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Credit Union News and Events

April 1, 2020 |

Our People Helping People philosophy grounds our credit union network, especially during these challenging times. Here is a look at what Maine credit unions have been up to over the last few weeks:

  • On March 6, Acadia FCU announced that their employees collectively volunteered 1,409 hours in 2019. The credit union also recognized its top five volunteers: Staci, Bev, Justin, Kylie, and Tammy, who each volunteered over 100 hours.
  • Atlantic FCU provided a $50,000 donation to Good Shepherd Food Bank in support of their effort to secure more food for those in need during COVID-19.
  • Bangor Federal announced a new spring contest on its social media channels. Members who share their favorite part about spring will be entered to win a $25 Visa gift card.
  • In early March, Brewer FCU members were able to opt-in to the credit union’s new fraud alert system, which notifies a member via text if there is suspected fraud on their debit card.
  • Capital Area FCU made an announcement in early March that it will be holding its 21st Annual Yard Sale to benefit Special Olympics on June 6.
  • Casco FCU made a $3,500 donation to the Gorham Food Pantry and the Standish Food Pantry on March 18.
  • In support of International Women’s Day on March 8, the ladies at Central Maine CU published a fun greeting video.
  • Staff from Changing Seasons FCU volunteered at the Hampden Neighborhood Food Cupboard on March 5.
  • Coast Line CU’s most recent newsletter highlights all the ways members can continue to access their accounts while confronting the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Community CU celebrated the five-year anniversary of its Turner branch opening on March 9.
  • Even in tough times, members at Connected CU came together to make a difference. As of March 19, the credit union’s Campaign for Ending Hunger 50/50 drawing was up to $2,200.
  • On March 2, cPort CU President and CEO Gene Ardito participated in Read Across America Day by sharing a story with 5th graders at Riverton Elementary School in Portland.
  • Ryan Grund, Cumberland County FCU’s CFO, visited the State House on March 5. Ryan spent the day with elected officials and learned about the legislative process.
  • Last month, members who messaged Dirigo FCU the cutest photo of their pet were entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift card to Petco.
  • As of March 12, Downeast CU had saved members over half a million dollars by refinancing their loans.
  • In an effort to make purchases more convenient for its members, on March 17, Eastmill FCU announced it increased the daily limits on most debit cards for point of sale purchases.
  • Evergreen CU is joining forces with the Maine Mariners, Maine Red Claws, and Portland Sea Dogs to host a Fans for Food campaign to benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank.
  • Five County CU held its 15th Annual Cares for Kids Radiothon on March 12.
  • Franklin-Somerset FCU has partnered with a financial planner to help members plan for and work toward their financial goals.
  • Throughout the month of March, Gardiner FCU collected donations for the Kennebec Valley Humane Society.
  • Along with a number of other area credit unions, Great Falls FCU helped educate Lewiston High School students at a Financial Fitness Fair on March 4.
  • On March 6, staff at Infinity FCU wore green to highlight Brain Injury Awareness Month.
  • Katahdin FCU donated $2,400 to the Stearns High School boys’ basketball teams to help purchase travel suits for the varsity and junior varsity teams.
  • KSW FCU partnered with Cruisin’ 93.5 FM in early March and delivered truckloads of food to area schools and businesses in need.
  • To help support local restaurants during these unprecedented times, KV FCU has been ordering takeout for staff and sharing gift cards with members.
  • Lewiston Municipal FCU developed a resources page on its website for members inquiring about coronavirus.
  • In order to better-serve those accessing their accounts from home, Lincoln Maine FCU published a video that highlights how to use their online and mobile banking services.
  • Lisbon FCU featured Eastcraeft as its ‘Business of the Month’ in March. Members were able to pick up a free pair of earrings and a $5 coupon to Eastcraeft by visiting the ‘Business of the Month’ display in the lobby.
  • In recognition of Dr. Seuss Day, Maine Family FCU employees read books to children at Park Avenue Elementary School.
  • Maine Harvest FCU announced it will be one of the sponsors of the Maine Grain Alliance’s Kneading Conference, happening in July in Skowhegan.
  • Maine Highlands FCU’s ‘Community Services’ page on its website is highlighting what the credit union has done to support the local community.
  • Maine Savings FCU announced it will be deferring all loans, Visa payments, and mortgages for the next three months – regardless of whether a member has been directly impacted by COVID-19 or not.
  • Maine Solutions FCU updated the home page of its website with suggested action items members can take to maintain physical and financial well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Maine State CU held its annual Ending Hunger Breakfast on March 3. The credit union distributed checks to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters during the event.
  • Christina Carter, Midcoast FCU’s SVP of Operations, job shadowed Senator Eloise Vitelli in Augusta in early March.
  • Catherina Blais, Monmouth FCU’s President and CEO, helped volunteer at the transportation booth during the Lewiston High School Financial Fitness Fair on March 4.
  • New Dimensions FCU was accepting applications throughout the month of March for its scholarship program. Four students will be selected to win a $1,000 scholarship.
  • NorState FCU is accepting applications for its scholarship program. All applications are due by May 18.
  • To help support small businesses during the coronavirus crisis, members of Northeast CU were encouraged to tag their favorite local business in a Facebook post. Just by simply commenting, members were eligible to win a $50 gift card to that business.
  • With the help of their members, OTIS FCU raised $280 for the Campaign for Ending Hunger during its recent book sale.
  • Staff from Oxford FCU spent the morning teaching students about saving money at Dirigo Elementary School on March 13.
  • Cathleen Fichera was awarded with the 2019 Hamma Award at Penobscot County FCU’s annual meeting in March. Cathleen was nominated by her coworkers to win the award, which is given to an employee who exemplifies outstanding service, untiring dedication, and unyielding commitment to the credit union and its members.
  • PeoplesChoice CU continues to accept applications for its Maine Merits Community Scholarship. Applications are due by April 10 and a total of $6,000 will be awarded on April 17.
  • Sabattus Regional CU sent out 11 checks totaling $18,710 to hunger-related organizations in their community on March 24.
  • Saco Valley CU and Texas Roadhouse joined together in hosting a Dine to Donate fundraising night on March 12. The restaurant donated 10% of total food purchases to the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • With students at home for the time being, Seaboard FCU is reminding members that their children can turn to Zoe’s Club for personal finance education.
  • To help those affected by COVID-19, Sebasticook Valley FCU announced loan deferments and the ability to skip payments at no charge for its members.
  • Staff from The County FCU recorded video messages to remind its members that their credit union is here for them during this challenging time.
  • Town & Country FCU coordinated the Annual Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, which helped raise $42,000 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Since 1994, the event has raised $570,000 for MCCP.
  • Trademark FCU’s new branch in South Portland is coming together quickly. As of March 19, the sheetrock was up, the windows were in, and the siding was being placed on the building.
  • TruChoice FCU donated $3,107 to Mercy Hospital’s McAuley House on March 11.
  • University CU welcomed Bob Williams, CPA to the UCU team in early March. Bob joined UCU as Vice President of Finance & Technology and will serve on the senior management team.
  • Staff from Winslow Community FCU participated in a WCFCU Wacky Week, which featured crazy sock and hat day, and a ‘60s-themed day.
  • Winthrop Area FCU drew the winner of their March Madness Raffle on March 20. All proceeds from the raffle benefited a local woman who is battling breast cancer.