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B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 8 18 MEDIUM COMPANIES [ 50 - 249 employees ] Down East Credit Union is a mem- ber-owned financial cooperative cre- ated in 1941. In the field of economics, DECU is considered a high-social ideal that embodies the credit union philoso- phy of "People help- ing People." DECU takes this to heart, communicating the philosophy through- out the organization and through actions of its management team. The management team then takes this further, carrying over the same philosophy to Team Members. As the management team has said, "Our supporting Team Members are equally important to our members, and in many respects, most important." This is why DECU empha- sizes creating a professional working environment. DECU promotes the health and finan- cial well-being of its Team Members. Over the past four years, DECU has increased its minimum wage from $8.61 to $12. In addition to higher wages, manage- ment introduced a companywide "Pay for Performance" program, which paid over a half a million dollars during 2017. The program provided an additional $3.11 per hour on average above regular wages. During the first day of hire, all permanent Te a m M e m b e r s r e - ceive 10 personal days and a 401(k) plan with matching contribution. Upon hire, new Team Members are immedi- ately enrolled and are given a 100% match for up to 3% of their gross salary or wage. Team Members can choose from 28 different funds to contribute their retirement savings. Another unique aspect is that DECU pays 100% of the maintenance expenses for the whole plan; this amounts to approximately $25,000 annually. For major medical insurance, the plan is an HRA with a $5,000 deductible; Team Members pay the first $1,500 and DECU pays the remaining $3,500. Other benefits and perks include short- and long-term disability insurance, two- times annual income in life insurance, a three-day weekend program, paid holidays, gym reimbursement, loan in- terest rate discounts, a daily 20-minute paid exercise break and free fruit and veggies daily. An eClub benefits program includes identity theft protection, credit score monitoring, debit card purchase protec- tion, quarterly gift card discounts, retail discounts, cell phone protection and a personal professional development pro- gram. Employees receive $25 gift cards for four hours of volunteer service. Team Member Appreciation Day includes an Ice Cream Social, and Team Members receive approximately $100 each in cash and gifts. Down East Credit Union "Pay for Performance" added to wages Down East Credit Union 23 Third Ave., P.O. Box 130 Baileyville, ME 04694 Top local executive: Joseph A Moses, President Year established: 1941 Maine employees: 86 Website: www.downeastcu.com # 3 Team Calais participated in raising $30,000 to purchase more than 2,500 turkeys for Washington County families.