Press Release 

For Immediate Release 
August 7, 2023
Contact: Andrea Pruna
SVP, Chief Growth Officer
Phone: 603.422.9815
Email: apruna@necu.org

Northeast Credit Union Welcomes Sharon Plante, Vice President, Controller

Portsmouth, NH - Northeast Credit Union is pleased to announce the hiring of Sharon Plante as Vice President, Controller. With nearly 30 years of finance and accounting experience, Sharon will ensure the development and maintenance of key internal controls, accounting policies and procedures, and processes for compliance and risk mitigation while providing ongoing financial guidance and consultation to Northeast’s senior leaders. 

“Having been in the financial services industry for decades, Sharon brings a building mindset which enables her to question the status quo in order to take Northeast’s purpose-driven mission to the next level” shared, Neil Gordon, Northeast’s SVP, Chief Financial Officer.

Sharon adds, “I am excited to join Northeast Credit Union as VP, Controller and lead the accounting team as we support the credit union’s mission to nourish and enrich the communities we serve.”

Sharon comes to Northeast from East Cambridge Savings Bank where she held a senior role, responsible for managing the daily and periodic functions of the accounting department, overseeing and ensuring the accuracy in the reporting of investment portfolio activities, and managing the performance and professional development of the accounting staff. Prior to working in the finance industry, she held senior-level accounting positions for software companies in Massachusetts. 

About Northeast Credit Union

Northeast Credit Union is a member-owned and not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich and nourish the lives of others: its members, its employees, and its communities.  Northeast CU provides a cooperative banking experience that invites others to take part in making our communities thrive through elimination of food insecurity, access to affordable housing and support of education. From its humble beginnings at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1936, Northeast has grown to more than $2 billion in assets, over 142,000 members and 18 branches throughout New Hampshire and Maine.

Connect With Us
necu.org | 888-436-1847 | memberservices@necu.org 
Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/northeastcu and Instagram at@northeast_cu.

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First Seacoast Bank Introduces Mortgage Loan App, Making Homeownership Easier Than Ever

July 27, 2023 - Dover, NH - First Seacoast Bank is proud to announce the launch of its new Home@FSB mortgage management app, designed to make the home loan process easier and more accessible than ever before. With this new app, consumers can compare different loan and payment scenarios to help determine which is best for them.

The Home@FSB mortgage app allows users to scan required documents on their mobile device and upload them quickly to expedite the loan approval process. Communication between the homebuyer, loan officer, and real estate agent is made easy with the Home@FSB secure messaging feature. Users are able to stay up to date on industry news that may impact their loan, such as changes in mortgage interest rates. This will ensure they’re always informed of any developments that could affect the loan application process.

"We understand how challenging it can be for homebuyers to navigate the complexities of obtaining a mortgage," said Kevin Foley, Vice President. "It's our mission at First Seacoast Bank to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible by offering our customers innovative solutions like our new Home@FSB mortgage app."

With this exciting announcement, First Seacoast Bank has taken another step forward in making homeownership easier than ever before! The Home@FSB mortgage app is available to download in mobile app stores today (Apple | Google), and the team at First Seacoast Bank is available to help should any questions arise. Visit www.firstseacoastbank.com/mortgage-loan-team for further information.

About First Seacoast Bank

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 28, 2023

Contact: Ryan Grace

Vice President of Brand

603.828.6287
rgrace@necu.org

Northeast Credit Union Foundation Hosts First Ever

Nourish Maine Road Race Series

Portsmouth, NH – The Northeast Credit Union Foundation announces the Nourish Network Road Race Series for the fall of 2023. These races will be held in Southern Maine, and in the spirit of advancing the Foundation’s mission to enrich and nourish the lives of others, a portion of the proceeds from each race will benefit a different non-profit with ties to the Pine Tree State.  

Northeast Credit Union has partnered with the organizers of Rock Row in Westbrook to host the first race in the series on Sunday, October 1^st. Centered around a 26-acre quarry, The 5K run/walk will start at 10am at Rock Row; proceeds will support Safe Passage, a top-rated, non-profit school in Guatemala City. Safe Passage School, founded by a Bowdoin College alum and headquartered in New Gloucester, brings hope, education, and opportunity to the children and families trying to make a living around one of the largest landfills in Central America.

On October 15^th, the Nourish Network Road Race Series will partner with Grahamtastic Connection in Springvale to present the Grahamtastic Connection 5k Run/Walk and Celebration starting at 10am at the Nasson Community Center. Grahamtastic’s mission is to provide free technology to children with cancer and other serious illnesses to support their education, as well as their social and emotional well-being. Technology, including iPads, laptops, robots, and Internet access, enables children to continue their education during treatment while also remaining connected to family, friends, and medical providers. Following the race, there will be a celebration to honor Grahamtastic’s 25^th anniversary – complete with a free BBQ, silent auction, raffles, and more!

The third 5K in the race series will occur on Sunday, October 29^th at Biddeford’s Clifford Park. Starting at 10am, this Halloween-themed run/walk will feature prizes for the best costumes and will benefit Apex Youth Connection, an after-school program for kids in grades 5-12. This organization challenges comfort zones and expands perceptions, gently pushing youth to set and reach goals they never thought possible. Apex creates a safe space for children of the Biddeford area to learn, socialize, stay active, and get real-world experience.

“The Northeast Credit Union Foundation believes in supporting local organizations who are doing their part to enrich and nourish the lives of others. Joining forces with these important organizations to bring the Nourish Network Road Race Series to life will not only benefit our Maine communities, but will have lasting impact on a global scale” stated Dan Raposa, Executive Director of the Northeast Credit Union Foundation. “Whether folks support the race series by participating, volunteering, fundraising, or donating to a participant, there are opportunities for everyone to join the movement and make a difference.” Raposa added.

To learn more about the Nourish Network Road Race Series and to register to participate in the races, visit: necu.org/race.

About the Northeast Credit Union Foundation

The Northeast Credit Union Foundation is funded by Northeast Credit Union members, employees, vendor partners, and community members. The Foundation is committed to supporting programs that look to end food insecurity, support affordable housing, and the advancement of education. More information can be found at www.necu.org/foundation. 

About Northeast Credit Union

Northeast Credit Union is a member-owned and not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich and nourish the lives of others: its members, its employees, and its communities.  Northeast CU provides a cooperative banking experience that invites others to take part in making our communities thrive through elimination of food insecurity, access to affordable housing, and support of education. From its humble beginnings at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1936, Northeast has grown to more than $2 billion in assets, over 142,000 members and 18 branches throughout New Hampshire and Maine.

Connect With Us
necu.org | 888-436-1847 | memberservices@necu.org
Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/northeastcu and Instagram at @northeast_cu.

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NHFCU's Employee of the Month

Congratulations to our newest employee of the month, Cindy Phillips! Cindy was nominated for her recent work on our Hero’s Accounts campaign. Once she learned the basic elements we planned to offer (and to whom), Cindy jumped into action immediately to get the job done so we could get the word out as soon as possible. She handled a million little details (and is still doing so!), working tirelessly on the project. During the past month, Cindy also organized an impromptu celebration for our 100,000^th account, and organized Member and Employee Appreciation Day with Kona Ice. Cindy has made a big impact in her short time with NHFCU – she joined us in February. 

Congratulations, Cindy!

For Immediate Release:

Amy K. Hanna Joins First Seacoast Bank as Executive Assistant to the President/CEO

July 13, 2023 - Dover, NH - First Seacoast Bank (FSB) is pleased to announce that Amy K. Hanna has joined the team as the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO and the new Assistant Corporate Secretary. Amy brings with her a wealth of experience, having served in various executive and personal assistant roles for over 15 years.

Previously, Ms. Hanna supported Jake Burton and the organization’s Executive Team in her role as Global Communications Director of Burton Corp., where she managed brand, athlete, and Principals’ presence at the Winter Olympics, oversaw internal and international communications teams in Burlington, VT, Tokyo, Japan, and Innsbruck, Austria, and was an instrumental part in the niche brand’s growth to a worldwide, mainstream audience. At Burton, Ms. Hanna worked to inspire and celebrate young people through boardsports and The Chill Foundation, now in 20 cities and nine countries, serving more than 2,000 youth annually, building a more equitable outdoor community.

Prior to joining First Seacoast Bank, Ms. Hanna was an Executive/Personal Assistant to the CEO of Planet Fitness and also ran her own MarCom Agency. Her process and efficiency expertise make her well suited for this role at First Seacoast Bank as she works alongside the President/CEO on various projects while managing communication initiatives across multiple departments within the organization.

"We are thrilled that Amy has joined our team," said James R. Brannen, President & CEO of First Seacoast Bank. "Her background makes her an ideal fit for this role; we know she will be an asset both personally and professionally."

In addition to her professional career accomplishments, Amy is passionate about giving back to her community through volunteerism, including leadership roles in State Lobbyist Team-Capital Hill’s Annual Advocacy Day and volunteering for equal rights and mental health causes whenever possible. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, boating, wakeboarding, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

With her extensive knowledge base combined with a passion for volunteerism, Amy is a great addition to First Seacoast Bank's team.

About First Seacoast Bank
First Seacoast Bank (FSB) is one of the oldest community banks in the region, serving individuals, businesses, and non-profit customers with a range of deposit, investment, and loan products and services. Founded in 1890, FSB has headquarters in Dover, New Hampshire, with additional branch locations and ATMs in Durham, Barrington, Rochester, and Portsmouth. First Seacoast Bank is online at www.firstseacoastbank.com.

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FREE BACKPACK GIVEAWAY! 

Wireless Zone is hosting our annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway on Sunday, July 30 at 1PM.

Free backpacks + school supplies to students, while supplies last. First come, first served basis. One backpack per child, under the age of 18. Be sure to stop by our Lee location for an afternoon of fun!

We hope to alleviate some of the stress of back-to-school time and help your kids show up to their first day prepared, confident, and ready to achieve their own levels of success!

Learn more: www.wirelesszone.com/backpack-giveaway

Our store will also be hosting some great entertainment – stay tuned for details on that and so much more!

#WirelessZone #backpackgiveaway

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: May 24, 2023

Contact: Ryan Grace

Vice President of Brand

603.828.6287
rgrace@necu.org

Northeast Credit Union Foundation honors Cross Roads House with the Inaugural Nourish Award

Portsmouth, NH –The Northeast Credit Union Foundation hosted its inaugural event, Nourish Portsmouth, at Cisco Brewers on May 18^th; an evening celebrating the spirit of doing well by doing good. Over 250 guests had the opportunity to connect with over 20 local nonprofits who were on site to share their missions and build relationships with each other.

Welcoming remarks were given by Northeast Credit Union CEO and Chairman of the Foundation, Chris Parker, who shared how the Foundation was born out of the belief that Northeast Credit Union’s purpose is more significant than just offering a great banking experience. While listening to wonderful music performances by local musicians, Kris Hype and the New Hampshire Fiddle Ensemble, guests visited with mission-aligned organizations like The Monarch School of New England, I Got Bridged, and Gather to name a few, and shared how working together they are making an impact on our communities. 

The culmination of the event came when The Northeast Credit Union Foundation honored Will Arvelo, Executive Director of Cross Roads House with the first-ever Nourish Award. The Nourish Award is bestowed upon an organization that reflects Northeast’s mission to enrich and nourish the lives of others. Cross Roads House provides homeless families and individuals with shelter, basic necessities, and the tools and guidance they need to return to permanent housing.

Dan Raposa, Executive Director of The Northeast Credit Union Foundation shared, “For four decades, the work of the Cross Roads House has been nothing less than remarkable.  Their services are vital for the unsheltered in the Seacoast area.  Theirs is a cause we’re happy to support, is tightly aligned with our mission, and we see them as a valuable community resource and a cornerstone of our evolving Nourish Network.”

The spirit of the evening was not lost on the attendees nor the nonprofits, with many sharing their appreciation for Northeast bringing the community together in this way.  “I was so energized and inspired when I got home last night - Northeast has an incredible community and it seems like there are even more great things ahead to explore. We're so grateful to be a part of it!” stated Amanda Martineau of The Monarch School of New England.

The evening in Portsmouth is just the beginning for the good work and connections being made possible by the Northeast Credit Union Foundation, as plans continue to grow and evolve their Nourish Network, and the impact it will have throughout local communities in New Hampshire and Maine.

About the Northeast Credit Union Foundation

The Northeast Credit Union Foundation is funded by Northeast Credit Union members, employees, vendor partners, and community members. The Foundation is committed to supporting programs that look to end food insecurity, support affordable housing, and the advancement of education. More information can be found atwww.necu.org/foundation. 

About Northeast Credit Union

Northeast Credit Union is a member-owned and not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich and nourish the lives of others: its members, its employees, and its communities.  Northeast provides a cooperative banking experience that invites others to take part in making our communities thrive through elimination of food insecurity, access to affordable housing, and support of education. From its humble beginnings at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1936, Northeast has grown to more than $2 billion in assets, over 142,000 members and 18 branches throughout New Hampshire and Maine.

Connect With Us
necu.org | 888-436-1847 | memberservices@necu.org 
Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/northeastcu and Instagram at@northeast_cu.

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