New Hampshire Story Archive

Northeast Credit Union adds leasing option to fight rising auto prices

December 11, 2023 — To counter multiple trends that are driving up auto prices, Northeast Credit Union in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is partnering with the San Diego-based Credit Union Leasing of America to offer a new leasing option.

The $1.9 billion-asset Northeast began talks with CULA to adopt the fintech’s indirect leasing system toward the end of 2021, after auto loan delinquencies among non-prime borrowers and refinancing activity saw significant increases industrywide. The partnership went live on June 1 of this year.

The credit union hopes that the new initiative will combat the effects of climbing interest rates on consumer lending markets and strengthen its position in the market, said Douglas Sites, vice president of indirect and direct lending for Northeast.

Click here to read the full story.


Service Credit Union Recognized for Promoting Financial Wellness and Energizing Communities

February 9, 2023 – Because every individual, family, and community has unique financial needs, financial services are more effective when they are personalized. And because credit unions are member-owned, they’re primed to match what they do to the people and communities they serve.

That’s how credit unions compete against larger, more profit-minded institutions — they help members put financial services to work for them, not for shareholders living elsewhere. And they have a vested interest in building vitality in the communities where their members live, work, and attend school.

Even with that high bar, Service Credit Union stands out with products designed to fit member and community goals and a commitment to make every stage of the financial journey attainable.

Service Credit Union offers credit and loan products that make personal milestones, such as weddings, easier to achieve. It partners with leading financial wellness and educational providers to ensure everyone has a chance to progress. And it reaches out locally, nationally, and internationally to help communities thrive. Read more


New Hampshire Credit Unions Donate $225,000 to Make-A-Wish ® New Hampshire

August 31, 2022 – On behalf of the New Hampshire Credit Unions, representatives of the New Hampshire Social Responsibility Committee recently presented the 2021/2022 donation of $225,000 to its charitable partner, Make-A-Wish New Hampshire in support of providing life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. This donation culminates a twenty-six-year total to more than $3.4 million.

The Committee recently completed its fundraising efforts and made the presentation to CEO Julie Baron and staff members at Make-A-Wish New Hampshire. Social Responsibility Committee Chairman Brian Hughes, president/CEO of HRCU, Rochester, NH, recognized the dedication of the credit unions, saying, “Our New Hampshire credit union community is so proud of our affiliation with Make-A-Wish New Hampshire. From calendar and candy sales to our golf tournament, our 2022 donation is one of our largest to date and remains a collaborative effort of every New Hampshire-based credit union and our members.”

Make-A-Wish New Hampshire CEO Julie Baron was touched by the generosity of so many who continue to make a difference. “More sparks of hope set off across New Hampshire this week thanks to our dear friends within the credit union community in the state. Wish children and their families will be forever grateful for the difference the credit unions are making in their lives. The impact of New Hampshire Credit Unions through time is felt by our Wish Alumni who share that their wish was a positive turning point for them during their treatment. We are so grateful for their lasting commitment to our mission.”

Cooperative Credit Union Association President/CEO Ron McLean praised the credit unions for supporting their charitable partner. “The New Hampshire Credit Unions share a common commitment in making dreams come true for many children in the state. Brian and the Social Responsibility Committee’s effort in achieving this year’s donation is an indication of the level of commitment from the credit unions, their members and business partners.”


Members First Credit Union Donates $15,000 to Support City Youth Programs
Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL) Ball Sponsorship Helps Raise Critical Funds

November 10, 2021 – For the third year in a row, Members First Credit Union was the presenting sponsor for the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL) Ball. The $15,000 sponsorship will help MPAL continue its work with young people in the community. MPAL is a nonprofit organization that provides free after-school athletic, educational and enrichment programs for youth living in Greater Manchester. The programs connect kids with police officers, who serve as positive role models.

“We have had the privilege of sponsoring the MPAL Ball since its inception three years ago,” said Bruce Leighton, president and CEO, Members First Credit Union. “As a local credit union, we strongly believe that investing in our community benefits everyone, and we greatly admire MPAL’s mission to bring police officers and Manchester kids together. MPAL is investing in the youth of the Greater Manchester community and we are pleased to assist them in their important work.”

Attendees of the September 25th MPAL Ball enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing, games, and auctions. “The 2021 MPAL Ball, presented by Members First Credit Union, was a great success and a wonderful evening,” said Jayna Stevens, MPAL director of operations and development.

“Last year we had to shift to an at-home event, so it was wonderful to see so many members of the community coming together in person to support Manchester’s at-risk youth. MPAL is grateful for the continued generosity of Members First.”

READ MORE


New Hampshire Credit Unions Donate $150,000 to Make-A-Wish® New Hampshire

June 22, 2021 – The New Hampshire Credit Unions, the largest corporate partner of Make-A-Wish New Hampshire, donated $150,000 at the Annual Richard D. Mahoney Charity Golf Tournament. Over 120 golfers, representing New Hampshire Credit Unions, their business partners, and members of the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA), were all smiles as they gathered together for the first time in over 15 months at the Candia Woods Golf Links in Candia, N.H.

New Hampshire Social Responsibility Committee Chairman Brian Hughes, president/CEO of HRCU, Rochester, NH, recognized the dedication of the credit unions, noting that in 2020 the credit unions’ donations surpassed the $3 million milestone. That stellar achievement was acknowledged during a virtual presentation, and Hughes was glad to present this year’s $150,000 check, which brings their twenty-five-year total to more than $3.2 million raised for wishes. Hughes thanked the members of the New Hampshire Social Responsibility Committee, saying the achievement is “attributed to all of you and the efforts you make every day to support Make-A-Wish is a true collaboration by all. We are honored and grateful to be part of a cause with a mission that follows that of credit unions…people helping people.”

Make-A-Wish New Hampshire CEO Julie Baron was touched by the generosity of so many who continue to make a difference. “At the start of the pandemic, we were able to shift gears and still provide so many ‘to have’ wishes throughout the last year that included pools, campers, tree houses, play areas and even most recently a little girl’s wish to be an author whose book is currently being published. Sadly, our ‘Travel’ wishes (currently 109 in queue) were put on hold; but throughout last spring and summer we held drive-by parades for many, so they didn’t feel forgotten. Travel wishes will return in the coming months and with your generous donation we will begin granting those wishes. Don’t ever underestimate the power of what you do – especially through these challenging times, because the New Hampshire Credit Unions have given so many children the hope, strength and joy in all the wishes you have made come true.”

READ MORE


Local Businesses and Organizations Step Up to Combat Local Digital Inequity
By Lori Holms, Bellwether Community Credit Union

MARCH 17 2021 — COVID-19 has raised our awareness of many challenges, and digital inequity is one that has surfaced to the top. A group of Manchester organizations stepped up to partner with local financial institutions to help close the technology divide among Manchester’s students of low to middle income families.

Manchester Proud, National Collaborative for Digital Equity and Southern New Hampshire University joined forces to assist those children, their families and schools by establishing Operation Lemonade. After consulting with the Manchester School District on student need for computers for remote learning, the partnership reached out to local financial institutions for much needed help.

“By bridging the digital divide, students are given much greater opportunity to learn at the same pace as their peers because they have access to the right technology,” said Robert McLaughlin, Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Digital Equity. “Digital equity is essential for educational and economic opportunity.”

READ MORE


Gerald “Jerry” Little sworn in as Commissioner, NH Banking Department
June 8, 2016 — Former Senator Gerald “Jerry” Little was officially sworn in as Commissioner of the New Hampshire Banking Department on Friday, June 3, and began his role at the Department the same day. Commissioner Little comes to the Department with an in-depth knowledge of the New Hampshire banking industry, having served as President of the New Hampshire Bankers’ Association for 20 years. Governor Margaret Hassan noted, “The Commissioner of the New Hampshire Banking Department plays a critical role in ensuring strong protections for New Hampshire’s citizens and maintaining a strong financial sector…I look forward to continuing to work with him to ensure strong consumer protections that will help maintain a strong, well-regulated financial sector that can support innovative economic growth.”

Senator named Commissioner of Banks
April 7, 2016 — The New Hampshire Governor’s Executive Council has confirmed Gerald H. “Jerry” Little of Weare as the New Hampshire Banking Department’s new Commissioner of Banks. The favorable confirmation vote was 3-2, with Councilors Pappas (D) and Van Ostern (D) opposing the confirmation (Cooperative Credit Union Association.)

New law ‘most significant’ in decades for CUs
July 28, 2015 — Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) has signed into law SB 188, new legislation revising banking, credit union, and trust laws in the state, but which specifically reorganizes and modernizes the state’s credit union and banking laws. Under SB-188, a new chapter is added to the state’s legal code (RSA 383-E), which consolidates, updates and clarifies laws relative to credit unions. State credit union officials hailed the legislation as “the most significant and comprehensive legislative undertaking in decades for the state’s credit unions.” The credit union provisions become effective Oct. 1. (See the bill text here.)

Trepanier joins HRCU as Brock Street Branch Manager
May 10, 2015 – Rochester, N.H. – Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU) announced the hiring of Eric Trepanier as branch manager of its Rochester office.

Collia Becomes President/CEO at NECU
June 12, 2014 – Portsmouth, N.H. – After an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors for Northeast Credit Union has appointed Interim President/CEO Timothy J. Collia to the official position of president/CEO for the credit union. Speaking for the Board, Philip Sullivan, chairman, stated, “I am confident that under Tim’s leadership, Northeast Credit Union will continue to be a leader in providing high-quality, safe, and value-driven financial services to our membership while also working to help strengthen the communities where our members live and work.


What’s new in your state?
Click here to submit your state-chartered credit union news stories to NASCUS today!