Affinity Plus will happen regardless of whether an agreement is reached.

“People have been off work since the shutdown,” Roraff said. “There’s still an impact.”

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Information / Credits

TWIST DIRECTOR MATT PITTROFF SHARES COMEDIC FLAIR WITH AFFINITY New York & Minneapolis – (June 27, 2011) – Twist Director Matt Pittroff shared his comedic flair with Affinity Plus Credit Union for their new spot “Underwear and Socks” that portrays the less than ideal world of banking fees. A wink and nod to the expression “losing the shirt off your back,” the repercussions of living with banking fees becomes clear in this hilarious interpretation. To view the new spot, go to: http://bit.ly/irIfrS Twist’s current directorial roster features the diverse talents of Directors Matt Pittroff, Rich Michell, Grady Cooper, Chris Stocksmith and Marc André Debruyne. Recent Twist projects include work for McDonald’s, Nascar, Target, Sharp, Burger King, 3M, Goodyear, Namco, (Wii), Toro, Miracle Ear & Colorado Lottery. About Director Matt Pittroff: Matt is a student of people with an eye for color and composition – skills honed during his early studies of fine art and work as a midway carny. He has garnered a multitude of perspectives in the industry, from working at an ad agency to production, where he worked his way up the call sheet finding a niche in the Art Department. Subsequently, he opened a boutique production company Working Stiff where he directed and produced work that has been showcased in such places as Creativity Online, Shoot, and at Cannes Lions 2008. About Twist: Twist, a North American production company, was founded in 1997 by President Jim Geib. The company has been able to remain competitive in a global marketplace from offices in New York & Minneapolis. From its inception, Twist has been dedicated to a team model, which supports a directorial roster of diverse talents and skill levels. The team structure allows new talent to develop while experienced directors stay fresh. This provided an ideal environment for the launch of Twist's Content division, created to address project development and production for the variety of emerging needs -- from entertainment to educational. Working closely with the Commercial department and the Twist cadre of directors, this leg of the company features work for Target, General Mills and Apple. One of the notable projects developed by this division is an unprecedented HD/3D film entitled "Mars 3D,” in cooperation with NASA for the worldwide museum community. Twist also supports a New York-based staff sales model. The company’s team model encourages well-informed client care from project inception to completion with an integrated approach. The Twist brand is recognized the world over for its high-quality production value and client service. For more information about Twist, please go to www.twistfilm.

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