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V O L . X X V I I N O. V § 2 M A R C H 8 , 2 0 2 1 6 F RO M T H E S P O N S O R S A t Infinity FCU, we are grateful for the space we are given to learn, grow and to continually refine our vision to "Do banking differ- ently to keep you a step ahead in life." Diversity is viewed at Infinity FCU through a completely different lens. It does not simply exist. It is genuinely celebrated and engrained in our core values. Several years ago, we identified a strong need for financial inclusiv- ity and simple ways to do banking in our multicultural communities. We first built a foundation of trust with our immigrant communities: we listened to what they were look- ing for from us and how could we change our methods to meet their needs and make banking hassle-free. We met many individuals who were being turned away by other financial institutions because they did not yet have a social security number, established credit, or stable income because they were new to the coun- try. In order to help them, we not only changed our internal proce- dures, but also found creative ways to make banking easier for them. We then hired individuals from their communities so we could welcome our new members in their native languages and make them feel at home from the moment they walked through our doors. We hired for attributes rather than skillsets. We asked our employees for input about our training pro- grams and based on their feedback, we made changes to our curriculum to be more inclusive. By 2017, we were ready. We had effectively removed barriers to access, trained employees and began reach- ing out to members and leaders of the immigrant community. When we opened our Portland branch that same year, we were in a great posi- tion to build relationships with all individuals in the area, including the immigrant community. Soon, Infinity became recognized as an industry leader in embracing diversity and we became known by the immigrant community for our willingness and ability to serve them, including edu- cating them and presenting essential information in their own language so they were confident in what they were getting and in a strong position to make good financial decisions that impact them and their family. Over time, we have all learned from each other — banking industry skills, cul- ture, acceptance, and humility. Our goal remains to make our members and employees feel comfortable and accepted, and to make learn- ing easier for everyone. As the Director of Community Outreach, I see the progress that we have made with diversity and inclu- sion and I know that I've accom- plished something truly unique and wonderful. I am hugely indebted to my organization and its leaders for placing enormous trust and confi- dence in my abilities to launch this initiative. We have done remark- able work with our employees and members but when it comes right down to it, we are just people help- ing people. Rachna Bhatia Director of Community Outreach and Business Development, Infinity Federal Credit Union R ooted in our relentless com- mitment to workforce safety, MEMIC has persistently educated employers and their workforce on safe work practices — sanita- tion, social distancing and wearing masks since the pandemic first took hold. We sincerely believe and hope those simple measures have helped reduce the spread of this nasty virus. Nevertheless, we have also been called upon to provide compas- sionate care, pay medical bills and compensate for lost wages of the hundreds of people who have con- tracted the disease at work. With customers in every county in the state, it is easy for us to ask all Maine employers to help lead the effort toward vaccination against COVID-19 for all who are medically able. According to the Edelman Trust Survey, employers are respected as sources of trusted information and demonstrated leadership. Why is there such urgency? Failure to achieve the estimated 80% vaccination rate needed to beat this deadly virus will risk lives, further impair Maine's econ- omy, and undermine the financial security of families, workers and employers. A disproportionate impact Given the focus of this Mainebiz edition on diversity, equity and inclusion, we also must note that while the virus does not dis- criminate in terms of infection, in Maine and elsewhere, it has dis- proportionately impacted people of color and immigrants. at economic and racial disparity was magnified amid the pandemic as our nation con- fronted long-simmering issues of race ignited in 2020 by the death of George Floyd and others. We must do better. None of us can (or should) ignore that many more people of color are essential workers who may be required to show up for work to feed their families. ey do not have the advantage of working from home because they are primary caregivers, housekeep- ing personnel, grocery clerks, or work in food processing or manu- facturing. ey kept the economy moving. Many also, of necessity, live with extended family mem- bers which precludes isolation for those infected by Covid-19. We owe all essential workers our deepest gratitude. In all of this, I see hope for bet- ter days ahead. We are talking to each other and having long over- due and difficult conversations. As our experience at MEMIC has demonstrated through more than 27 years of relentless commit- ment to workforce safety, people can change behaviors. We can be mindful of the value of every life. We can be intentional with our words and deeds. And each of us can make a difference. Here's to a better and safer future for us all. Michael P. Bourque President and CEO, MEMIC COVID-19's disproportionate impact on people of color and immigrants Diversity celebrated and ingrained in our core values