Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Federal Savings Bank Holds Annual Meeting

Dover - Federal Savings Bank held its annual meeting at the Bank’s main office in Dover on January 28, 2011.

During the meeting, the Board of Directors thanked James Schulte for his service as 2010 Chairman and voted Patricia Barbour as 2011 Chairman of the Board and Edward Lemos, VMD as Vice-Chairman. The Board of Directors also voted to elect Arthur Nickless, James Schulte and James Jalbert for additional three-year terms and Robert Steele and Richard Houghton for additional two-year terms. The Bank’s Board of Directors includes Edward Lemos, VMD, James Schulte, Peter Hamblett, Dana C. Lynch, Richard Houghton, James Jalbert, Arthur Nickless, Robert Steele, Lou McGrew, James J. O’Neill, Jr. and Patricia Barbour.

President and CEO, James J. O’Neill, Jr., Jr. thanked the directors for leading Federal Savings Bank through challenging economic times that included unprecedented regulatory changes. “Despite the challenges we’ve faced, 2010 was a very successful year with substantial asset, income and deposit growth,” stated O’Neill. “Combined with our increased support of community initiatives, I couldn’t be more pleased with the results of this past year,” he added.

The Bank will be recognizing its employees at the annual employee meeting taking place in February and looks forward to releasing their 2010 annual report in the first quarter of this year.

Since 1890, Federal Savings Bank has operated as a true community bank, a “mutual” bank. The bank has offices in Dover, Barrington, Durham, Portsmouth and Rochester. For more information, call 1-800-426-2265, visit www.fsbdover.com or www.facebook.com/FederalSavingsBank.

HRCU Names Tim White Employee of the Quarter


ROCHESTER, NH – Tim White was recently named HRCU’s Employee of the Quarter for the months of October, November and December 2010. White was selected based on commitment, attitude, attendance, and volunteer work within the credit union and the communities they serve.

Tim began his HRCU career in January 2006 as a teller and in October 2006 he accepted the position of Accounting Coordinator. In this position, Tim is responsible for the daily monitoring of accounts payable and receivable, preparing monthly financial statements and other analytical accounting duties. Over the past quarter Tim has shown significant initiative and exceeded the expectations of his position.

“Tim has been tremendously helpful and cooperative with the needs of other departments,” said Brian Therrien, Chief Financial Officer of HRCU. “He is an integral part of the department and is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.”

Tim is a 2009 graduate of Southern New Hampshire University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies. Tim resides in Rochester, NH.

Holy Rosary Credit Union is a full service financial institution proudly serving over 16,000 members in the State of New Hampshire with assets over $163 million dollars. The Credit Union’s main branch is located in Rochester, New Hampshire with other full service branches located in Dover and Farmington, New Hampshire. Visit Holy Rosary online at www.hrcu.org

Service Credit Union President/CEO Takes Over as AFFN Chairman

PORTSMOUTH (January 25, 2011) – Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons was recently elected as Chairman of the AFFN (Armed Forces Financial Network) Board of Directors at the January 2011 Annual Meeting. He succeeds outgoing Chairman Greg Oveland for a two-year term.

Simmons has served on the AFFN Board of Directors since 1997. During his tenure he has held the positions of chairman, vice chairman and audit committee member along with being an active volunteer member.

According to AFFN representatives, Simmons represents the true spirit of volunteerism, serving numerous other leadership roles within the state and national credit union movement as well as his local communities both stateside in New Hampshire and in Germany. He also served his country in the Army Finance Corps with specific expertise in Finance Plans and Operations.

“I look forward to the continued success of AFFN on behalf of all AFFN participants. The spirit of cooperation between military banks and defense credit unions is ever present at the Board level and within our participant base. We are focused on our mission and will continue to manage the strategic plan developed by the Board of Directors and their management team,” says Simmons.

Simmons has more than 40 years of credit union experience including 36 years with Service Credit Union. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Business and the University of Utah with a Masters in Business Administration in Quantitative Analysis. He is the immediate past chairman and currently serves as a board member of the Defense Credit Union Council and is also a past board chairman of the New Hampshire Credit Union League. Mr. Simmons also serves as chairman of the Board for the America’s Credit Union Museum.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 35 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full internet banking services, Service Credit Union serves anyone who lives or works in New Hampshire (excluding Coos County), 4 towns in Cape Cod, MA., and all branches of the U.S. Military and Department of Defense employees and their families. With over $1.7 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 18 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Honoring 25 Years of Dedication to PCA Students



Karen Willey was honored at a recent staff meeting at Portsmouth Christian Academy at Dover. Brian Bell (left), Head of School, presented Mrs. Willey (right) with a special bouquet and plaque commemorating her 25 years of dedication to the students in the PCA community.

Service Credit Union Vice President of Overseas Operations retires

PORTSMOUTH (January 25, 2011) – Richard E. Tolle, Senior VP of Overseas Operations, has retired after 28 years of service with Service Credit Union. Mr. Tolle was in charge of Overseas Operations that includes more than 200 employees, 16 Branch Offices, and a 24/7 Live Person Contact Center.

Mr. Tolle joined Service Credit Union in October 1982 as Manager of the Berlin Branch Office. Later, as Manager of O/S Computer Operations and oversaw the installation of the first credit union ATM in Germany. Other accomplishments of Mr. Tolle’s distinguished career include introducing services such as early-payday checking, the first overseas drive-thru ATM; and the only two Shared Branching Kiosks on an overseas military installation. Products he developed for military members include affordable relocation loans, 100% financing for auto loans and most recently, the girocard.

“Mr. Tolle’s contributions to Service Credit Union will continue to be valued for many years after his retirement,” said Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “He will be missed.”

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 35 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full internet banking services, Service Credit Union serves anyone who lives or works in New Hampshire (excluding Coos County), 4 towns in Cape Cod, MA., and all branches of the U.S. Military and Department of Defense employees and their families. With over $1.7 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 18 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV to Provide $25,000 Grant

More Than Wheels named 2011 Champion in Action
in area of economic development
Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV to provide $25,000 grant, PR and volunteer support

MANCHESTER, N.H. – Citizens Bank New Hampshire and WMUR-TV have named More Than Wheels, formerly Bonnie CLAC, as their 2011 first quarter Champion in Action® in the economic development category. As part of the award, More Than Wheels will receive a $25,000 grant, media coverage, and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its dedication and commitment to helping families and individuals improve their financial stability through the car-buying process.

“Citizens Bank is pleased to join WMUR-TV in naming More Than Wheels as its newest Champion in Action,” said Cathleen A. Schmidt, President, Citizens Bank, New Hampshire. “More Than Wheels has been using a comprehensive financial educational program to help participants gain control of their finances for the past decade. We are proud to recognize its efforts in the community and help it continue to advance its programs and services.”

The Champions in Action program is designed to recognize and support nonprofit organizations for their contributions to New Hampshire communities. A new Champion in Action is selected each quarter among a range of social service areas.

“Sharing in this initiative with Citizens Bank continues to be a source of great pride," said Jeff Bartlett, General Manager of WMUR-TV. “We are very pleased to help organizations across the state that demonstrate such a strong commitment to making a difference in the lives of so many New Hampshire residents. They truly are champions.”

More Than Wheels is the only nonprofit car organization in the country offering this type of financial services. Through group workshops and personalized counseling, participants develop a financial plan that includes rebuilding credit ratings, savings techniques and creating a household budget. This process results in long lasting economic impacts including access to better employment and education opportunities and improved personal financial management habits.

“A car is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s how people get to work, and get their children to a doctor’s appointment,” said More Than Wheels CEO Terri Steingrebe. “More Than Wheels combines the critical need for transportation with personal financial improvement and empowerment.”

Since its inception in 2001, More Than Wheels has served more than 1,400 people, arranging more than $14 million in loans. As a result of obtaining reliable and affordable transportation, many are able to improve their job prospects, their family’s health and well-being, and their overall financial stability. A total of 75 percent of participants reported spending less on car repairs and 73 percent reported a better overall financial outlook. Because the program requires hard work and diligent financial planning, the successful results have been life changing for those willing to see it through.

As a Champion in Action, More Than Wheels will receive:
  • A $25,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from the Citizens Bank Foundation.
  • Media coverage from WMUR-TV, including public service announcements and television profiles.
  • Volunteer support from Citizens and WMUR-TV employees.
  • Extensive public relations support.
  • Promotional support, highlighting the current Champion in Action in all Citizens Bank branches and on its ATMs.
  • Exposure on both Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV websites.

“We are honored to be recognized by Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV as a Champion in Action,” said Steingrebe. “With their support, More Than Wheels will be able to champion change in our communities and improve the quality of life for many in need.”

A nonprofit organization supporting food and nutrition will be named the second quarter Champion in Action and will be announced in April 2011.

For more information about the Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com or www.TheWMURChannel.com. To learn more about More Than Wheels, visit www.morethanwheels.org or call (866) 455-2522. More Than Wheels is located at 250 Commercial Street in Manchester, NH 03101.

About Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank is a division of RBS Citizens, N.A., operating its seven-state branch network in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.It has 83 branches and 199 ATMs in New Hampshire.

RBS Citizens, N.A. is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $136 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. CFG’s two bank subsidiaries are RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. They operate a 12-state branch network under the Citizens Bank brand in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and the Charter One brand in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. CFG has non-branch retail and commercial offices in about 40 states. CFG is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc). CFG’s website is citizensbank.com.

John Burcke appointed as branch manager in Dover

MANCHESTER, N.H. – Citizens Bank has named John Burcke as vice president and branch manager in Dover. He joined Citizens in 2009 and is transferring to Dover from the Exeter branch. Burcke is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch, including providing quality customer service, business development and implementing promotional activities and programs.

Burcke came to Citizens with more than 13 years experience in the banking industry. Before joining Citizens Bank, he was a Retail District Executive with Sovereign Bank in Massachusetts.

An active member of the community, Burcke has served as chairman of the North Shore Arthritis Walk and on the board of incorporators for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem, N.H. Burcke lives in Dover, N.H. with his family.

About Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank is a division of RBS Citizens, N.A., operating its seven-state branch network in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. It has 83 branches and 199 ATMs in New Hampshire.

RBS Citizens, N.A. is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $136 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. CFG’s two bank subsidiaries are RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. They operate a 12-state branch network under the Citizens Bank brand in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, and the Charter One brand in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. CFG has non-branch retail and commercial offices in about 40 states. CFG is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc). CFG’s website is citizensbank.com.

Laconia Savings Bank Escorts 50 customers to Greece and It’s Islands!

New Hampshire – January 26, 2011 - As part of Laconia Savings Bank’s Prestige Plus travel program, bank representatives and 50 customers of the bank recently spent two weeks discovering the magnificent country of Greece and its islands.

Valerie Drouin, Senior Vice President - Prestige Plus Manager, stated, “We plan all of our tours months in advance, and customize them to meet the needs of our valued Prestige Plus customers. Some of the highlights in Athens included: visiting the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Olympic Stadium and the incredible Acropolis. Other highlights included a visit to a Byzantine monastery in Metéora; and exploring the grandeur of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.” Drouin remarked that the “Laconia Savings Bank’s Prestige Plus customers felt the true culture of the country. They enjoyed many delicious meals with local cuisine throughout the trip along with world famous wine tastings and Greek entertainment which was performed at traditional tavernas.”

The Prestige Plus customers ended their land tour of Greece by spending four leisurely nights immersed in the island splendor of Mykonos and Santorini. Here they traveled through fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels and volcanic cliffs.

Drouin, who has managed the bank’s Prestige Plus program for over 21 years stated, “The entire trip was everything I dreamed it would be.”

If you would like to learn more about Laconia Savings Bank’s Prestige Plus travel program, call Valerie Drouin at 603- 527-3207.

Laconia Savings Bank, founded in 1831, provides deposit, lending and wealth management services to families and businesses throughout New Hampshire. With 19 community offices within the state and assets exceeding $1 billion, Laconia Savings Bank is the largest independent bank in New Hampshire. Because Laconia Savings Bank is a mutual organization, it doesn’t answer to stock holders and can focus on the success of its customers, communities and employees. Throughout its long history, Laconia Savings Bank continues to be a strong and stable financial organization. For more information, call 1-800-832-0912 or visit www.laconiasavings.com.

Kaleo Coffee has a state-of-the-art performance room available for rent

Kaleo Coffee now boasts a state-of-the-art performance space for rent. It is ideal for concerts, live performances, movie screenings, meetings, parties, and other functions. It is complete with top of the line audio and video equipment, including studio quality sound, high definition video technology, multiple flat screen TVs, concert lighting, and a retractable projection screen.

For pricing information, rental details or to request a date, please complete the contract request form and email it to Jeff Parmley, General Manager at jeff@kaleocoffee.com. To reserve our space for your event or to learn more, email events@kaleocoffee.com.

Performance Room Features:
  • Up to 200 seats
  • State-of-the-art audio, video, & lighting technology
  • Modern, urban, industrial decor
  • 6 flat screen TVs
  • Access to a projector and retractable screen
  • Access to an audio/video engineer
  • Convenient downtown Dover location
  • Hundreds of parking spaces
  • Adjacent to UNH Wildcat bus stop
  • Available marketing at kaleocoffee.com & inside Kaleo Coffee
  • Additional promotional assistance available

Laconia Savings Bank joins the Allpoint Network

New Hampshire – January 12, 2011 – Laconia Savings Bank, the largest independent bank in New Hampshire, announced that the Allpoint Network, a Cardtronics, Inc. affiliate (NASDAQ: CATM), and the operator of the largest surcharge free ATM network have entered into a long term agreement to offer unlimited surcharge-free access to 40,000 Allpoint ATMs. Laconia Savings Bank customers who utilize a participating Allpoint ATM are not charged the standard fee assessed by ATMs not owned and operated by Laconia Savings. Laconia Savings Bank customers now have a new level of ATM convenience at leading national and regional retailers such as 7-Eleven©, Target$copy;, Walgreens© and CVS/pharmacy© at over 170 New Hampshire locations and 40,000 across the United States, U.K., and Australia.

“Convenient, surcharge-free ATM access is one of the top factors for consumers in choosing a financial institution,” said Ben Psillas, President of Allpoint. “By offering Allpoint, Laconia Savings Bank has a powerful new tool to attract and retain customers throughout New Hampshire”.

We are very pleased to offer our customers access to the Allpoint Network. The convenience of more than 40,000 ATMs is unmatched by any other bank our size in New Hampshire.” stated Vickie Routhier, VP, Director of Marketing & Public Relations.
Laconia Savings Bank, founded in 1831, provides deposit, lending and wealth management services to families and businesses throughout New Hampshire. With 19 community offices within the state and assets exceeding $1 billion, Laconia Savings Bank is the largest independent bank in New Hampshire. Because Laconia Savings Bank is a mutual organization, it doesn’t answer to stock holders and can focus on the success of its customers, communities and employees. Throughout its long history, Laconia Savings Bank continues to be a strong and stable financial organization. For more information, call 1-800-832-0912 or visit www.laconiasavings.com.

About Allpoint Network:

Allpoint is the largest surcharge-free ATM network with over 40,000 ATMs in leading national and regional merchant locations across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Allpoint provides greater access, convenience, and savings to customers of financial institutions while providing such institutions the tools to compete more effectively for customers. For more information or to find the nearest Allpoint surcharge-free ATM, please visit: www.AllpointNetwork.com.

Laconia Savings Bank Helps Upgrade Gunstock Ski Clubhouse

Dover, New Hampshire – January 11, 2011 – Laconia Savings Bank is proud to donate $2,000 to help fund necessary electrical upgrades for the Gunstock Ski Club’s clubhouse. The clubhouse, located at the base of Gunstock Mountain Resort’s Cannonball race course, is open every day that there is training. It is used extensively by family members of the Club, as well as guests on race day. Built by volunteer club help, the clubhouse provides meeting and socializing areas for racers and families, storage for equipment, equipment maintenance, and ski tuning facilities. “We appreciate the local businesses, such as Laconia Savings Bank, who have come forward to help our organization, which will in turn benefit our community.” stated Ruth Turner McLaughlin, President of Gunstock Ski Club. “This donation helps to ensure that we can continue to focus on our regular ski programs.”

Located at Gunstock Mountain resort, in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Gunstock Ski Club offers children and young adults ages 6-18 the opportunity to compete in an organized Alpine training and ski racing program. Originally chartered in 1918, the Gunstock Ski Club is the oldest organized ski club in New Hampshire. It is a parent managed, non-profit program designed to offer young skiers on-slope training, promoting individual as well as team competition.

For more information about the Gunstock Ski Club, visit www.gunstockskiclub.org.

Laconia Savings Bank, founded in 1831, provides deposit, lending and wealth management services to families and businesses throughout New Hampshire. With 19 community offices within the state and assets exceeding $1 billion, Laconia Savings Bank is the largest independent bank in New Hampshire. Because Laconia Savings Bank is a mutual organization, it doesn’t answer to stock holders and can focus on the success of its customers, communities and employees. Throughout its long history, Laconia Savings Bank continues to be a strong and stable financial organization. For more information, call 1-800-832-0912 or visit www.laconiasavings.com.