LOMPOC, Calif. – In a move designed to make CoastHills Federal Credit Union the "employer of choice on the Central Coast," the credit union has taken a bold stand regarding health insurance. At a time when most employers are looking to lower their insurance costs, effective January 1, 2005 the $425 million credit union will pay 100% medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for its eligible 155 employees and their families. CoastHills FCU President/CEO Jeff York says the move marks a huge commitment to staffers and their families and will ultimately help the credit union attract and retain top level employees who in turn will better serve members. "One of our core values is to make a difference in our neighbors' lives," said York. "Most businesses are forced to do less for their employees, simply based on rising costs. But while everyone else is zigging, we decided to zag. We are the `zag-nuts', I guess." To commemorate the event in a fun way each employee received a Zagnut candy bar. "This was a business decision that really became a `people decision,'" added CoastHills FCU Board Chairman Robert McIntire. "The board takes a tremendous amount of pride in being able to do this for our employees. We truly believe it strengthens the level of service we provide our membership."