Noticias de nuestros miembros

LCU Board of Directors Announcement

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The Annual Meeting of Leominster Credit Union was held on April 19, 2016 at the Credit Union’s Executive and Operations Building in Leominster.

The President’s report presented the financial highlights for 2015. Total assets ending 2015 increased to $627 million from $621 million at the end of 2014. LCU is ranked as the 14th largest credit union in Massachusetts. LCU’s loan portfolio remains strong increasing from $408 million in 2014 to $419 million in 2015. Deposits decreased slightly from $443 million in 2014 to $436 million in 2015. With a capital/asset ratio of 8.61%, Leominster Credit Union is recognized as a Well Capitalized Financial Institution by its primary regulator, the Massachusetts Division of Banks.

Following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors met and elected officers for 2016-2017.

Michael J. Sauvageau was elected to the office of Chairman of the Board. He is a Leominster resident and has been on the Board since 2007. Sauvageau serves on LCU’s Executive and Investment Committees.

Giulio G. Greco, was elected Vice Chairman.  Greco has served as Chairman from 1994-1998 and again from 2008-2011. He currently serves on the Executive and Credit Committees. Greco is a lifelong resident of Leominster. He has served on the Board since 1978.

Henry C. Kulik, Jr.  was elected Treasurer. Kulik is a resident of Westminster and joined the Leominster Credit Union Board of Directors in 2011. Kulik serves on the Executive and Audit Committees.

Andrew D. Cousins was elected Assistant Treasurer.  Cousins is a resident of Sterling and joined the Leominster Credit Union Board of Directors in 2005.  Cousins serves on the Executive, Credit and Compensation Committees.

Anthony A. Gasbarro was elected to the position of Clerk.  Gasbarro served as Chairman from 2012–2015 and has been on the Board of Directors since 2003. He serves on the Executive, Credit, Investment, Compensation and Advisory Committees. Gasbarro resides in Leominster.

Joining the officers on the 2016-2017 Board of Directors are, Amedeo E. Bilotta of Lunenburg, Bruce J. Bollivar of Holden, Nancy L. Graves of Leominster, Joyce A. LaFleur of Leominster, Richard A. Sheppard of Sterling and Joseph V. Quintal of Clinton. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting LCU policies.

Fundada en 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) es una cooperativa financiera sin fines de lucro, de propiedad de sus socios, que ofrece una gama completa de servicios de depósito, crédito y otros servicios financieros. Con sede en Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU se enorgullece de contar con casi 50,000 socios y más de $600 millones en activos. LCU cuenta con siete sucursales en Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling y North Leominster, todas ellas con servicios de cajero automático. LCU también ofrece servicios bancarios las 24 horas a través de sus servicios móviles y en línea. Visite leominstercu.com o llame al 800-649-4646.

Customers Earn More Cash Rewards With Wells Fargo’s Cash Wise Visa® Card

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Customers Earn More Cash Rewards

With Wells Fargo’s Cash Wise Visa® Card

Cash Wise is the company’s fourth new credit card launched in the past two years

 

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced Wells Fargo Cash Wise, a new Visa credit card that offers unlimited 1.5 percent cash rewards on net purchases and includes other features.

“Customers who want the simplicity of ‘cash is king’ will love what Cash Wise gives them – a straightforward way to earn cash rewards for their everyday purchases without tracking bonus categories or earnings caps,” said Beverly Anderson, head of Consumer Financial Services for Wells Fargo. “Any time we can bring an exciting new offer to market or enhance existing offers and experiences to meet more of our customers’ needs, we are proud and pleased to do that.”

 

Cardholders can redeem their cash rewards at any Wells Fargo ATM with their Wells Fargo Debit or ATM card, direct deposit into their qualifying Wells Fargo checking or savings account or apply toward the principal balance of a qualifying Wells Fargo line or loan. They can also receive their cash rewards as a statement credit or as a check.

 

“The launch of new Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card represents a significant expansion of the Wells Fargo Visa product suite,” said Oliver Jenkyn, group executive North America, Visa Inc. “It brings cardholders incredible flexibility in how they can earn rewards, redeem them and manage their rewards through a digital solution.”

 

Wells Fargo also introduced Cash Track, a new feature available exclusively to Cash Wise cardholders through Online Banking. Cash Track allows customers to:

  • View their cash rewards
  • Set a cash rewards goal
  • Track their progress
  • View lifetime cash rewards earnings
  • Redeem their cash rewards in just a few clicks

 

The card was introduced for the nearly 60 percent of consumers1 who charge almost everything they buy in order to earn rewards and the 36 percent1 who say cash rewards are their favorite.

 

Over the past several years, Wells Fargo has worked to evolve its credit card business with its customers as their needs change over time. As a result, the company has:

 

“Consumers continue to lead ‘on the go’ lives and expect more from their credit cards and the rewards they earn for everyday purchases,” Anderson added. “Wells Fargo will continue to support them in making responsible credit decisions, choosing the credit cards that fit their lives and helping them get more out of the rewards they earn.”

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.8 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 8,800 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 269,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 27 on Fortune’s 2016 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs y Wells Fargo Stories.

bankHometown Promotes Two, Hires Three

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Michael Hewitt, President and CEO of bankHometown announced the promotion of JoLisa Chouinard and Cassandra Day. Chouinard joined the bank in 2014 as a Customer Service Representative. She has been promoted to Assistant Branch Manager. Chouinard attended Fitchburg State University & Atlantic Union College, taking Accounting & Business related courses. She is responsible for overseeing the branch in the Manager’s absence. Chouinard can be found at her daughters’ soccer games, basketball games and Girl Scout events. She regularly attends Bank at Work and networking events. Chouinard resides in Clinton, MA. Day joined the bank in 2014 as a Senior Accountant. She has been promoted to Accounting Manager. Day received a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Suffolk University. She prepares all board reports, account reconciliations and call reports. Day was recently elected to the Oxford School Committee.

Michael Hewitt, President and CEO of bankHometown announced the bank has hired Erik J. Lamothe, John Mattison and Travis D. Perry. Lamothe joined the bank as ALM Manager. He is in responsible for Accounting, Budgeting and Modeling and Forecasting of Interest Rate Risk. Lamothe has almost 20 years-experience in bank Accounting, Financial Analysis & Management. He received a BS in Management and Accounting from Westfield State University and an MS in Banking & Financial Services from Boston University.
Lamothe is involved with the Westfield YMCA, the Institute of Management Accountants, Western MA Boston University Alumni Scholarship Committee and the Westfield Habitat for Humanity. He resides in Westfield, MA. Mattison joined the bank as Vice President, Senior Commercial Credit Officer. Mattison was most recently a Vice President, Senior Commercial Credit officer for Sage Bank in Lowell, MA. He has a BS in Business Administration from Nichols College, a Master of Business Administration from Assumption College and has completed the ABA Stonier Wharton Graduate School of Banking. Mattison resides in West Boylston, MA with his wife and 2 daughters.
Perry has joined the bank as a Vice President, Commercial Lending. Perry has almost 15 years of lending experience, most recently as the Vice President of Commercial Lending for Millbury Federal Credit Union. He has a BA in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University. Perry is an avid runner and fisherman. He has traveled in the U.S. and to other countries to fish. Perry resides in Sutton, MA.

7/27 – The North Central Career Center invites you to participate in our 2016 summer job fair

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The North Central Career Center invites you to participate in our 2016 summer job fair.  This event is designed to provide employers with an outstanding opportunity to meet with job seekers with a wide variety of experiences in many industries.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

9AM to Noon

Doubletree Hotel, Leominster, MA

WHY ATTEND?

*Save time and money!   A great opportunity to meet several hundred job seekers to identify candidates for your current or future openings.

*Tell your recruitment story to highly motivated job seekers and recent graduates of industry training programs.

Get a head start on your hiring needs and attend the July 27ta job fair at the Doubletree.  The $50 fee (payable only by check–to Employment Links) includes a 6’ draped table, 2 chairs, coffee and pastry.

To register as an employer, please Haz clic aquí  or contact me directly via email. 

8/2 – National Night Out Celebration

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Dear Community Leaders:

We cordially invite you and your staff to the 2016 family oriented “National Night Out” Celebration to be held on Tuesday, August 2nd, here at Riverside Village in Leominster.  The event will take place from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  This event brings residents, local agencies and public safety workers together to fight against crime and to celebrate community.

In order to have a successful event, we need your support!  We would like to invite you to join forces with us to make this year’s event a great success.  We are hoping that you would consider attending this event as well as encourage local businesses and agencies to support us in this endeavor.  Any child friendly or educational activity is encouraged.  Donations can range from monetary to purchased prizes/gift cards and/or promotional items.

Residents are invited to participate in a number of events and attractions with the focus on community interaction, fun and most importantly crime prevention.  Some of the festivities will consist of games, exhibition of local agencies, music, police and fire vehicles for kids to investigate, food, prizes, face painting and much more!

We thank you in advance for your time and consideration.  Please feel free to contact me if you should need further information about this celebration.

 

Sincerely,

Julie Almy

Resident Service Coordinator

Riverside Village

(617) 674-5875

APPLEWILD, the Arts, and Acton!

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Today, Applewild School announced the school will be hosting Applewild, the Arts, and Acton, on June 12ta from 4-7pm at The Gallery at Villageworks in West Acton.

Open to residents of Acton and surrounding towns and for all-ages, Applewild, the Arts, and Acton is a family-friendly event featuring professional works on display in the gallery by Boxborogh artist James MacGowan, with a mix of prints and original paintings from throughout his career and Applewild student artwork. Light refreshments and drink will be provided by True West.

Designed to answer the question, “What do future-ready students need?” the event showcases the importance of the Arts in preparing today’s students for future jobs.

Registration is required for this event. Families can register on-line at www.applewild.org/acton or by calling Jen Wing, Director of Admission and Financial Aid at 978.342.6053 x110.

About Applewild School: Applewild School is a coeducational, independent day school for Preschool

through 8 serving families in Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Summer camp, transportation, scholarships and financial aid are available.

Applewild Preschool at Devens is a year-round curriculum-based Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and

Child Care facility offering Applewild families before and after-school care and transportation to the

main campus in Fitchburg.

Wachusett Mountain Wins NSAA 2016 Conversion Cup Award

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Wachusett Mountain was awarded the 2016 National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Conversion Cup Challenge, sponsored by HEAD Wintersports, at the NSAA National Convention recently held in Nashville. This annual award recognizes resorts across the country that have developed outstanding programs to convert new skiers and snowboarders into lifelong enthusiasts.

Wachusett was selected among a strong field of ski areas from across the U.S. The other two finalists were Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, Wash., and Stevens Pass, Wash.  NSAA launched the initiative in 2010 as a way to pique competition among member ski areas and recognize those who make significant strides to boost conversion rates. The winner is chosen based upon proven results, creative ideas, consistent execution, and long-term commitment to the conversion effort. Several key metrics are used in the judging process, including beginner lesson volumes; quantifiable success of beginner lesson packages; season-to-date sales and repeat sales data collection; and marketing ingenuity and use of new media.

Wachusett won the honor based on creative ideas, a logical learning progression—beyond the initial package offer—measurable results, solid execution, and long-term commitment to the conversion effort. Wachusett has been converting new skiers/riders for decades, taking advantage of the large population centers of Boston, Providence, and Worcester that are in the ski area’s backyard. “We see it as our job to create future skiers and riders for the industry,” said Carolyn Stimpson, Wachusett’s vice president of resort services.

Using customer data and analytics, Wachusett has designed various beginner programs that are targeted to specific audiences—augmented with follow-up emails—to help ensure they return. The two primary learn-to programs are the one-day Learn-To-Turn package (lesson, rental, and lift ticket for $99), and a three-day package (lesson, rental, and lift ticket for $199). Those who finish either program receive upgrade offers and coupons to continue their journey to becoming a lifelong skier or snowboarder. Messages with those deals are delivered via email 24 hours later or, for those who do not provide an email address, by direct mail. The number of upgrades from the one-day package to the three-day package is up 65 percent from last season, even in a year when skier visits were down on the East Coast.

Wachusett also has other promotions to bring more newcomers to snowsports: incentives for existing customers to bring a friend; for secondary school students; for those riding public transportation; and other programs to make it easier for people to learn.  The Conversion Cup Award, a large silver trophy based on a Stanley Cup prototype, is a traveling award. Wachusett claims ownership of the Cup for one year, until the next winner is announced at next year’s NSAA National Convention May 5–8, 2017, in Scottsdale, AZ.

In 2014, Wachusett Mountain also won the NSAA Marketing Award for the best Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month promotional campaign.

Clark University SBDC Wins Massachusetts and New England SBDC Service Center Excellence and Innovation Award

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The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named the Central Regional Small Business Development Center led by John Rainey, Regional Director, the winner of the 2016 SBDC Service Center Excellence and Innovation Award for Massachusetts.

“Under Mr. Rainey’s direction, the center provided over 3,300 hours of business advisory services to 649 clients,” said Robert Nelson, SBA Massachusetts District Director. “This data is important because it translates into the creation and retention of over 1,200 jobs for the Commonwealth.  These accomplishments underscore the reason why they are being recognized not only in Massachusetts, but for the New England region“.

For over 35 years, the Clark University SBDC has been consistently exceeding their goals set by both MSBDC and SBA. Strong partnerships with clients, banks, legislators, government agencies and Clark University have been at the center of their success. Last year, three of the Small Business Week award winners were clients from the Clark SBDC.

“We are honored that the Clark SBDC has received this prestigious award”, said Rainey. “I am proud that our dedicated team is being recognized for their efforts helping entrepreneurs achieve success”.

Although the center provides many traditional services for helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed, they also deliver additional services that distinguish themselves from other SBDCs throughout the state, including:

 

  • Art Martin, Senior Business Advisor and Technology Specialist at the Clark SBDC was hired 2 years ago and is the only advisor in the state system with this role.  Art has recently been teaming up with our Government Sales Advisor and they have been running SBIR seminars throughout the state, helping entrepreneurs get SBIR Awards.

 

  • 10 outreach locations are maintained throughout Central Massachusetts, making it easy for clients to meet with a business advisor.

 

  • The Center actively assists the State Office with the New England Professional Development program, a collaborative effort between the six New England states – by teaching core competency modules, sharing best practices, as well as mentoring new advisors.

The Central Regional Small Business Development Center will be honored along with the other Massachusetts Small Business Week 2016 award winners at a luncheon event at the Westborough Doubletree on May 6, 2016.

About SBA National Small Business Week:

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.  More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.  As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories.  Every day, they’re working to grow small business, create 21para century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.

 

About Massachusetts Small Business Development Centers:

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network provides one-to-one free comprehensive and confidential services focusing on, business growth and strategies, financing and loan assistance as well as strategic, marketing and operational analysis. In addition, low cost educational training programs are offered across the state targeted to the needs of small business.  The MSBDC network is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and a consortium of higher education institutions including UMASS Amherst and the Isenberg School of Management.     For more information on MSBDC, please visit: www.msbdc.org.

Committ Fitness 2016 Central Mass. Family Business Awards Nominee

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Family businesses – whether they were founded more than 100 years ago or in the last two years – are unique to the economic landscape. Like all companies, they must generate revenue and achieve enough profits on a consistent basis to remain in business year after year, but they have a deeper commitment beyond dollars and cents. Family businesses have a commitment to each other, their employees and their community that reflects the strong ties and values they were founded upon.

Yet, while family values can remain relatively steady, the economic landscape is constantly changing. In order to survive – like all businesses – family-run companies must evolve with the times to stay ahead of the competition and still hold onto the values that makes them unique.

Like family-run operations, Worcester Business Journal must change with the times. To this end, we have modified our Family Business Awards this year. Previously, we honored a handful of companies – usually four or five – as winners of these awards. Unfortunately, this meant many worthy family businesses went unrecognized in these pages and at our awards ceremony. It had gotten to the point where the backlog of companies we wanted to honor had grown to several dozen.

So, this year – much like the Academy Awards – we are announcing only the finalists for our Family Business Awards: 10 companies that stood out from the rest. Then, at our event on May 25 in Boylston, we will announced the winners of each of the four categories, which includes a new category for companies founded less than five years ago. We also will give out additional awards to family businesses that have gone above and beyond for philanthropy, innovation and maintaining their family values in the face of increasing market competition. To find out these winners, we invite you to either attend the event or keep an eye out for our digital update on May 26.

Read more about the 2016 Family Business Awards nominees: