Announcements
July 1, 2019 - People’s Credit Union Proudly Announces it has Achieved Another Superior 5-Star Rating from BauerFinancial.
This is the highest rating from BAUERFINANCIAL, the Nation’s Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm. A five-star rating indicates that People’s Credit Union excels in areas including capital adequacy, profitability, and asset quality. People’s Credit Union has earned and maintained this top honor for 111 consecutive quarters, and has also procured a “Best of Bauer Credit Union” designation, this designation is reserved specifically for institutions that have earned Bauer’s highest rating consistently for 100 consecutive quarters or longer.
“At People’s Credit Union we have been helping our members by providing banking solutions for their financial success – all without compromising our own financial health in the process. The success of the Credit Union correlates directly to the success of our members. Credit Unions are built on the philosophy of ‘People helping People’ and that is our mission,” Stated Ellen Ford, People’s Credit Union’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution can pay for or opt out of a BauerFinancial rating. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by visiting bauerfinancial.com
June 17, 2019 – People's Credit Union Announces Promotion of Andrew Plante to Controller
People's Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Andrew Plante to the position of Controller, having most recently held the position of Assistant Controller. Andrew started with the Credit Union in January of 2018 and has since made significant contributions to the organization, including enhancing the financial forecasting process, creating departmental efficiencies, and improving the overall support of the Finance Department to all areas of the Credit Union.
Plante will be continue to be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities involved in the administration of all functions within the Finance Department, including regulatory reporting, budget preparation, and liquidity management. Plante earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
“Andrew’s knowledge and experience is an asset to the Credit Union and our members and we are excited to expand Andrew’s role on our team. His experience and background will assist in supporting our strategic initiatives as we continue to grow,” said Sean Daly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
May 29, 2019 – People's Credit Union Wins PBN Best Places to Work for the Seventh Year in a Row
People's Credit Union was recently named as one of the Providence Business News' 2019 Best Places to Work in Rhode Island. This is the seventh consecutive year that People's has been awarded this distinction.
Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island. The first part of the process consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee driven survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking.
"It has been our goal to maintain a workplace where our employees can flourish and succeed in their careers. This recognition is the result of each employee's commitment to People's core value of Providing an Extraordinary Employee Experience. We believe in providing a workplace that values its employees, provides growth opportunities and maintains work-life balance. Our employees are one of our greatest assets and we value their contributions to our organization's success. We are thrilled once again to receive this prestigious honor," commented Ellen Ford, People's President and CEO.
May 15, 2019 – People’s Credit Union Announces Appointment of Cormac McCarthy, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
People’s Credit Union announce the appointment of Cormac McCarthy to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. In this position, Cormac will be leading the charge as People’s continues to develop their commercial lending offerings that will support the growth and success of its members' businesses.
McCarthy is an accomplished professional with extensive knowledge and business lending experience. Prior to joining People’s Credit Union, he was employed as Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at RTN Federal Credit Union in Waltham, Massachusetts. Prior to RTN Federal Credit Union, he served as Vice President, Commercial Lending at East Cambridge Savings Bank in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
McCarthy attended University College Cork, Ireland, where he majored in Psychology and Geography and received his Bachelor of Arts. Active in the community, he is currently or has been a volunteer coach for soccer, baseball, softball and basketball in Lexington, MA, and previously served as a Wakefield Rotarian and Board member of the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center.
“Cormac has decades of business lending experience and his innovative, client focused approach to helping businesses succeed makes him a great addition to People's Credit Union. He is an advanced and accomplished leader with a wealth of diverse experience,” said Ellen Ford, President & Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled that he has joined our executive team.”
May 3, 2019 – People’s Credit Union Wins Best Credit Union from Readers of Newport Life Magazine
People’s Credit Union was recently awarded Newport Life Magazine’s Best of Newport County’s Best Bank/Credit Union. This fun and spirited award is voted on by the magazine’s readers and residents of Newport County. People’s is proud that its members helped to recognize their financial institution as “best of.” One of People’s Credit Union’s core values is providing an extraordinary member experience. This core value, which is a cornerstone of the organization, speaks volumes about People’s Credit Union and its commitment to those that choose to bank there.
“At People’s Credit Union, it is our mission to provide our members with more than just a place to do their banking. The ‘People Helping People’ philosophy is who we are and how we do business. We give our members the tools to achieve their financial goals through our products, services and technologies, while also striving to deliver the best member experience. We are honored to receive this award.” commented Ellen Ford, People’s President and CEO.
April 30, 2019 – People’s Credit Union Marketing Manager, Courtney Hunter, Receives Credit Union Difference Maker Award from Cooperative Credit Union Association
People’s Credit Union Marketing Manager, Courtney Hunter, was recently recognized with the Credit Union Difference Maker Award by the Cooperative Credit Union Association. The Credit Union Difference Maker Award recognizes individuals for their contributions at work as well as in the community.
Hunter has been continuously engaged with the local community as well as providing the Credit Union membership with banking solutions for financial success. She is a past recipient of the East Bay Community Action Program’s Vision Award and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Jamestown Arts Center, the Advisory Board of North Kingstown High School’s Career & Technical Education Academy and the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County’s Advisory Council.
People’s Credit Union’s President and CEO, Ellen Ford, notes, “Courtney works extremely hard on behalf of our members, our employees, and the community; she believes in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” and has been a role model not only because of her career success at People’s but also due to her consistent efforts to give back to the community.”
April 2, 2019 – People’s Credit Union Donates to United Way of Rhode Island’s Corporate MyFund™ Program
People’s Credit Union has donated $80,000 to United Way of Rhode Island through the organization’s corporate MyFund™ Program. To date, People’s Credit Union has used the digital giving tool to make donations to the South County YMCA, LINKS North Kingstown, The Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, and the Bristol Warren Education Foundation. In addition, the Credit Union made a donation to the America’s Credit Union Museum.
Ellen Ford, President and CEO of People’s Credit Union noted, “In 2018, People’s Credit Union had the opportunity to make a significant philanthropic contribution to the communities we serve. We turned to the guidance of the United Way, and through the establishment of a corporate MyFund™ account, we were able to leverage their technology to implement and administer the first multi-year corporate MyFund™ giving program in Rhode Island through this innovative platform. Having the ability to make a gift to the United Way and then make gifts from our corporate MyFund™ account to any 501(c)(3) in the state or throughout the country was a win-win for us, not to mention the service is free to us as donors. The United Way’s purpose is
to change lives and strengthen our communities by working together. People’s Credit Union is 100% on board with that.”
United Way of Rhode Island launched MyFund™ in late 2017 to help make charitable giving more convenient, easy, and secure for individuals and businesses alike. The tool provides donors with a unique “online banking service,” consolidating charitable giving into a single account. Over the course of a set time period, donors can distribute their funds to any charity in the country using a mobile phone, tablet or desktop computer.
MyFund™ also offers donors more control over their philanthropic giving with the ability to add funds to their account, track gifts, or easily view their giving history and balance. At the end of the year, it provides donors a single receipt for all of their charitable giving. Thanks to United Way of Rhode Island’s administrative costs being covered by a permanent trust, MyFund™ is free of fees for donors and for charities; 100 percent of each gift reaching the benefitting charity. “We know that giving, whether you’re a business, an individual or a family is very personal.” said Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, United Way of RI. “People’s generous gift connects them with so many great causes, right here in Rhode Island. Creating a corporate MyFund for their charitable giving was a natural fit, one that offers flexibility as well as an opportunity to make a significant gift that will be felt by many across our state.”
March 13, 2019 – BauerFinancial Recognizes at People’s Credit Union You’re a Person, Not a Number
People’s Credit Union proudly announces it has once again secured the highest 5-Star rating from BAUERFINANCIAL, the Nation’s Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm. A five-star rating indicates that People’s Credit Union excels in areas including capital adequacy, profitability, and asset quality. People’s Credit Union has earned and maintained this top honor for 109 consecutive quarters, and has also procured a “Best of Bauer Credit Union” designation, this designation is reserved specifically for institutions that have earned Bauer’s highest rating consistently for 100 consecutive quarters or longer.
“At People’s Credit Union the ‘People Helping People’ ideology is who we are and how we do our business. We give our members the tools to achieve their financial goals through our products, services and technologies while also enhancing the member experience. People’s Credit Union has never lost sight of the importance of human interaction. We are proud to have maintained a five star rating for over 25 years,” commented Ellen Ford, People’s Credit Union’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating and research firm, has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution can pay for or opt out of a BauerFinancial rating. Consumers may obtain free star-ratings by visiting bauerfinancial.com
March 1, 2019 - Kearsarge Energy L.P. and People's Credit Union Announce a Public-Private Partnership
People's Credit Union (PCU), a local financial institution based in Middletown, RI announces its support for the development of clean renewable energy in Rhode Island by participating in a solar credit agreement with Kearsarge Energy. Kearsarge is the Northeast's leading solar developer, operator and long-term owner of Solar Energy Arrays from carport to canopies to roofs, brownfields, superfund sites, landfills and other repurposed sites.
People's Credit Union will receive solar credits from Kearsarge's project in South Kingstown, RI, which was formerly a septic waste disposal area in the 1970s and 1980s. The prospective solar site was awarded a grant by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to assist with site investigation and remediation along with development of the solar project. Kearsarge anticipates construction of the 3.8 MW DC solar array to begin in late Spring 2019.
"The revival of compromised land into a productive clean energy asset for the community has been a hallmark of Kearsarge's work and fits well with one of People's Credit Union's cornerstone values of "Enhancing the communities they serve," said Andrew Bernstein, Kearsarge Energy CEO. "This will remediate a contaminated site and turn it into a valuable source of revenue with savings for the net metering credit partners such as People's as well as tax revenue for South Kingstown."
Solar sites generate credits that reduce the electrical cost for partners such as People's Credit Union. In turn, People's participation is a critical element in the project's ultimate success, thus allowing the community to take advantage of otherwise unproductive resources. Once the site is operational it will generate the equivalent of the electricity used annually by over 500 homes, and offset 3,700 tons of carbon otherwise released into the atmosphere every year.
Ellen Ford, CEO of People's Credit Union said, "As a community credit union, People's Credit Union is unwavering in its commitment to giving back to our community; participating in the Kenyon Woods solar project gave us the opportunity to take an important step forward in helping the environment alongside the South Kingstown community, who are our neighbors as well as our members."
February 28, 2019 - People’s Credit Union Donates to The Bristol Warren Education Foundation
People’s Credit Union has donated five thousand dollars to the Bristol Warren Education Foundation (BWEF) through the United Way’s Corporate MyFund™ Program which will go towards funding high-quality cross district student training that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management and developmental awareness. The check was presented by Bristol Branch Manager, Fatima Estrela, and Assistant Branch Manager, Stephanie Mendoza, with BWEF Board Members, parents and children of the Bristol Warren Regional School District.
"This donation and longer-term partnership with People's Credit Union will make a critical and meaningful difference in the creative learning experiences that will be enjoyed by all of the students of Bristol and Warren. We are so grateful for this demonstration of faith in the mission and work of the Bristol Warren Education Foundation and in the creative programs imagined by our wonderful educators, “stated Nicky Piper Board Chair of the Bristol Warren Education Foundation.
Fatima Estrela, Bristol Branch Manager added that “People’s Credit Union is pleased to make this $5,000 donation to the Bristol Warren Education Foundation and to deepen our partnership in supporting programs and organizations that continue to enhance the communities that we serve.”
February 19, 2019 - People’s Credit Union Donates to Laymen in North Kingstown
People’s Credit Union has donated $5K to LINKS (Laymen In North Kingstown Schools) through the United Way’s Corporate MyFund™ Program. Donated funds will go toward LINKS Mentoring Program which aims to positively influence young people's lives through mentoring.
LINKS is a non-profit organization that recruits, trains, places, and supports parent, community, and business volunteers to enhance the educational experience of all students in the North Kingstown Public Schools. “We are so grateful to all those who support the work of LINKS both through the giving of their time and their financial support. This donation from People's Credit Union will go a long way in supporting literacy in all nine of our North Kingstown Public schools, as well as providing training materials to our mentors and academic guides,” notes Tracy Wilkinson Co-Director, LINKS.
Deborah Maxwell, North Kingstown Branch Manager added that “People’s Credit Union is pleased to make this $5K donation to LINKS. We believe in supporting programs and organizations that continue to enhance the communities that we serve.”
February 11, 2019 - People’s Credit Union Donates to The Boys & Girls Club of Newport County
People’s Credit Union has donated five thousand dollars to the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County through the United Way’s Corporate MyFund™ Program which will go toward funding the efforts that are a strategic part of the Club. The check was presented by People’s President, Amy Martel, with Newport Branch Manager, Lori Marshall to Boys & Girls Club Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Pratt, Joseph Tomchak, Assistant Executive Director along with employees and after school participants.
“We are so grateful to People’s Credit Union for their support of the Boys & Girls Club. People’s Credit Union’s investment in the Club ensures all children will have access to our high quality programs,” stated Joseph Pratt, Club Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Amy Martel, President of People’s noted “People’s Credit Union is thrilled to make this $5K donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County. Our deep rooted commitment to enhancing the communities we serve is at the heart of who we are and we are proud to support programs and organizations that share our philosophy of “people helping people.” The Boys and Girls Club’s programming truly serves its mission to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need help most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”
January 31, 2019 – People’s Credit Union Donates to South County YMCA
People’s Credit Union has donated five thousand dollars to the South County YMCA through the United Way’s Corporate MyFund™ Program which will go toward funding the South County YMCA’s child care center. People’s Wakefield Branch Manager, Michael Hey, with Marketing Manager, Courtney Hunter gathered for a check presentation with Lisa Kennedy, Executive Director of South County YMCA and Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO of YMCA Greater Providence.
“The YMCA of Greater Providence is grateful for the generous donation from People’s Credit Union to enhance the child care program at the South County Branch,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Providence. “We share with People’s Credit Union a commitment to community and recognize that an investment in our children is an investment for our future!”
Hunter previously held a position on the Board of the YMCA and noted that “People’s Credit Union is so pleased to make this $5K donation to the South County YMCA. Our deep rooted commitment to enhancing the communities we serve is one of our guiding core values. At People’s Credit Union, we believe in supporting initiatives, programs and organizations that share our philosophy of “people helping people.” The South County YMCA is a valuable community partner and we applaud their work in helping children of all ages learn and cultivate values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, healthy lifestyles, and academic achievement.”
January 17, 2019 – BauerFinancial Recognizes People’s Credit Union’s Commitment to Member Relationships
People’s Credit Union proudly announces it has once again secured the highest 5-Star rating from BAUERFINANCIAL, the Nation’s Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm. A five-star rating indicates that People’s Credit Union excels in areas including capital adequacy, profitability, and asset quality. People’s Credit Union has earned and maintained this top honor for 108 consecutive quarters, People’s Credit Union has also procured a “Best of Bauer Credit Union” designation. This assignment is reserved for institutions that have maintained Bauer’s highest rating consistently for the last 25 years or longer.
“At People’s Credit Union, we take pride in providing our members with more than just a place to do their banking. We give our members the tools to achieve their financial goals through our products, services and technologies. We are proud to have maintained a five-star rating for over 25 years,” commented Ellen Ford, People’s Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer.