BRUNSWICK

1. Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union recently achieved the milestone of 75 years of service. Can you please provide us with a little history of the organization?

Our history is a great story featuring five significant leaders.

It was Jan. 23, 1941, when Pastor Fr. William Dauphin of St. John the Baptist Parish in Brunswick introduced the “credit union idea” to a group of 37 parishioners. It was a simple concept, to aid other parishioners with their economic struggles and help them do better. Those 37 agreed and each invested one dollar and, soon after, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) chartered the institution as St. Johns (Brunswick).

Anna M. Tetreault was our first treasurer and in three years grew the institution to 171 members and deposits totaling $5,861.90.

In 1944, Jeanette G. Morin took over and guided us for 30 years, distributing more than $30 million in loans to members; while growing assets to more than $5 million.

In 1974, John R. Sutton steered the credit union through two big changes — the implementation of electronic passbook machines and the introduction of the share draft accounts (today many members refer to them as checking accounts).

In 1984, Steve J. Obrin began his leadership. He expanded our field of membership, opened new branches and upon his retirement in 2008 the credit union had grown to more than $209 million in assets.

Today, Atlantic has become the third largest credit union in the state, with $301 million in assets.

2. What makes Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union so special?

The essence of Atlantic today is the same as it was with Father Dauphin. It is our desire to help others do better. Whether it is the financial well-being of our members or providing financial support to the communities that we serve.

Our origin was not for profit, not for charity — but for service. The credit union is based on people helping people. The credit union staff and our volunteer board continue that mission today.

3. What are the benefits of belonging to a credit union?

When you belong to a credit union, you are a member and a stakeholder. Every member has a voice, if they so choose, in everything we do.

Our volunteer board of directors are elected by the members. My role is to serve the board and meet the needs of our members.

The biggest benefit of belonging to a credit unions is that we are focused on returning value to members, not to Wall Street.

4. How have credit unions changed over the years, and how will they look in the future?

Over the years, credit unions have become full-service financial institutions providing solutions for savings, checking, credit cards, debit cards, personal loans, auto loans, mortgages and business loans. Atlantic is able to meet all the financial needs of our members.

In the future, Atlantic must continue to evolve and deliver the proper services and products to help our members succeed financially.

Today, the convenience of online banking and mobile deposit are very important to our members. Tomorrow, Atlantic needs to remain competitive with technology upgrades, yet still deliver the amazing personal service that has made us successful.

In the future, the technology may change, but the Atlantic mission will continue to focus on how we can help our members do better.

5. Who can be a member of the Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union? How does one join?

People who live, work, worship or attend school in, and businesses and other legal entities located in the Maine counties of Cumberland and Sagadahoc can become members at Atlantic.

It is easy to join online at www.atlanticregional.com, by calling 800-834-0432 or by stopping in at one of our branches in Brunswick, Topsham, Freeport or Cumberland.

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