CenterPoint Winter 2012

winter.2012

A publication of the Massachusetts Credit Union League, New Hampshire Credit Union League and the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island

CREDIT UNIONS Reach Beyond...

Stories Inside:

06

First Boston High School Reality Fair

08

Rhode Island Basketball Championships

12

Credit Unions Team Up to Feed Others

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New England Credit Union Services, LLC 800-842-1242 Massachusetts Credit Union League, Inc. www.maleague.org New Hampshire Credit Union League www.nhcul.org Credit Union Association of Rhode Island www.cuassociationri.org Daniel F. Egan, Jr., President

CREDIT UNIONS

EDITORS: Robert B. Kimmett Marguerite A. Thorsen CONTRIBUTORS: Donna M. Bevilacqua Robert Delaney Bonnie L. Doolin Kathleen A. Enderlin William F. Nagle Beverly Purtell Charlotte Whatley

Reach Beyond...

page 16

Contents Table ofFeatures PUBLISHED BY

280 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 Phone: 617-428-5100 Fax: 617-428-5118 www.thewarrengroup.com Timothy M. Warren, Chairman Timothy M. Warren Jr., CEO & Publisher David B. Lovins, President & COO FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Jeffrey E. Lewis, Controller / Director of Operations EDITORIAL Christina P. O’Neill, Custom Publications Editor Cassidy Norton Murphy, Associate Custom Publications Editor

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Call 800-356-8805.

04 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

10 COMMUNITY OUTREACH

– Credit Unions Roll Up Sleeves to Feed Others

06 CREDIT UNION NEWS

– Greylock Federal Credit Union Donates $100,000 to Girls Inc. of the Berkshires

– Credit Unions Team Up for First Boston High School Reality Fair

– Service Credit Union Donates $15,000 to NH Food Bank for the Holidays

– Community Outreach Partnership Turns One Year Old

– New England Military Families Connect with Operation Best Wishes

– Credit Unions Score at Basketball Championships – March 9 and 10!

– Collaborative Credit Union Effort Makes a Difference in Lowell

– Holy Rosary Credit Union Announces Release of ‘Comme D’Or’

– People’s Credit Union Donates Holiday Gift Cards to Domestic Violence Centers

– Basic Banking for Massachusetts

24 CREDIT UNION PEOPLE

06

12

30 CALENDAR

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M E S S AG E FRO M T H E P R E S I D E N T

| by daniel f. egan, jr.

CREDIT UNIONS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE COOPERATIVE The cooperative community will be celebrating 2012 as the International Year of the Cooperative.

This event provides credit unions with the opportunity to explore the history, relevance, and value of their cooperative structure and identity. In the business community, there are many large and successful cooperatives. REI, Cabot Creamery, and Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., are three good examples of businesses that proudly proclaim their cooperative character and attribute much of their success to doing so.

I

n today’s environment, when people are searching for security and familiarity of locally owned institutions, credit unions have a unique opportunity to exhibit their cooperative roots as part of their identity in the community. As a member-owned not-for-profit that is democratically controlled, the credit union is, in fact, the model for the financial institution that many people are seeking.

During the fourth quarter of 2011, credit unions saw the impact of this when a California woman started an online movement called “Bank Transfer Day.” The popularity of that movement resulted in many people taking the initiative to move their accounts out of banks and into credit unions. The momentum of this movement was enhanced by media outlets that promoted credit unions as the consumers’ best choice when it comes to financial institutions. This focus on credit unions in the financial and consumer press is ongoing as evidenced by a January 13, 2012, CNNMoney article, which proclaimed that credit unions are the best

4 | centerpoint | winter.2012

borrowing alternative for consumers who are fed up with big banks.

In order to sustain the momentum of encouraging consumers to turn to credit unions for all their financial needs, credit unions should reinforce their cooperative identity, which clearly reinforces the idea that they work in the best interests of their member owners. To do this effectively, credit unions must support and promote the cooperative model as the best business model for consumers. In 2012, every credit union should renew its commitment to the cooperative ideals, which are at the foundation of the credit union movement.

The idea of cooperation must also extend to cooperative efforts with other credit unions in order to develop strategies to compete in an ever increasing competitive, financial marketplace. As a cooperative, credit unions should reach out to other cooperatives in 2012 to promote the concept of member ownership, which makes credit unions unique as financial institutions.

• Daniel F. Egan, Jr., president

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C R E D I T U N I O N N EWS

CREDIT UNIONS TEAM UP FOR FIRST BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL REALITY FAIR

Each student checks out with a credit counselor to see how well he or she budgeted for the big game of life.

State Treasurer Steve Grossman (center) takes in the fair with Dan Trombley, CEO of City of Boston Credit Union, (left) and John Thomas, CEO of Mass Bay Credit Union.

Students decide if and what kind of car meets their transportation needs.

Three local credit unions – City of Boston Credit Union, Mass Bay Credit Union, and Metro Credit Union – teamed up with local organizations, including the Massachusetts Credit Union League, to support the first high school Reality Fair in the city of Boston.

Each credit union also provided a coordinator – Karla McCarron from City of Boston Credit Union, Charlene Bauer from Metro Credit Union, and Maren Bradley from Mass Bay Credit Union – forming a hard-working committee.

The fair, held on October 20 at The Dorchester House, was a huge success. Approximately 150 seniors were invited from three Boston schools – Ostiguy High, University High, and Community Academy of Science and Health – all alternative high schools.

6 | centerpoint | winter.2012

Robert Cashman, president and CEO of Metro Credit Union, noted, “Educating children about the importance of money management and developing good savings and credit habits are critical skills needed by all students before graduating from high school. An informed student is less vulnerable to falling prey to the expensive alternative financial providers or spending over his or her limit. Metro embraced the opportunity to participate in the first annual Boston High School Reality Fair to demonstrate to students the importance of smart money management.”

Students received a mock profile of themselves as 20-something adults, including their occupation, debt, and credit score. It was their job to navigate all the tables of the basics – rent, transportation, food, insurance, utilities, even charity – with some temptations thrown in to complicate their budgeting decisions.

Volunteers manned tables – in many cases as themselves representing their businesses – or filling in as a grocery store, the electric or gas utility, etc. Students were required to visit each booth at the fair, which took them through this interactive game of life.

“It was a pleasure for me to witness the interest of the business community, par-

ticularly credit unions, in providing a financial training experience for these kids,” Dan Trombley, CEO of City of Boston Credit Union. “More impressive, however, was the excitement and interest that these teenagers brought with them. We need all students to have the same enthusiasm and desire to learn more about real world financial responsibilities. What a worthwhile endeavor this turned out to be.”

The credit unions and the League teamed up to run the savings and lending booth. A stop at the Reality Wheel yielded either good news or bad news – they may have won the lottery, or need to replace the transmission in their car. After visiting all the booths, students then sat with credit counselors from American Consumer Credit Counseling to determine if they made it through the game successfully.

John Thomas, CEO of Mass Bay Credit Union, summed it up: “This was the perfect opportunity, in the community spirit of our credit union, to spread the importance of financial education for our young people. Judging by the reaction of the students and our staff, it was a great success. I hope this becomes an annual event and expands city-wide.”

•

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PARTNERSHIP TURNS ONE YEAR OLD

NH Credit Unions and More Than Wheels Work to Break the Bad Credit Cycle A year ago, the New Hampshire Credit Union League began working with More Than Wheels (MTW) of New Hampshire, formerly Bonnie CLAC, to help them assist people who are struggling financially purchase a decent car and get a loan at a fair interest rate. The work MTW does is vitally important because, in New Hampshire, the lack of a reliable vehicle means a person may

More Than Wheels has helped nearly 1,600 people purchase vehicles at the best price and loan rates available, while helping them repair their credit for the long term. The organization’s process makes it possible for these people to purchase, finance, and own a car. A reliable vehicle is the key to ensuring that they can get to work, get their children to school, shop, and keep medical appointments.

Furthermore, MTW provides personal financial education for them and their families. They offer a comprehensive program cre-

Credit unions can assist More Than Wheels by helping to spread the word about the good work that they are doing and providing loans. The communications component is vitally important because there are many people who could benefit from this program who are not aware of it. The credit unions can help by putting information up on their websites and in their lobbies. They can also let the people who need this kind of help most know when they see them in the credit union loan office. Thus, More Than Wheels provides an

1-866-455-2522 www.MoreThanWheels.org

not be able to take gainful employment when offered because they do not have dependable transportation, which, in turn, perpetuates the bad credit issues – a truly vicious cycle.

Credit unions and MTW each have a history of helping people with limited means meet their transportation needs. Credit unions do so by offering terrific rates on straightforward vehicle loans to motorists.

More Than Wheels works with individuals and families that have a credit profile that excludes them from being considered for conventional financing opportunities. Too often, that means that these folks find themselves at the mercy of predatory “sign and drive” sales operations that offer over-priced, tired vehicles with big price tags and high interest rate financing. These sorts of vehicles usually end up becoming a financial bottomless pit instead of the reliable transportation that these families need.

ated to help people budget, save, and spend more wisely, and to methodically improve their overall credit history. According to New Hampshire Executive Director Debby Miller, “Maintaining a healthy credit rating through behavior modification that More Than Wheels has taught them is key to turning around our clients’ lives.”

MTW introduces its clients to a community of peers with whom they can share stories of struggle and gain new perspectives for strength. After that, the organization enables the client to buy a new, reliable car by providing reasonable financing options.

More Than Wheels works with the client to identify an appropriate new vehicle for the family that is practical, reliable, and fuel efficient, because keeping a lid on maintenance costs also is key in making the ownership experience successful. The More Than Wheels team then goes to work simultaneously with its network of car dealers and lenders to get good deals on both the car and the loan.

alternative to having to send an unqualified borrower away with nothing but a “no.”

Miller noted that some New Hampshire credit unions have committed to promoting More Than Wheels via website, lobby posters, and even referrals. Other credit unions partner with More Than Wheels to offer loans to the clients who purchase new vehicles. These loans are market priced and reflect the fact that More Than Wheels is working with both the borrower and the credit union to ensure that the loan is successfully paid off.

“Credit unions fit well within our model because they agree to make loans based on behavior change,” Miller said. That is why More Than Wheels looks to expand to more areas in New Hampshire and into Massachusetts, where a few credit unions have already made commitments to this program.

To learn more about this unique program, call More Than Wheels at 1-866-455-2522 or visit their website at www.morethanwheels.com.

• winter.2012 | centerpoint | 7

C R E D I T U N I O N N EWS

CREDIT UNIONS SCORE AT BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS – MARCH 9 AND 10!

Shoot for the Hoop, and Credit Unions Score!

TENTATIVE GAME SCHEDULE, FRIDAY, MARCH 9 Boys State Semifinals: 6:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

TENTATIVE GAME SCHEDULE, SATURDAY, MARCH 10 Girls Division III 11:00 a.m.

Girls Division II 1:30 p.m.

Girls Division I 4:00 p.m.

Boys State Championship 7:30 p.m.

It’s a tradition 22 years in the making.

Planning efforts are well underway for the 22nd annual Credit Union Championships, Rhode Island’s high school basketball finals.

This is a prime opportunity for the credit unions of Rhode Island to once again increase their visibility with this great community event, while supporting local high school athletes. Please consider joining your fellow credit unions, the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island, and Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union to team up to help promote positive statewide awareness of credit unions.

Last year, more than 5,000 exuberant spectators attended!

Gearing up for the event on March 9 and 10, the Credit Union Basketball Championships will be scoring with some terrific publicity: BEFORE THE EVENT • media press conference – Thursday, March 8, at the Ryan Center, 10:30 a.m.

GAME DAY! • banners throughout the Ryan Center • credit union sponsor names displayed across the scoreboard throughout the event • souvenir program ads for all sponsors, handed out to the fans • and to culminate the event, “Credit Union Championship” hats and winners’ trophies presented by credit union representatives Please help make the shot for the credit union team – together, the 2012 Credit Union Championships can be the best ever!

Join your credit union friends and the community on Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10, to cheer our local athletes to victory! The parking is FREE! QUESTIONS? If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact Jason McHugh at jason. mchugh@alloyacorp.org, or at 800-2530053, ext. 4260.

•

HOLY ROSARY CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF ‘COMME D’OR’ Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU), Rochester, NH, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year and, to commemorate this milestone, they have published an historical memoir. Written by Michael Berhendt, “Comme D’Or” (“Good as Gold”) chronicles the unlikely rise of this remarkable institution and explores the broader credit union movement and the rich Franco-American experience.

The 196-page book explains the origins, the trials and tribulations, and the commitment of the organization to its local community throughout its 50-year history. It tells how Holy Rosary Credit Union was es8 | centerpoint | winter.2012

tablished in 1962 by a group of parishioners of Holy Rosary Church. How business was conducted in the basement of the church on Sundays after Mass where funds were collected and reserved in a shoebox. The parishioners of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Rochester originally founded HRCU to provide credit to French Canadian immigrants who had difficulty securing loans from local banks.

Now, 50 years later, HRCU has grown into a full-service community credit union with 17,000 members, over $170 million in assets and operates four branches in the surrounding communities.

BASIC BANKING FOR MASSACHUSETTS Recently the Massachusetts Community and Banking Council (MCBC) sent correspondence to the credit unions of Massachusetts encouraging them to join in the Basic Banking for Massachusetts program, a state-wide voluntary endeavor to provide low-cost checking and savings accounts to customers with limited banking needs. There is no fee to participate in the program.

The valuable work of MCBC is unquestioned and has been recognized by regulators and public policymakers at every level. Basic Banking for Massachusetts was launched in 1994 to expand access to bank products and services and to encourage those with limited incomes to establish banking relationships.

MCBC’s Banking Services Committee, comprised of community advocates and financial institutions, developed the voluntary program to ensure that the banking needs of all residents are met through competitive, profitable, and sustainable products. The Massachusetts Credit Union League is a proud partner in this effort.

Basic Banking for Massachusetts has been cited as a national model of cooperation between community and financial leaders. It also was the basis for the recent program, “Save Money! Bank on It!” developed by the Pat-

rick administration with the assistance of the League, MCBC, and others.

Credit union participation provides both direct benefits, such as free MCBC website advertisement, and indirect benefits, such as an additional voice on various emerging issues and access to local research information. For state chartered institutions, another valuable enhancement is a letter confirming participation in Basic Banking for Massachusetts for the credit union’s CRA Public File. Basic Banking accounts, referred to as “lifeline” accounts, have been accepted by the Massachusetts Division of Banks and Loan Agencies as a qualified activity under the CRA Service Test. In 2011, 116 financial institutions have participated in Basic Banking for Massachusetts.

Finally, participating institutions, listed in the Basic Banking for Massachusetts section of MCBC’s website at www.mcbc.info, will be invited to participate in MCBC’s new Basic Banking website (www.basicbanking.org). The website allows consumers to search and compare financial institutions, including by product and product features, to assist members and potential members in finding a provider and products that best meet their families’ needs. The goals of the MCBC website are consistent with

the League’s goals of providing as many quality opportunities as possible to promote the good name of your credit union for the benefit of Massachusetts consumers.

According to author Michael Berhendt, “Many mythic stories – some charming, some outlandish – are captured: The elderly lady who borrowed $20 every September to play Beano at the Rochester Fair. The owner of a wrecking company, who had his truck hauled away for nonpayment, only to have it returned by the credit union the very next day, after he kvetched to everyone in town, and many others featuring local and wellknown members of the community.”

At its heart, “Comme D’Or” is a valentine to Holy Rosary. The publication is timely, as many citizens now consider moving their savings from large banks into

member-owned credit unions. Behrendt serves as the Rochester City Planner and is also the author of the acclaimed “The Architectural Jewels of Rochester, New Hampshire: A History of the Built Environment.”

HRCU President and CEO Brian Hughes said, “Michael Berhendt has done an exceptional job chronicling the history of our institution. He shows that HRCU’s dedication is to the community, to families, and to education. This book project has been in the works for over a year and we’re all really excited to see it come to fruition to help kick off our 50th anniversary cel-

ebration. We take pride in our compassionate and personalized service that has been responsible for our growth and the loyalty of our membership. For 50 years we have remained faithful to delivering greater access to and awareness of our products and services, and have never failed to donate and volunteer in the communities in which we serve. We know that we have made a difference in people’s lives and we look forward to our next 50 years of outstanding service and continued success. It’s exciting to have our history captured in a book that will stand the test of time.”

•

THE NEW WEBSITE WILL: • Calculate the cost of having a checking account vs. using check cashing establishments • Locate a financial institution near their home or job that offers Basic Banking accounts • Learn how to select and open a checking account • Compare the products and services provided by local financial institutions • Connect with financial education information and resources The website is available in both English and Spanish and can be translated into 52 other languages. In 2012, MCBC plans to survey institutions and consumers on banking practices and preferences and continue to reevaluate the Basic Banking criteria. Your thoughts are most welcome.

Please complete the sign-up form found at www.mcbc.info/node/104.

•

winter.2012 | centerpoint | 9

C O M MU N I T Y O U T R E AC H

CREDIT UNIONS ROLL UP SLEEVES TO FEED OTHERS

The crew from Luso American Credit Union who served dinner at Haven from Hunger included (back row, left to right) Gaspar Simoes, treasurer; Carlos Pinto, clerk; Vasco Borges, assistant bookkeeper; (middle row) Maria Melo, head teller; Olga Bettencourt, administrative assistant; Ivone Silva, manager and assistant treasurer; Sergio Costa, vice chairman; Fernando Homem, second vice chairman; Luciano Dinis, board member; (front row) Lina Martinez, member service representative; Alfonso Barcamonte, chairman of the board; Rosa Romano, board member.

Among the volunteers from St. Anne’s Credit Union of Fall River, MA, serving at the Sacred Heart soup kitchen were (left to right) Elizabeth Carreiro, Ashley Gifford, Cheryl Gouveia, and Kerri Rivest.

Serving lunch to veterans and guests are, from left to right: Southern Mass Credit Union employees Maureen Bertrand, executive vice president, and Jo-Ann Rose, vice president corporate services and human resources.

10 | centerpoint | winter.2012

During the winter holiday season, many credit unions hold food drives and write generous checks to various agencies that provide food to the community, but there are a few credit unions that take the experience to another, closer level. Employees of St. Anne’s Credit Union of Fall River, MA, volunteered at the Sacred Heart soup kitchen and food pantry; staff and directors of Luso American Credit Union, Peabody, MA, served lunch at Haven from Hunger; and the staff and directors of Southern Mass Credit Union, Fairhaven, MA, served a lunch honoring veterans at the Fairhaven Council on Aging.

St. Anne’s staff members have volunteered at the Sacred Heart soup kitchen and food pantry for several years and were happy to have some new employee volunteers join them. The credit union employees helped to serve a pot roast dinner to the attendees.

They also passed out hand-made scarves, hats and mittens to many of the attendees.

All of the items were made by St. Anne’s employees, their friends, and family members.

Members of the board of directors and staff of Luso American Credit Union volunteered their services at Haven from Hunger. Manager Ivone Silva said, “In difficult times like these, it is good to be committed to supporting local non-profits and we are passionate about the work that Haven from Hunger does for our community. We think this is one small way we can reinforce the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’”

“We thank Luso American Credit Union for supporting our mission to fight hunger in our community,” said Alyse Barbash, executive director of Haven from Hunger.

Barbash added, “Anyone struggling financially is welcome at Haven. Homeless, the unemployed or under-employed, elderly trying to live on Social Security, families on welfare, and the working poor who do not have enough money for food after paying

rent or mortgages are encouraged to come in for a nightly meal.”

Southern Mass Credit Union sponsored a Veterans’ Luncheon at the Fairhaven Council on Aging. The credit union has sponsored the annual luncheon, honoring local veterans, for the past six years. Approximately 195 veterans and guests enjoyed a hot meal served by Southern Mass employees and directors. Lunch was provided on two separate days due to the overwhelming number of guests.

Attending the luncheon were veterans in the armed services representing from one to over 25 years of service, those who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Speakers at the event included Oliver Morrow, commander of Disabled Veterans, and Anne Silvia, director of the Fairhaven Council on Aging.

“Southern Mass Credit Union employees and directors are honored to serve lunch to our local heroes in honor of their sacrifice and dedication for our nation,” commented Daniel Waltz, president and CEO of Southern Mass Credit Union. “We are extremely pleased to be able to work in conjunction with the Fairhaven Council on Aging on providing this free luncheon for local veterans and their guests.”

Servers for the event included Southern Mass directors Alfred Peccini, Paul Silvia, and Pamela Bourgault; employees Jo-Ann Rose, vice president of corporate services and human resources; Maureen Bertrand, executive vice president; Debra Perrin, marketing manager; and Waltz.

Over the years, many who have engaged in similar person-to-person service have expressed how much greater the warm feeling of helping their fellow human beings they had, compared to writing a check or donating cans of food.

“Volunteerism takes on an even greater importance in these tough economic times,” noted Barbash of Haven from Hunger. •

GREYLOCK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION DONATES $100,000 TO GIRLS INC. OF THE BERKSHIRES Greylock Federal Credit Union President Marilyn Sperling (center) presents a check for $100,000 to the happy girls of Girls Inc. of the Berkshires.

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Greylock Federal Credit Union, Pittsfield, MA, has pledged $100,000 to Girls Incorporated of the Berkshires in support of the organization’s “Go Girl” endowment campaign to celebrate their 100th anniversary.

Greylock President Marilyn L. Sperling said, “Greylock whole-heartedly supports the efforts of Girls Inc. to help girls become smart, strong, and bold. Our board of directors pledged $100,000 in recognition of Girls Inc.’s success in changing lives for the better.”

Kelly Marion, CEO of Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, said, “We appreciate Greylock’s timely and generous gift, which will allow us to continue to help enrich the lives of our girls and young women for many years to come.”

The “Go Girl” campaign was launched to create a fund to ensure that girls throughout Berkshire County, ages 5 to 18, would continue to receive research-based prevention programs that encourage them to master physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. Girls Inc. has raised nearly half of its $1 million goal for the campaign.

Sperling received the “She Knows Where She’s Going” award from Girls Inc. back in 2004. “In life, we meet great people along the way who help us reach our fullest potential. That same kind of help and support is what Girls Inc. provides to young women every day,” she added.

Each year more than 1,000 girls from 22 towns take part in the programs at Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center.

•

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winter.2012 | centerpoint | 11

C O M MU N I T Y O U T R E AC H

SERVICE CREDIT UNION DONATES $15,000 TO NH FOOD BANK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Barbara Roberge, left, Service Credit Union Board of Directors vice chairwoman, presented a check for $15,000 to New Hampshire Food Bank Director Melanie Gosselin.

When New Hampshire Food Bank prepares to feed thousands for the holidays, too often, agencies contact donor after donor, grateful for few hundred dollars here and a

thousand dollars there. However, once again, Service Credit Union, Portsmouth, NH, stepped up with a substantial contribution.

Barbara Roberge, Service Credit Union board of directors’ vice chairwoman, presented a check for $15,000 to NH Food Bank Director Melanie Gosselin at the beginning of the holiday season, to help keep the shelves well stocked.

“Service Credit Union has been a tremendous supporter for many years,” Gosselin said.

“This donation in particular comes at a time when we really need it. This has been an amazing partnership throughout the years.”

This is the sixth consecutive year that Service Credit Union has made a significant donation to the food bank to help the agency

during its critical times of need. In addition, Service Credit Union delivered non-perishable items weighing more than 1,500 pounds, which were collected during the credit union’s Food for Families canned food drive. Service Credit Union branches from across the state participated in the campaign.

“Service Credit Union has been serving New Hampshire for more than 50 years and strives to be a leader in corporate citizenship,” said Roberge. “This donation embodies the credit union philosophy of people helping people. Service Credit Union is honored to help the New Hampshire Food Bank fulfill their mission of helping the less fortunate in our communities and supplying food to local food banks.”

•

NEW ENGLAND MILITARY FAMILIES CONNECT WITH OPERATION BEST WISHES

(Back row, left to right) Chief Master Sergeant Kevin L. Call, command chief, Electronic Systems Center; Colonel Stacy Yike, 66th Air Base group commander; Paul Marotta, chairman of the board, Hanscom Federal Credit Union; David Sprague, president and CEO, Hanscom Federal Credit Union; (seated) Sheila Mavropoulos, member liaison, Hanscom Federal Credit Union; Claire DiFederico, Concord branch manager; (front row) Kaylie, Tiffany, and Madison Hagler, Hanscom AFB residents and Operation Best Wishes participants as daughters and wife of deployed serviceman Sheridan Hagler.

12 | centerpoint | winter.2012

This holiday season, Hanscom Federal Credit Union, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA, sponsored and hosted Operation Best Wishes, giving families of deployed military service members an opportunity to connect with loved ones. A national organization sponsored by the Defense Credit Union Council and supported by military-affiliated credit unions, Operation Best Wishes is a free service providing a unique opportunity to connect with a deployed loved one by creating a personally recorded video greeting card.

Held at Hanscom Federal Credit Union’s main office at Hanscom Air Force Base in early December, this event was the only stop in New England on this year’s tour. The crew set up a studio at the credit union’s branch on Hanscom AFB, where 13 visiting families and individuals were able to create a message – creativity encouraged – up to 10 minutes long.

Families took advantage of the event, bringing birthday cakes for long-distance

celebrations, showing off the newest moves learned in dance class, reading holiday books, and in one case, including the family pet in the greeting.

Unlike a typical voice or video call, these greetings were professionally recorded and presented as a special message with a customized background. The military member can now view the archived video at any time through the Operation Best Wishes website, and a CD of the recording is given to each family.

“We take great pride in doing memorable and meaningful things here at this time of year, but this is one of the more special events any of us can remember,” said Hanscom Federal Credit Union Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta. “For sure, it was a day of mixed emotions – seeing loved ones separated at the holidays is never easy. But we’re awfully proud to have played a part in the experience we know a service member is having on the other end of these messages.”

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COLLABORATIVE CREDIT UNION EFFORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN LOWELL

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, DCU Donate $10,000 to Lowell Transitional Living Center Working in cooperation to support those in need, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Lowell, MA, and Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU), Marlborough, MA, are pleased to announce a combined $10,000 donation to the Lowell Transitional Living Center, which will help provide a warm place to sleep for those with nowhere to call home.

“We consider social responsibility to be an integral part of our overall mission,” said Mark S. Cochran, president and chief executive officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “No one should have to sleep outside in freezing temperatures. The Lowell Transitional Living Center provides a crucial service for the region and, as organizations created to help people, we are pleased to help the center continue its life-saving work.”

The Lowell Transitional Living Center provides the most vulnerable adults in the region with food, shelter, stability, and dignity.

It provides programs and services that meet immediate needs for emergency shelter and food, along with case management and other assistance that enable those in need to make the transition from a shelter bed to a permanent home.

The winter protocol program – which the credit unions’ $10,000 donation will support – is designed to open the center to anyone in need of a warm place to sleep, in addition to the 70 homeless people who are typically provided shelter each evening.

“To work collaboratively with Jeanne D’Arc on addressing the issue, while making a difference in the Lowell community, is the nature of credit unions – people helping people,” said Jim Regan, president and chief executive officer of DCU. “It’s not only the neighborly thing to do, but more importantly, the right thing to do. Through this donation, we hope that anyone who is so unfortunate as to find themselves homeless will benefit from the services that the Lowell Transitional Living Center provides.” •

David McCloskey, executive director, Lowell Transitional Living Center; Steve Jones, vice president of community development, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union; Patricia Cox, assistant treasurer and assistant to the president, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union; Janet Barsorian, kitchen manager, Lowell Transitional Living Center; Janice Dokla, regional branch manager, DCU; John LaHair, public relations manager, DCU; and Gary Baker, president of the board of directors, Lowell Transitional Living Center, gathered at the center to acknowledge the collaborative gift of the credit unions.

winter.2012 | centerpoint | 13

C O M MU N I T Y O U T R E AC H

PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION DONATES HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTERS For several months prior to the holidays, People’s Credit Union, Middletown, RI, employees raised money to buy gift cards for the women at local domestic violence resource centers. The Women’s Resource Center of Newport & Bristol Counties was one of the recipients.

Employees delivered the gift cards to the center on December 15.

This is the fifth year that People’s employees have donated gift cards to domestic violence centers during the holidays. The gift cards help the women buy gifts for their families and make the holiday season a more enjoyable one. Peo-

ple’s employee-run Community Enhancement Committee (CEC) planned and organized the fundraising. In total, $700 was raised by employees through dress-down days.

The Women’s Resource Center of Newport & Bristol Counties empowers victims of domestic violence and their children through individual and social change. Education, support, and advocacy programs are offered to assist victims to gain control of their lives, exercising their right to live without fear in their own homes.

“We are so happy we can continue to help local victims of domestic violence, especially

this time of year. Our goal is to make things a little easier for them during the holidays,” commented Tracy Glover, chair of the CEC. The Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County also received gift cards.

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16 | centerpoint | winter.2012

CREDIT UNIONS

Reach Beyond...

BY KRISTIN CANTU

Credit unions have a unique history of serving diverse groups of people and communities.

So it should come as no surprise that they have demonstrated a mission of service to the disadvantaged.

One way credit unions provide support to the community is through statewide social responsibility committees, which work with charities and organizations that function on a statewide basis to provide much-needed support throughout their respective states.

The Social Responsibility Committees of the Massachusetts Credit Union League, the New Hampshire Credit Union League, and the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island have proven year after year that the dedication to their charities only gets stronger with time.

“The credit unions and committee members in each state have supported their respective charities for a long, long time,” said

Donna Bevilacqua, director of communications and community relations for the groups.

“Credit unions’ basic philosophy is ‘people helping people.’ So, in doing that, it’s more than just helping members. It’s helping people in the communities they serve.”

Through the Social Responsibility Committees, each state chose to support one charity as a larger statewide effort and, in doing so, establish strong relationships. This approach has paid off. Last year’s fundraising activities either rose or kept pace with 2010’s for each state and their respective charities – something to be proud of in an unsettled economy.

continued on page 18

winter.2012 | centerpoint | 17

Reach Beyond...

continued from page 17

Sorting through more than 4,200 books from Hanscom Federal Credit Union for the Massachusetts Credit Union League’s Book Drive to support the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless are, from left to right: Tom Becker, vice president of consumer lending; Jim Potter, senior vice president of operations; Sandy Imbrogna, training specialist; David Sprague, president and CEO; and Paul Marotta, chairman of the board.

Walking along the route for the “Walk For Home� 5k charity walk to support the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless are, from left to right: Dan Egan, president, Massachusetts Credit Union League; Robyn Frost, executive director, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless; her daughter Mikaila in stroller; and Donna Crotty, director of development, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.

18 | centerpoint | winter.2012

S T T E S U H MA S S A C The Massachusetts Credit Union League has had a relationship with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless for more than 20 years. The League donated $125,000 to the organization in 2011, and more than $1.2 million in contributions has been made.

“It is a wonderfully positive relationship,” said Nicole James, Massachusetts Credit Union League Social Responsibility Committee chair and Medical Area Federal Credit Union (MAFCU) president and CEO. “The League decided it should adopt a charity relative to issues that overlap the needs of credit union members. Housing is absolutely a need.”

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director Robyn Frost agrees with James regarding housing. “I just think that the credit unions are unique in how they support the work of programs like ours,” said Frost. “It was not just helping the community. It was helping their neighbors, and I think that is unique in a lot of ways to the credit unions.”

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless was the first advocacy organization in the state to dedicate itself exclusively to ending homelessness. There were more than 7,000 families with children in Massachusetts’ Emergency Assistance shelter program in the last year.

“The Coalition for the Homeless is great, because what they are doing is preventing people from losing their homes or actually getting people back into housing,” James said.

“People who are at risk of losing their housing or are in jeopardy of not being able to make their rent are many; sometimes,

[credit unions’] members,” Frost said. “That is where I believe that this whole concept stems from, trying to help their members and their neighbors. Because of that, [the coalition] has helped thousands upon thousands of people across the state.”

“The support has not only been financial, but also different types of drives that meet the needs of the community throughout the state,” Frost added. The various drives the League has conducted statewide include those for blankets, books, school supplies, and holiday toys.

“It is not just about raising money,” James said about the League’s involvement with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.

“It is also raising the level of people’s knowledge and education about what is going on.”

Last June, MAFCU held a walk to raise awareness about and funding for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. The credit union raised $24,000 from that single event.

The various credit unions that comprise the Massachusetts Credit Union League hold a variety of fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Some credit unions, such as Hanscom Federal Credit Union, hold employee raffles throughout the year, which generate a very large donation on behalf of the credit union. Additionally, several credit union chapters support the coalition at their meetings.

Nicole James, Social Responsibility Committee Chairman, Massachusetts

“

It is more than about giving m o n e y. I t i s a b o u t giving time and really being committed to their vision.

”

Robyn Frost, Executive Director, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless

continued on page 20 winter.2012 | centerpoint | 19

Reach Beyond...

continued from page 19

The New Hampshire Credit Union League representatives, New Hampshire Medieval Repertory company, and Governor John Lynch joined wish child David at the celebration of his new castle.

Wish child David gives a joyous thumbs up as he gives New Hampshire Governor John Lynch a guided tour of his new castle.

New Hampshire Credit Union League Chairman Michael L’Ecuyer, president and CEO of Bellwether Community Credit Union, grants David’s wish on behalf of the New Hampshire Credit Union League and Make-A-Wish® of New Hampshire, by giving him the key to his own castle.

Bill Plourde, from Granite State Credit Union, packs up tools as work nears completion on Wish Child Spencer’s tree house wish.

20 | centerpoint | winter.2012

E R I H S P N E W HA M In terms of historical significance, New Hampshire lays claim to having the first credit union in the United States – St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union in Manchester. But in terms of making history, 2012 will be a big year for the state’s credit unions, too.

For the last 15 years, the New Hampshire Credit Union League has been a staunch supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire, having donated $150,000 in 2011.

This year, the League expects to reach the milestone of $1.5 million in contributions to MakeA-Wish® since 1997.

The League was also able to help the MakeA-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire celebrate another big milestone in 2012. This is the 25th year the charitable organization has been granting wishes in the state, and granted its first wish in January 1987 to a young man whose wish was for electronic gear. On January 25, 2012, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire, in partnership with the New Hampshire Credit Union League as the main sponsor, granted its 1,000th wish to 12-year-old David, who had a castle constructed in his back yard. Festivities for the day included Wish Child David’s arrival via limousine and greetings from his entire seventh grade class from Epping Middle School. Governor John H. Lynch and representatives of the League were on hand to speak at the celebration.

“Because the credit unions are who they are, both the League and individual credit unions have been with us through thick and thin. They also wanted to sponsor the 1,000th wish,” said Julie Baron, president and CEO of Make-AWish Foundation® of New Hampshire.

“The impact that the credit unions have on our organization is just dramatic,” Baron added.

“I really do not know how to put it any other way. They have been with us throughout the years … watched us grow from a small organization and believed in us.”

“It is a really great organization to get behind,” said Brian Hughes, New Hampshire Credit Union League Social Responsibility Committee chairman and president and CEO of Holy Rosary Credit Union. “It has become a very big part of the League – their vision for giving back to the community.”

“The credit unions have inspired other people in the community to believe in and become part of our organization,” Baron said. “They have been with us through many years of highs and lows.”

It is not just people in the community who have become a part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire, it is credit union employees as well. Jody Ducharme, New Hampshire Credit Union League Social Responsibility Committee member and Granite State Credit Union marketing/communications liaison, is one of many who became a wish granter for the charitable organization.

Through the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s Social Responsibility Committee, Ducharme said she spent more and more time with wish families. “It just really opened my eyes to what an amazing organization it was,” she said.

After supporting Make-A-Wish® for five years, Ducharme and her husband decided to take the next step and become wish granters.

“Make-A-Wish® is not just about that particular Wish Child, it is about the entire family,” Ducharme said. The one common thing I see from child to child, and family to family, is a spirit and a connection that is amazing. I can tell you, we get more out of it than we put in,” Ducharme added. “It puts your life in a perspective and it has this rewarding, amazing feeling.

To see a kid smile and know that you’re part of something that is so much bigger than yourself …

I cannot express how much this has meant to us through the years.”

Members of the New Hampshire Credit Union League often volunteer for Make-A-Wish® events as well, including its annual holiday party and boat cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee for wish families. The League also holds numerous fundraisers for Make-A-Wish® during the year. The credit union chapters also play a major role in supporting Make-A-Wish® with their special auctions held during the holidays.

“We absolutely love our credit unions and all that they have done for us over time,” said Baron.

“They have been an extraordinary partner. Their impact has reached every corner of the state – bringing hope, strength, and joy into the lives of children who are facing some very grown-up battles.”

Brian Hughes, Social Responsibility Committee Chairman, New Hampshire

Julie Baron, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire

continued on page 22 winter.2012 | centerpoint | 21

Reach Beyond...

continued from page 21

Credit Union Association of Rhode Island volunteers gather for a team photo before the Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games begin.

Special Olympics Rhode Island athlete David Ogilvie from the Cranston Cougars is excited to have his sister Melissa Edwards from Rhode Island Credit Union escort him to his next track event.

22 | centerpoint | winter.2012

D N A L S I R HODE The partnership of the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island and the Special Olympics Rhode Island, nearly 15 years ago, couldn’t have been more perfect. While the Association was organizing a softball tournament, a number of executives decided the credit unions should focus the majority of its charitable efforts with the Special Olympics Rhode Island.

“At the time, we did not have any particular charity that we were working with,” said David Dupere, Credit Union Association of Rhode Island Social Responsibility Committee chairman and Wave Federal Credit Union executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Last year, the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island donated $55,000 to the Special Olympics Rhode Island and has contributed more than $500,000 since 1998. This year, the Association anticipates a donation of $60,000 for their partner.

“Without a doubt, it is a powerful and very special relationship that we have with the credit union association,” said Dennis DeJesus, Special Olympics Rhode Island CEO. “They have demonstrated a strong commitment, both financially and in volunteer support, to the athletes we serve.”

“Financially, they are one of our largest year-round sponsors,” DeJesus added. “The credit unions and the Association do a series of fundraisers throughout the year; and as far as a commitment goes, their Social Responsibility Committee is off the charts.”

On a fundraising level, the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island reaches groups

of people the Special Olympics might not be able to. DeJesus said, “They bring a whole new group of people willing to support our athletes. They are reaching a whole different population … We are grateful for that. The visibility is extremely important for our organization.”

But fundraising for Special Olympics is only part of what the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island does for the organization. Each year, it sends between 60 and 70 volunteers for the Special Olympics Rhode Island summer games, which is held on the first Friday of every June and welcomes 1,400 athletes from across the state. The credit union volunteers work various track and field events where they are coordinating athletes participating in events. Volunteers also cheer on athletes as they compete and assist with the medals and awards ceremony.

“We are the largest group of volunteers from a sponsoring organization that participates in the summer games as far as the number of volunteers that participate,” Dupere said. “We joke that we all have our matching shirts and you see the sea of orange because all the credit union volunteers are in their orange polo shirts.”

“My favorite part, I have to say, is the summer games,” added Dupere, who was recently appointed to the board of directors of Special Olympics Rhode Island. “It is the one opportunity that I get to participate directly as far as working with the athletes and seeing how excited they are.”

•

David Dupere, Social Responsibility Committee Chairman, Rhode Island

Dennis DeJesus, CEO, Special Olympics Rhode Island

winter.2012 | centerpoint | 23

C R E D I T U N I O N P EO P L E

Southern Mass Credit Union Announces Appointment of Two New Directors David J. Darmofal, chairman of the board of directors, Southern Mass Credit Union (SMCU), Fairhaven, MA, is pleased to announce the appointPamela Bourgault ment of Pamela A. Bourgault and Mark Sylvia to the board.

Pamela Bourgault, a detective with the Fairhaven Police Department, has a distinguished career in law Mark Sylvia enforcement. Following her graduation from Barnstable County Police Academy, she was an officer for the town of Acushnet (1986-1992). Since 1992, she has been an officer, and most recently, a detective with the Fairhaven Police Department.

Bourgault has been recognized professionally and for her active community involvement. She was the recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Officer of the Year while with the Acushnet Police Department; the Standard Times’ Fairhaven Woman of the Year in 2000; a 2010 recipient of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Unsung Heroines of Massachusetts; and a 2010 recipient of the Irene C. Monahan Historic Leadership Award for Lifetime of Achievement.

A New Bedford resident, Bourgault is actively involved in the community. Since 2006, she has served on the New Bedford Regional Airport Commission and is currently a member of the Greater New Bedford Allies for Health and Wellness, Inc. Mark Sylvia is currently commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) where he oversees the development and implementation of policies and programs regarding the Commonwealth’s energy supply, and represents Massachusetts as a 24 | centerpoint | winter.2012

director on the boards of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Inc., the National Association of State Energy Officials (Northeast Region), and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. Previously, Sylvia was the director of DOER’s Green Community Division. Prior to joining the DOER in February 2009, he was an official in Plymouth town government for over a decade, where he rose through the ranks, becoming town manager in 2005.

Sylvia earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from the American University in Washington, D.C. Living in Fairhaven with his family, he served on the School Committee for six years and is currently town moderator. He is actively involved in the community as vice president of the Fairhaven Improvement Association, a board member of the Thomas Livesey Memorial Club, and board member of the Fairhaven High School Alumni Association.

Workers’ Credit Union Names New CFO J. Timothy Smith has been named chief financial officer and treasurer of Workers’ Credit Union. Smith is a CPA, with more than 20 years of experience in J. Timothy Smith the banking industry as a financial manager. His experience includes many years with KPMG and Darling Consulting Group, as an auditor and consultant to financial institutions. In addition, Smith was a financial manager at Berkeley Federal Bank in Florida and First City Bank in Texas.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in finance from the CT Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. He lives in Franklin, where he serves on his town’s finance committee and is treasurer of the Boy Scouts of America’s Troop 99.

Charlene Bauer Named ‘Unsung Hero of 2011’ Metro Credit Union Senior Vice President Receives Chelsea Collaborative Award The Chelsea Collaborative recognized Metro Credit Union Charlene Bauer Senior Vice President of Business Development and Community Relations Charlene Bauer as an Unsung Hero of 2011 at their Annual Holiday Gala.

During the December 14 event, the collaborative acknowledged Bauer’s significant contributions to the Chelsea community. In the program for the evening, it was stated: “Charlene is a true friend of the Chelsea Collaborative and the community of Chelsea. This summer, Charlene brought the Summer Youth Employment Initiative to another level of sophistication and professionalism.”

Bauer has been with Metro for over 10 years and lives in Danvers with her husband and son. In addition to her involvement with the Chelsea Collaborative, she is the treasurer of Chelsea Neighborhood Developers, past president of the Chelsea Rotary Club, and is on the board of the Salem Partnership.

Holy Rosary Credit Union’s Jane Gettens Retires After 27 years The management team and staff of Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU), Rochester, NH, recently gathered to celebrate the retirement of Jane Gettens, Jane Gettens senior vice president of strategic development, after 27 years of dedicated service.

Gettens began her career in 1985 as a teller at HRCU’s original location in Rochester. Since then, she has experienced nearly every facet of the credit union industry, having worked in: lending, marketing, IT, branch

operations, branch acquisitions, and special project development.

Gettens played an instrumental role in establishing HRCU’s Dover branch and was also project manager for the additions in Farmington, Spaulding High School, and most recently, the operations center in Rochester.

“Jane’s history, foundation, and diverse knowledge of credit union operations have made her an invaluable asset to our organization,” said Brian F. Hughes, president and CEO of HRCU. “We thank her for her many years of loyalty and commitment to HRCU and on behalf of our volunteers and staff, we wish her the best of luck in her venture into retirement.”

Gettens served many years with the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s Social Responsibility Committee, assisting in fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

Over the years, her support has helped New Hampshire Credit Unions raise over a million dollars for Make-A-Wish®.

People’s Credit Union Employees Honored by Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

benefit LLS. The credit union has been fundraising for LLS since 2004; since that time Glover has been instrumental in making it one of the biggest fundraising events for the credit union year after year.

“I am so proud of the employees at People’s and our members for their constant support to this wonderful cause. LLS has a mission I am passionate about and I’m happy to help any way I can,” commented Glover.

Arthur Paul is the vice president of marketing for the credit union. He was honored for serving as chair of the 2011 Newport

Light the Night Walk. The Light the Night Walk is the fastest-growing cancer fundraising evening walk in the country, attracting more than 250,000 participants annually. The Newport walk is one of two walks in Rhode Island; the other was held at Garden City Center in Cranston.

The credit union will again be fundraising for Pennies for Patients in March, and forming a team to walk for Light the Night in the fall. continued on page 26

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People’s Credit Union’s Tracy Glover and Arthur Paul proudly display the trophy conferred on them by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Recently, People’s Credit Union employees Tracy Glover and Arthur Paul, Jr., were honored for their contributions to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer.

Tracy Glover is a loan operations representative for the credit union and chair of the credit union’s Community Enhancement Committee (CEC). She was honored for her dedication to LLS. She has been with the credit union for 10 years and chair of People’s CEC for seven. In that time, she has organized the credit union’s team for the Light the Night Walk and organized ongoing fund raisers each spring for Pennies for Patients to

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continued on page 26 winter.2012 | centerpoint | 25

C R E D I T U N I O N P EO P L E

continued from page 25

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s Steve Jones Receives Community Service Award from Community Teamwork, Inc. Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Lowell, MA, has announced that Steve Jones, vice president of community development, recently received the Community Service Steve Jones Award from Community Teamwork, Inc. in recognition of his dedication to the region and to helping his fellow man.

“We are very proud of Steve and inspired by his dedication to others,” said Mark S. Cochran, president and chief executive officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “Steve exemplifies the concept of community service and the overall mission of the credit union. His pas-

sion for helping people is evident in his actions each day.”

Jones is well known throughout the region for his commitment to the community and to helping others. He currently serves as chairman of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce and is a board member of the Greater Lowell Family YMCA, Cultural Organization of Lowell, Town of Chelmsford Scholarship Fund, Chelmsford Youth Basketball League, and My Father’s House. In addition to serving on numerous boards and committees, Jones is an active fundraiser for myriad charities and is also quick to roll up his sleeves. He helps serve meals at the Lowell Transitional Living Center, paints and hammers for Rebuilding Together Lowell, works on the bucket brigade at Lowell’s Folk Festival, and rings the bell at Christmas time for the Salvation Army.

Additionally, Jones serves on the Massachusetts Credit Union League’s Board of

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Directors as the chapter director for the Tri County North Chapter. Before that he served for several years as the chapter’s president.

Greylock Federal Credit Union Announces Management Promotions Greylock Federal Credit Union, Pittsfield, MA, has announced the promotion of two key managers: Jodi Rathbun-Briggs to vice president of business bankJodi Rathbun-Briggs ing, and Lisa Trybus to vice president and manager of real estate and consumer lending.

Rathbun-Briggs came to Greylock in 2010 with more than 16 years of experience in internal audit, risk Lisa Trybus management, and commercial lending. Briggs will lead Greylock’s business banking team, focused on managing the credit union’s $90 million commercial loan portfolio and providing outstanding service to small businesses. A certified public accountant, she earned the Certified Fiduciary and Investment-Risk Specialist designation from the Cannon Financial Institute at Pepperdine University.

A Great Barrington resident, she holds an associate’s degree from Berkshire Community College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western New England College. Briggs also graduated from the Stonier National Graduate School of Banking at University of Pennsylvania and the Graduate School of Commercial Lending at Southern Methodist University.

Trybus has worked at Greylock since 2007 and has 17 years of experience in real estate lending. In her expanded role, she will work with all consumer lenders to ensure consistent underwriting and competitive rate structures.

Trybus is a graduate of American Institute of Banking and Center of Financial Training.

She and her family live in Lanesborough. continued on page 28

26 | centerpoint | winter.2012

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Helming Joins Metro Credit Union Metro Credit Union, Chelsea, MA, announced the appointment of Mary Helming as vice president and commercial relationship manager. Helming will oversee the development of new commercial services relationships and manage the existing commercial loan portfolio.

She has over 25 years of experience managing and developing commercial loan portfolios for large and mid-sized financial institutions.

Prior to joining Metro, Helming was vice president of commercial lending at Danversbank. She was responsible for commercial real estate loans, construction loan and business loan originations, and portfolio management.

Helming also spent eight years as vice president of the corporate banking division, at Warren Five Cents Savings Bank in Peabody, MA. During her tenure, she regularly exceeded target loan production goals, developed, implemented, and monitored the bank’s appraisal policy, and originated and closed the first Local Initiative Program construction loan at the bank.

Helming received her MBA from Northeastern University and her bachelor’s degree in finance from Siena College. She resides in Hamilton, MA, where she is a member of the board of directors and chairman of the Discretionary Grant Committee for North Shore United Way and a member of The Hamilton Foundation.

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Robert Cleary Joins Metro Credit Union Robert Cashman, president and CEO of Metro Credit Union, Chelsea, MA, announced that Robert Cleary has been appointed to the position of branch manager Robert Cleary for the Melrose branch.

Cleary joined Metro in November as a result of the merger with Secure Credit Union.

Prior to the merger, he served as manager and treasurer of Secure Credit Union for 17 years.

He also previously held the position of CEO at Genrad Credit Union and has been managing credit unions for over 25 years. In his new role with Metro, Cleary will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the branch in Melrose and provide leadership, training, and supervision for the staff.

Cleary earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

He resides in Saugus with his family and is actively involved in the Melrose Chamber of Commerce.

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Troubled Debt Restructuring Issues, with S. Wayne Linder, Young & Associates, Inc. March 6 Overdraft Protection Update: Regulations, Lawsuits & Guidance, Deborah L. Crawford, gettechnical inc March 7 Understanding Borrowers’ Tax Returns, Part 2: Income from Rentals, Royalties, Partnerships, Tim Harrington, CPA, TEAM Resources March 13 Advanced Collection Techniques & Tools, David L. Osburn, MBA, Osburn & Associates, LLC March 14 Developing a Risk Mitigation Strategy: Where Do I Spend My Next Security Dollar?, Dr. Kevin Streff, Secure Banking Solutions March 20

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NH Credit Union League’s 58th Annual Meeting and Convention June 15 – June 16 ....Omni Mt. Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, NH

Real Estate Loan Workouts, Foreclosures, Short Sales & Deficiency Judgments, Elizabeth Fast, JD & CPA, Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP March 28

2012 MA Credit Union League Annual Meeting and Convention June 17 – June 20 .................Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, CA 2012 Fall Leadership Conference October 26 – October 28........................ Newport Marriott, Newport, RI

Networks HR NETWORK MEETING

Lending Series: Lending to the Small Business Owner in Today’s Economy April 3 Questions Supervisory Committee Members Should Be Asking April 4 Handling the Credit Union’s Right of Set Off April 11 Auditing Your Credit Union’s Website April 12

March 7...................................................CU Center, Marlborough, MA May 10....................................................CU Center, Marlborough, MA

Get Serious about Offering Remote Deposit: It’s Time & Here’s How! April 19

LENDERS NETWORK MEETING

New Products to Serve Members & Generate Income April 19

March 14................................................. Double Tree Inn, Milford, MA May 9....................................... Credit Union Center, Marlborough, MA

COMPLIANCE NETWORK MEETING March 22.................................................CU Center, Marlborough, MA June 6.....................................................CU Center, Marlborough, MA

Seminars and Schools Credit Union Employee Boot Camp March 15.................................................CU Center, Marlborough, MA May 16....................................................CU Center, Marlborough, MA July 18..................... America’s Credit Union Museum, Manchester, MA Exceptional Leadership March 21................................. Part I of II, CU Center, Marlborough, MA May 1..................................... Part II of II, CU Center, Marlborough, MA 2012 BSA Conference March 28................................................. Double Tree Inn, Milford, MA Financial Educator Meeting April 4......................................................CU Center, Marlborough, MA Account Essentials May 17....................................................CU Center, Marlborough, MA 2012 BSA Update May 22............................................White’s of Westport, Westport, MA

30 | centerpoint | winter.2012

Understanding & Navigating the ACH Rules for the RDFI April 24 Required Compliance series: Regulatory Compliance for the Frontline April 25 Regulatory Reform: Top 5 Ways Operations & IT Can Ease the Sting May 2 Building the Perfect Bond Claim: Coverage, Filing & What to Do If Your Claim is Denied May 8 When an IRA Member Dies May 10 Handling Check Exceptions & Returns May 16 Lending Series: Lender Alert: Regulation Z Mortgage Application Timing Requirements May 17 Member Credit Report Disputes: Completing ACDVs, AUDs, & Correcting Joint Members’ Credit May 22 Required Compliance series: Regulatory Compliance for Lenders May 23

Holding Your Ground with Examiners & Regulators: The Credit Union Bill of Rights May 30 Call Reports: What to Look For, Entering Information & Why It’s Important June 12 Lending series: Denied Loan Requirements: Consumer, Commercial & Residential June 13

QuickBites

ONE-HOUR TELEPHONE CONFERENCING Robbery – Premise and Building Security February 28 Mitigating Plastic Card Fraud March 6 How to Improve Your Membership Retention March 13 Lending Strategies March 15 Unclaimed Property: Issues You Need to Know March 21 Bankruptcy April 10 Mobile Marketing with OR (Quick Read) Codes April 18 Business Development: In it to Win It! April 24 Helping Members Improve Credit Scores (Two Hour Telecourse) May 1 Safe Deposit Boxes: The Fundamentals **90 Minutes** May 3 Reg E / EFTs May 31

Chapter Meetings and Activities – MA Central Mass Chapter March 14................................................Beechwood Hotel, Worcester Pioneer Valley Chapter March 13..................................................... Page’s Loft, Northampton April 10................................................ Wyckoff Country Club, Holyoke May 8.................................................Castle of the Knights, Chicopee Southern Massachusetts Credit Union Chapter March 21...............................................White’s of Westport, Westport April 18......................................... Hawthorn Country Club, Dartmouth May 16..................................................Stone Forge Tavern, Raynham Tri-County North Chapter March 6.........................................Tewksbury Country Club, Tewksbury

Chapter Meetings and Activities – NH Merrimack Valley Chapter February 15 ................... America’s Credit Union Museum, Manchester April, date TBD..........................SERESC Conference Center, Merrimack Monadnock Chapter March 22.........................................NGM Federal Credit Union, Keene

Holidays February 20 – President’s Day April 16 – Patriot’s Day (CU Center closed) May 28 – Memorial Day

Mass Bay Credit Union Boston, MA

“If Financial Institutions are our Specialty than Credit Unions are our Forte...”