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1 7 2 H a r t f o r d Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union Community-based credit unions like Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union are becoming a popular choice for people who are tired of being treated more like a number than a person by large, inflexible, impersonal banks. C redit unions offer the same range of financial products and services as banks, but are structurally and philo- sophically different. Credit unions are not-for-profit and owned by the peo- ple who bank there. "Credit unions do things to create value for their account holders, while banks do things to create value for their share holders," said John Holt, president and CEO of Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union. "The money that we make goes back into the credit union for things like new technology, new branches, higher rates on deposit accounts, and lower rates on loans," said Holt. "Everything we do is for the individuals and the communities we serve." Nutmeg was founded in 1936 as Hartford Telephone Federal Credit Union and served employees and retirees of the Southern New England Telephone Company, which is now AT&T. In 2006, the organization expanded its charter to a community-based model and opened their doors to a broader segment of the population, mak- ing it possible for just about anyone to take advantage of the credit union's excellent products, rates and service. Holt's vision for Nutmeg is to make it one of the pre- mier financial institutions in Connecticut. "My plan is to double the size of the credit union in the next three to five years," he said. The pillars of his growth strategy are service and convenience. "We want our culture to be about building relationships and making it convenient for everyone to bank here," said Holt. Nutmeg, under Holt's leadership, expects to attract new business by offer- ing a superior level of service and personal attention that is typically not found in larger banks. "When you walk through the doors of any of our branches, we want you to feel at home," said Holt. "Our focus on service, plus a culture of fitting each individual with the product that meets his or her specific needs, makes us unique." Nutmeg has branches in Rocky Hill, Manchester, New Britain, East Windsor, Hartford, Glastonbury and Newington and plans to expand their branch network even further within the next 5 years to include locations in both Middlesex and Tolland counties. The credit union's Newington branch is located in a Price Chopper, a move unique among most other credit union branch strategies because it is the first credit union in the state to have a location in a grocery store. All locations offer the convenience of evening and weekend hours, as well as easy accessibility on all levels, whether in a branch or online. Convenience across all channels is a major thrust of the organization, which is why Nutmeg offers services such as online banking, text mes- sage and e-mail alerts, and mobile banking apps on popular devices including iPhone, BlackBerry and Android. Their goal is to make it possible for people to have 24/7 access to their accounts whether it's during regular business hours or after hours online. Anyone can also open accounts and apply for loans online, and deposit checks from remote locations anytime day or night without having to ever physically deliver the check to the credit union. Nutmeg is also dedicated to contributing and having a positive impact within the community. "We believe that by reinvesting in the communi- ty, we create and foster a better place to work and live," said Holt. As a credit union, Nutmeg encourages employees to get involved on a local and regional level. They've even introduced busi- ness savings, checking and loans in order to Welcome sign in Rocky Hill