Mainebiz

F O C U S 15 A P R I L 4 , 2 0 2 2 e need extends beyond the competitive southern Maine market, which recently got more crowded with four new Chase branches and a fifth slated for 2023, to encompass less densely populated rural areas. "e hiring is the tricky part," laments Danielle Daley, who oversees human resources for Machias Savings, which employs 305 people. "To find someone who is skilled and a culture fit hasn't proved to be easy over the last 18 months." ough the bank doesn't have any current open- ings, a smaller candidate pipeline and a higher turnover rate for entry-level roles have prompted it to hire an internal recruiter, refresh its internship and leadership training programs and proactively promote its brand as an employer. "With it being such a market-driven environment out there, the best of the best know they are, and they want to work for the best companies and the best cul- tures, so that's a big advantage for us," she says. "We need to do a better job of getting that information out there." Crucial branch roles Pre-pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labor projected 33,700 teller openings each year between 2020 and 2030, resulting from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, including to retire. e department also estimated a 17% decline in teller jobs during the same period. While shrinking branch footprints and increased reliance on technology are contributing factors, tellers remain crucial employees as the first — and most fre- quent — contact point for customers. While bank teller jobs used to be long-term propo- sitions, now they're seen as stepping stones to loftier positions in the hierarchy — leaving banks with constant entry-level openings to fill. Loans & Leases Financial Record-Keeping Payroll Services Profitability Consulting Tax Preparation & Planning Appraisals Estate Planning Beginning Farmer Programs Crop Insurance This year we paid $91 million in patronage dividends. Farm Credit East is customer-owned, which means customers share in the association's financial success. This year, qualifying borrowers received $91 million from our 2021 earnings. That's equivalent to 1.25% of average eligible loan volume and adds up to $1 billion since our patronage program began. Discover the difference. No other lender works like Farm Credit East. IT PAYS TO BE A CUSTOMER OWNER. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F C H A S E Elliot Moulton works as an associate banker at Chase Bank in Westbrook.

• Cover