Credit Union News and Events – January Edition

February 1, 2024 |

A new year brings with it new opportunities for growth, connection, involvement, and support. This January, credit unions across Maine continued to uplift the communities in which they serve, showing how People Helping People is at the heart of everything we collectively and individually do. Read on to see what some of the League’s credit unions did to kick off 2024. 

  • Acadia FCU continued to share valuable information with members about phone phishing scams, warning them that scammers can make calls appear like they are coming from a financial institution even if they are not. 
  • A team from Atlantic FCU joined our friends at Good Shepherd Food Bank, volunteering time to sort and pack boxes of food for Mainers in need. 
  • To ring in 2024, Bangor FCU shared ten New Year’s resolutions for finances, including (but not limited to) matching employer 401(k) contributions, kicking costly habits, building an emergency fund, improving financial literacy, and more. 
  • On January 12, Brewer FCU warmed up members with Cocoa for a Cause. Hot chocolate, marshmallows, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and other delicious add-ons were available, and donations benefitted the Campaign for Ending Hunger. 
  • January kicked off celebrations at Capital Area FCU, who reached 70 years of serving as their community’s “Best Financial Friend (BFF)” in 2024!  
  • Casco FCU coordinated a Valentine’s basket raffle to benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger. 
  • With savings in mind, Central Maine FCU encouraged members to start the year off right by opening a CD.  
  • It is that time of year again where high school seniors are gearing up for what’s next, and Coast Line CU reminded members in their winter newsletter of the four $1,000 scholarships they award each year: two for students within the credit union’s field of membership and two for qualified, full-time business students at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC). It’s never too early to consider plans to pay for higher education! 
  • On January 9, employees from Community CU came together for their Employee Celebration gathering. The credit union used the time to recognize the team’s success and resilience in 2023 and enjoyed a company dinner with one another. 
  • The winter newsletter from Connected CU offered tips for ringing in the new year: update your personal information with the credit union in-person or online, change passwords (ensuring they are complicated enough and not one you’ve used before), and obtain a copy of your personal credit report to review for any signs of identity theft. 
  • cPort CU’s new Business Banking Analyst, Marcus, was introduced online via video to members, showing how his role is designed to manage and support relationships between the credit union and its business accounts. 
  • Cumberland County FCU sold tickets to the Maine Mariners hockey game on January 20 to raise money for the Campaign for Ending Hunger.  
  • Dirigo FCU welcomed Brittany Noel as their newest Commerical Loan Officer. Noel has over five years of experience in the financial world, with two serving as the credit union’s Auburn Assistant Branch Manager. 
  • Downeast CU and Downeast Insurance collectively donated $10,000 to Richmond Middle and High School to aid in the construction of a new, digital softball field scoreboard that will be installed this spring. 
  • Derek Hebert, President/CEO of Eastmill FCU, shared excitement about the credit union’s upgraded website and new-and-improved online and mobile banking system in his message in their winter newsletter. 
  • At the forefront of tax season, Empeople CU shared helpful tips on Facebook to help members avoid fraud, like filing as early as possible and using a secure internet connection. 
  • The Naples staff from Evergreen CU announced that they donated $2,800 in holiday gifts to families in the Naples and Casco area. 
  • Five County CU extended a big thanks to their members and community for raising over $6,600 for the Campaign for Ending Hunger. 
  • To provide support following the horrific shooting in Lewiston in October, Gardiner FCU decided to sell #LewistonStrong t-shirts to fundraise for the victims and families affected. Their Lewiston-Auburn Response Fund brought in $1,100! 
  • Through their website, Great Falls FCU notified members of text message scams. 
  • Katahdin FCU donated funds to the Schenck Boys Soccer team to purchase championship jackets to commemorate their title as Northern Maine Boys Soccer Champs. 
  • KSW FCU was proud to launch a brand-new website. 
  • On Facebook, KV FCU asked for nominations of a local Maine charity to receive $5,000 with the hopes of fighting food insecurity. At the end of the month, the credit union announced the Winslow Community Cupboard would be the recipient and shared appreciation for all nominations sent in by their members. 
  • On their blog, Lincoln Maine FCU posted ample tricks for making sure your home and vehicle(s) are prepared for winter in Maine. 
  • Lisbon Community FCU ran a New Year 50/50 Raffle in their branches to benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger. 
  • Maine Family FCU opened the application for their 2024 college scholarships, with a deadline at the end of March. 
  • In their newsletter, Maine Highlands FCU advised members of upcoming holiday closures, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day, to ensure no interferences with regular banking needs. 
  • To recognize January as Financial Wellness Month, Maine Savings FCU shared money saving tips geared to guide members towards financial wellbeing and empowerment. 
  • Maine State CU expanded their team by welcoming Elizabeth Jean as Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending. This position is a newly created role. 
  • Chandra and Krystyne from Midcoast FCU prepared chili and cornbread as part of Freeport Community Services’ “First Friday Free Lunch Program.” Chandra visits on the first Friday of every month with another volunteer from the credit union! 
  • Milestones FCU’s home page of their website reminds members of a crucial fraud prevention tip: when in doubt, hang up and contact the credit union directly. Phone spoofing scams are all too common nowadays, and nobody can be too careful. 
  • New Dimensions FCU launched a brand-new podcast, TealTalk! A new episode will drop on the first Friday of each month, hosted by Carrielyn, Certified Financial Counselor, and Brett, Loan Officer and geared towards financial education. 
  • Northeast CU reminded members to shop at the Westbrook Hannaford location and purchase a Fight Hunger reusable shopping bag to aid the Campaign for Ending Hunger. 
  • The Aroostook Veterans Alliance recently received a large donation from NorState FCU. In total, $6,663.25 was donated from 2023’s coin sorter fees.  
  • OTIS FCU was proud to sponsor the 9th Annual Hollandstrong Fishing Derby on January 27 at Wilson Lake in Wilton. Proceeds from the event will help rebuild the RSU 73 tennis courts. 
  • Oxford FCU was recognized by the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce as their Business of the Month for January. Regina Wilson, Norway Branch Manager, and Joann Bisson, CEO & President, happily accepted the award.  
  • Penobscot County FCU warned members about debt relief scams. The credit union cautioned people to be mindful of companies that promise quick fixes to credit problems.  
  • PeoplesChoice CU continued to show love and support for Lewiston Strong, encouraging members to donate to the effort. Donors could sign their name on a Maine-shaped card for display at the teller line. The credit union pledged to match up to $5,000 in donations to the cause. 
  • Sabattus Regional CU began selling wooden roses in various shades of red, pink, and white ahead of the Valentine’s Day holiday, with all proceeds from the fundraiser being directed to Special Olympics Maine at its culmination. 
  • Seaboard FCU thanked members for helping raise $21,858 for the Campaign for Ending Hunger throughout 2023.  
  • Sebasticook Valley FCU shared a scam alert on Facebook, informing members of the most recent tactics used by fraudsters. 
  • Knowing that tax season kicked off last month, The County FCU offered advice on how members could maximize their tax returns. 
  • Town & Country FCU recently presented a check for $5,000 to South Portland Food Cupboard in support of the food pantry’s 2024 “Feeding Neighbors in Need” benefit concert. In addition, the credit union will provide up to $10,000 of an in-kind contribution to promote the event. 
  • One of Trademark FCU’s “Tuesday Tips” included setting up automatic transfers of even $10 per week from checking to savings, that way at least $520 is saved by the end of the year. 
  • As a result of their 2023 TruHero TruCHoice Visa credit card program, TruChoice FCU donated $6,526.28 to Portland McAuley Residence—a program from Northern Light Mercy Hospital that acts as comprehensive transitional housing and support for those affected by substance use disorder and a long-time beneficiary of TruChoice FCU. 
  • University CU sponsored FAFSA night at Deering High School in Portland, allowing students and guardians to learn about the financial aid process and the types of aid available as they plan for continuing education. 
  • Winthrop Area FCU showed birthday appreciation for their employee, Victoria. The credit union helped her celebrate her special day with ice cream cake.