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63 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F M A I N E S T A T E C R E D I T U N I O N e internal training and culture development allow employees to mature in their position at a faster pace, which leads to internal promotion before it becomes necessary to explore external options to fill open positions. At Maine State Credit Union, it is normal for an employee to start as a member service representative (teller) and experience a promotion within six months. We have consistent change and movement, and this fluidity allows for innovation and an influx of new ideas and better ways to do things. is internal employee advancement can be best exemplified by a recent change of the Maine State Credit Union's senior lead- ership team. Everyone on the team was promoted from within to the role, including President and CEO Stephen Wallace. In addition, Shane Abbott, Senior Vice President and Chief Retail Officer, and Brie-Anne Mellor, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, both started on the teller line. e culture and the training at the credit union outlined above provided the opportunity for these two senior leaders to develop into the roles that they enjoy with the credit union today. "I have been fortunate to have Maine State Credit Union see my potential and invest in my career," Mellor said. "I love the variety of things that I can work on and I enjoy helping new teammates grow and develop into future leaders." Best Place to Work Concentrating on internal culture and employee advancement has made for a happy work environment for Maine State Credit Union employees. For the past 10 years the organization has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine, was recently named to the Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union list and is consistently voted as one of the best credit unions in both Augusta and Waterville by members. "Culture is my passion. I love working with people to help identify development opportunities and a career path that's right for them." said Amanda Crommett, Vice President, Talent Development. "Everyone has a unique story and experience which is what makes this such a fun and inspiring place to work." S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E Top of page: Maine State Credit Union employees (from left to right) Michael Covach, Ellie Foster, Breana Bray, Kalee Michaud and Natalie Sicina jump for joy at the Dempsey Challenge. The Maine State Credit Union, then known as the Maine State Employees Credit Union, operates under the stairs at the State House. e Maine State Credit Union has also had an impact in the community in which it operates. Since 1999, the organization has helped raise nearly $1 million to address hunger in Maine through its annual Feed ME 5K walk as well as other activates throughout the year. It also supports numerous local charities to the tune of $85,000 annually and, in 2020, created a scholar- ship endowment fund in the name of the late CEO, Normand Dubreuil. is was created to help Mainers attend college at Maine Maritime Academy and the Maine Community College System. Since its inception, the Credit Union has contributed over $250,000 and, in 2021 alone, helped more than 50 students achieve their dream of higher education. "I love coming to work each day," said Ariel Carron, Marketing Specialist. "ere is a true sense of teamwork. You know that some- one always has your back, and you can approach anyone with an issue. is is one of the best places that I have worked." l P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F M A I N E S T A T E C R E D I T U N I O N

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