Service Credit Union achieves the highest rating in financial strength and stability

PORTSMOUTH (July 25, 2012) – Service Credit Union once again received an “A+” rating from the nation’s leading independent provider of ratings and analyses of financial services companies, mutual funds and stocks.

Weiss Rating’s “Excellent” rating recognizes Service Credit Union as an outstanding financial institution offering excellent financial stability for its more than 164,000 members.

Less than one percent of the nation's credit unions meet Weiss Ratings' criteria for exceptional financial strength and receive an A+ rating. According to a recent study by Weiss Ratings, only 774, or 10.7%, of U.S. credit unions were found to be strong or have a B+ rating or better.  Weiss Ratings monitors the financial strength of more than 19,000 financial institutions including 7,200 credit unions nationwide.

“Our members’ money is very safe and secure at Service Credit Union where our members have never lost a penny but have prospered through our wise savings and prudent, conservative investments and borrowings with Service Credit Union,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “We consistently achieve the highest rating for financial stability which clearly demonstrates our financial strength.”

Weiss Ratings is the nation’s leading independent provider of bank, credit union and insurance company financial strength ratings and sovereign debt ratings. Weiss accepts no payment or other compensation for its ratings from rated institutions. A press release from Weiss Ratings to Service Credit Union states “a company receiving our highest financial strength rating truly demonstrates itself to be among the industry’s elite.”

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 39 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 17 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union launches free person to person payment service

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (July 20, 2012) – Continuing to improve the online banking experience for its members, Service Credit Union recently launched Popmoney, a free person-to-person payment service.

Now available as part of the credit union's online funds transfer service, Popmoney lets Service Credit Union members send money to others by using an email address, mobile number or account number.  Funds can be transferred easily between accounts either at Service Credit Union or another financial institution.

This service eliminates the hassle of writing a check, having cash on hand, or going to an ATM. Once funds are confirmed, the recipient is notified that money is waiting for them with instructions on how to redeem the funds. Funds will then be electronically deposited to the account of the recipient.

“Popmoney provides state-of-the-art online functionality to move money from a Service Credit Union account to accounts here or at other financial institutions,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “Service Credit Union is proud to offer our members a fast, secure and easy way to send funds person to person free of charge.”

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 39 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 17 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union President/CEO receives ceremonial baton from Golden Knights

 PORTSMOUTH (July 3, 2012) – The United States Army Golden Knights Black Demonstration Team presented the ceremonial baton to Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons at Saturday’s performance of the 2012 Service Credit Union Boston-Portsmouth Air Show.

The Golden Knights, a U.S. Army show parachute team, performed a sky routine, all the while passing a ceremonial baton back and forth between two of the skydivers that was later handed off to Simmons.

After their parachutes landed, the Golden Knights were lined up on the tarmac and were introduced. Each member of the jump team was given a personal introduction and then introduced to their special guest, Simmons.

Service Credit Union was the title sponsor of the 2012 Service Credit Union Boston-Portsmouth Air Show featuring the Golden Knights and the United States Navy Blue Angels. This is the second consecutive year Service Credit Union has been the title sponsor of the air show.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 39 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 17 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Caption: Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons, right, receives the ceremonial baton from the U.S. Army Golden Knights Saturday.

Service Credit Union hosts Make-a-Wish children Friday for Air Show rehearsal

PORTSMOUTH (July 2, 2012) – Service Credit Union, the title sponsor of the Service Credit Union Boston-Portsmouth Air Show featuring the United States Navy Blue Angels, hosted special needs children and their families from a variety of service organizations including Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.

More than 50 children and their families from New Hampshire joined Service Credit Union volunteers in their chalet on the frontline of the air show Friday for a flight rehearsal starting in the early afternoon. Service Credit Union senior leadership were on hand to serve lunch and refreshments to the families.

“Service Credit Union takes a leadership role in supporting children in our communities,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “We are thrilled to have families from Make-a-Wish and other area agencies with us on Friday.”

Proceeds from the air show will help support two organizations, Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire and the Daniel Webster Council Boy Scouts of America, as well as a multitude of other New Hampshire nonprofit organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union announces new Assistant Vice President of Marketing

PORTSMOUTH, NH. (June 20, 2012) --- Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Lori Holmes as Assistant Vice President of Marketing. 

After joining the credit union in 2008 as a segmentation officer, Holmes served as Special Projects and Public Relations Manager in 2008 and was promoted to Marketing Manager in 2010. Holmes brought 25 years of public relations and journalism experience to Service Credit Union. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Journalism from the University of New Hampshire.

She will report directly to the Vice President of Marketing Karen Benedetti. Holmes will be responsible for assisting Benedetti in the everyday marketing activities and advertising, managing Ecommerce, overseeing corporate and departmental project completion, and managing social media and directing public relations. She will directly manage a staff of six.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 39 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 17 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union donates membership buttons to Air National Guard families

PORTSMOUTH, NH. (June 19, 2012) --- Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons and Executive Vice President William Newman will present 157^th Air Refueling Wing Family Program Coordinator Bonnie Rice with membership buttons to the Service Credit Union Movies Series and other events at the Prescott Park Arts Festival. These season passes will allow 100 guard family members to access all of these events at the park without being asked to pay a donation before entering any event. 

Service Credit Union is partnering with the Prescott Park Arts Festival to present the outdoor movie series on Monday nights.  Each Monday night, beginning July 2, 2012, through September, attendees can view some of the most popular and beloved films of all times in Prescott Park.

The series will feature movies played on a high-definition projector and movie screen, specifically designed for the projection of outdoor movies. Combined with the existing sound system utilized for concerts, the result is a high quality film screening experience for these military families to enjoy. 

“The Movies Series is proudly sponsored by Service Credit Union and we’re honored to help the military families enjoy these family events,” says Simmons. “Service Credit Union is dedicated to helping the military knowing their daily sacrifices they make for us and our country.”

To kick off the Service Credit Union Movie Series, the first film shown on July 2, will be “Top Gun.” The full schedule of the Service Credit Union Movie Series can be found online servicecu.org/movies.

“This is great opportunity for our airmen and their families to enjoy the local flavor,” says Rice. “It’s especially important for some of the airmen who can’t afford a night out. “

“Service Credit Union has a long history of helping the military especially those at Pease,” says Newman. “We are honored to donate 100 passes to the Prescott Park Movie Series to 157^th Air Refueling Wing. These guardsmen make sacrifices to help protect our great country.”

The Service Credit Union Movie Series will be offered with no fixed admission, as with all events offered by Prescott Park Arts Festival, with a suggested donation of $5 to $10.

“We are thrilled and honored to partner with Service Credit Union in donating membership buttons to the Air National Guard,” says Ben Anderson, Prescott Park Arts Festival’s Executive Director. “Bringing theater, music, movies, and summer fun to the wider community is extremely important to us. We are so pleased to be given this opportunity to give back to the families of those who serve our county proudly.”

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 39 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 17 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Caption (2): Service Credit Union Executive Vice President William Newman presents 157^th Air Refueling Wing Family Program Coordinator Bonnie Rice with membership buttons to the Service Credit Union Movies Series and other events at the Prescott Park Arts Festival. Prescott Park Arts Festival’s Executive Director Ben Anderson, right, looks on.

Service Credit Union introduces ServicePoint, its first self-service branch

PORTSMOUTH, NH. (June 7, 2012) --- Service Credit Union recently opened its first self-service branch with 24/7 access for both military members and nonmembers. ServicePoint is located at the Kapaun Air Station in Kaiserslautern, Germany, near the Service Credit Union Overseas Contact Center.

Members can perform nearly all banking functions at ServicePoint including account access, transfers, withdrawals, U.S. check deposits, loan payments and account opening through an extensive online platform and cash services through two shared branching kiosks. Members and nonmembers can use the kiosks to transfer and deposit funds between participating credit unions in the shared branching network. The kiosks are capable of accepting cash and check deposits.

Euro check deposits and issuances, money orders and currency exchanges will still need to be performed at the 16 other traditional Service Credit Union branches in Germany.

Although ServicePoint is a full self-service branch in a safe and secure environment, 24/7 assistance will be provided to help members with any ServicePoint functions. Members will be able to ask questions and get assistance with the two self-serve kiosks with 24/7 Live Person Service.

“Providing members with this best of class convenience and access allows them to bank when they want, as quickly and efficiently as possible,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “Service Credit Union continually focuses on the adoption of state-of-art technology coupled with exceptional member service.”

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 39 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 17 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union will hold drawings for eight thrill jet rides

PORTSMOUTH (May 22, 2012) – Service Credit Union is currently holding drawings for eight thrill rides aboard a high performance jet to take place days before the Service Credit Union Boston-Portsmouth Air Show. The sweepstakes ends June 21st.

To enter to win the thrill ride visit any of Service Credit Union’s New Hampshire branches or by send a postcard to Service Credit Union Marketing Department, Jet Aircraft Thrill Ride Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 1268, Portsmouth, NH 03802. Winners will be announced the week of June 25th. Official rules for entering are available at servicecu.org/thrillride.

As the title sponsor of the air show featuring the United States Navy Blue Angels, Service Credit Union will host members with direct deposit in a V.I.P. tent directly on the flight line for the air show June 30th and July 1st.  The exclusive V.I.P. ticket offer begins at all New Hampshire branches May 15th and any member with direct deposit will receive up to four free tickets to the air show and be admitted into the Service Credit Union’s V.I.P. tent where a free lunch will be served.  Other discounted air show general admission tickets will be on sale at the branches for members and the military.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union to give free 2012 Boston-Portsmouth Air Show tickets to members with direct deposit

PORTSMOUTH (May 8, 2012) – Service Credit Union returns as the title sponsor of the Service Credit Union Boston-Portsmouth Air Show featuring the United States Navy Blue Angels.  A robust lineup of special events is planned for the week culminating in the credit union hosting its members in a V.I.P. tent directly on the flight line for the air show June 30^th and July 1^st.

The exclusive ticket offer begins at all New Hampshire branches May 15^th and any member with direct deposit can receive up to four free tickets to the air show and be admitted into Service Credit Union’s V.I.P. tent where a free lunch will be served.  Other discounted air show general admission tickets will be on sale at the branches for members and the military.

“Service Credit Union takes a leadership role in supporting our communities,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “We are thrilled to sponsor the Boston-Portsmouth Air Show at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease. It is especially appropriate since Service Credit Union was established in 1957 at Pease Air Force Base. It brings Service Credit Union back to its roots.”

Proceeds from the air show will help support two organizations, Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire and the Daniel Webster Council Boy Scouts of America, as well as a multitude of other New Hampshire nonprofit organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The contribution to the Brain Injury Association will assist the state organization in developing programs to heighten public awareness regarding safety and prevention and to further develop current support and resource programs for survivors and their families of brain injuries. The Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire is a private, non-profit, family and consumer run organization representing over 5,000 New Hampshire residents with acquired brain disorders and stroke. The BIANH was founded in 1983 by New Hampshire parents seeking to bring home their brain injured children from out of state nursing homes.

The Daniel Webster Council Boy Scouts of America serves more than 16,000 youth throughout New Hampshire with programs that build character, teach citizenship, and encourage physical fitness. Over 5,000 adult volunteers support Scouting programs in the state, and local groups contribute hundreds of thousands of “good turn” service hours in their communities annually.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union launches new online rewards program

Service Credit Union recently introduced a new online rewards program for debit card use, called Purchase Rewards, as part of their new online banking redesign.

The Purchase Rewards program lets members earn rewards by using their Service Credit Union debit card to purchase merchandise and services. Through this free program, members receive targeted offers to receive rewards on purchases based on members’ shopping history and spending patterns.

There is no limit to the rewards they can earn and there is no need for coupons. Members’ rewards will be automatically deposited to their checking account the month after they redeem the offer.

These personalized offers are made securely as no private information is passed outside Service Credit Union to another party. Offers can be redeemed through purchases, made online or at the retail location.

“As members migrate to online channels, Service Credit Union answers quickly with convenience services like Purchase Rewards,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “We are quick to invest in technology, providing members with these reward benefits.”

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union reaches $2 billion asset mark

Service Credit Union reported that total assets surpassed $2 billion earlier this year along with a record-high worldwide membership of more than 164,000.

Service Credit Union opened its first branch location in January 1957 on Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. At that time, eight men signed an agreement to establish a credit union to provide affordable financial services and credit to the soldiers and their families stationed on base.

Since that time, Service Credit Union’s mission has remained the same. Being a member-owned cooperative means profits are returned to the members in the form of higher deposit and lower loan rates.

Most of the credit union's growth was achieved over the past 18 years. During that time, assets grew from $282 million to the current level of $2.08 billion, or more than 600% increase in just under two decades. This exceptional growth was fueled by both strong member loan and deposit demand along with Service Credit Union offerings of state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled 24/7 Live Person Service.

“Growth like we have experienced is only possible with the support of our loyal members, who continue to believe in what Service Credit Union has come to stand for, that is, exceptional product and service delivery. Our members continue to spread the word throughout the communities we serve, and we thank them for their support,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “Our volunteer Board of Directors and other committee volunteers have also had a tremendous impact on shaping the credit union's growth, and I am truly grateful for all their efforts. The focus of our credit union's staff has been that of commitment and rendering exceptional member service.”

Simmons also credited the credit union’s philosophy of focusing on people, not profit. “We maintain the focus that each member is a person, not a number, and each member’s needs are unique,” added Simmons.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union donates to the Rochester Child Care Center

Service Credit Union Chief Financial Officer Scott Wensley, far left, stands with children of the Rochester Community Center and the Executive Director Christiane Casserly.

For more than a decade, Service Credit Union has contributed to the Rochester Child Care Center, this year the credit union donated $1,000.

Service Credit Union Chief Financial Officer Scott Wensley recently presented the check to Rochester Child Care Center Executive Director Christiane Casserly. Approximately 300 children, from six months to school age,  attend the Rochester non-profit facility.

“We are thrilled to have received this donation from Service Credit Union,” Casserly said. “These funds will help us provide better services to the children here in the center.”

“Service Credit Union and the Rochester Child Care Center share a common goal of supporting the children in our community,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “We are proud to help the families in this city where we have two branches and a 24/7 Contact Center.”

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members.  With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union announces two AVPs for Member Services

Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons is pleased to announce the recent appointments of Matt Beaulieu and Richard Martell as Assistant Vice Presidents of Member Services.

Martell, a retired colonel, comes to Service Credit Union after having a distinguished career in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard. He most recently served as Chief of the Joint Staff for the New Hampshire National Guard.

His experience includes being the former Wing Commander of the Pease Air National Guard base in Portsmouth where he was responsible for budgeting, human resources, training and strategic planning. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a Mathematics specialty from the University of Maine.

Beaulieu brings 11 years credit union industry experience to Service Credit Union. He most recently served as Director of Operations and Facilities at Holy Rosary Credit Union in Rochester, N.H.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and is a graduate of CUNA Management School, Madison, Wisconsin. He is currently attending Southern New Hampshire University working on his Master’s Degree.

Both Martell and Beaulieu will be responsible for branch administration for Service Credit Union stateside branches. They will report directly to the Vice President of Member Services Dan Clarke.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online 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 $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union announces loans, shares and assets at outstanding levels for 2011

Service Credit Union once again reported outstanding results for another year of exceptional growth during its 55th Annual Meeting Thursday, March 29th at the Frank Jones Center in Portsmouth.

The credit union’s exemplary 24/7 live person service, state-of-the-art technology delivery, philosophy of exceeding members’ service expectations, vision and sound management are among the top reasons for consistent record-breaking growth year after year despite an unsettled economy.

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, the keynote speaker at the event, praised Service Credit Union for outstanding corporate citizenship and giving back to the state.

"I can't think of another company who has been more helpful to the state since I've been governor than Service Credit Union," Lynch said. “Service Credit Union is one of the biggest reasons why New Hampshire is so special.”

Lynch cited the leadership of Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons for creating an organization which cares about its communities, members and employees. Whenever a natural disaster hits the state, the first phone call is from Service Credit Union, according to Lynch.

In addition, other speakers, Defense Credit Union Council President/CEO Roland A. "Arty" Arteaga, Portsmouth Mayor Eric Spear and New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts Credit Union Leagues President Dan Egan, New Hampshire Banking Commissioner Ronald Wilbur and 157th Air Refueling Wing Commander Colonel Paul Hutchinson spoke to close to 300 members attending the annual meeting. Also in attendance was Brig. Gen. and Air National Guard Commander Carolyn Protzmann.

“Service Credit Union is the best in financial service and financial education for military members,” said Hutchinson. “Service Credit Union is a great model for success and we appreciate their efforts. They provide substantial support for the New Hampshire National Guard.”

Wilbur commented that more than 100 banks have failed and about 25 credit unions, while Service Credit Union has grown membership, increase their loan portfolio and assets.

Arteaga and Egan also commended Service Credit Union for their philanthropic efforts and growth.

The credit union’s assets, loans and shares reached unprecedented levels, and Service Credit Union paid out $15.2 million in dividends to its members. The loans outstanding were at their highest level in history for the credit union. Service Credit Union’s loan portfolio was at a record-high $1.3 billion while assets reached an all-time high of $1.9 billion.

New Hampshire credit unions as a whole saved consumers $56 million through lower rates on loans, better rates on savings and lower fees on accounts. That amounts to $293 per member household or $154 per member and 38% of the citizens of New Hampshire belong to credit unions.

A simple example of the credit union savings can be seen when comparing new auto loan rates. The average auto rate at credit union rates were more than 2.5% lower among all credit unions and 2.75% lower on loans at Service Credit Union than the average rate at a bank.

The largest credit union in New Hampshire, Service Credit Union also saw its membership increase to more than 161,000 in 2011. The credit union expanded its market in New Hampshire with an in-store branch in Concord and two traditional branches in Exeter and Hampton. Service Credit Union introduced several new products in 2011 including mobile apps with remote check deposit for the iPhone and Android, FinanceWorks, SMS text messaging and expanded E-statement access.

“In 2011, we realized record growth once again which allowed us to deliver to our member what they want when they want it, as quickly and efficiently as possible with little effort expected of them,” says Simmons. “This growth gives us the important opportunity to invest in convenience services and additional access points for our members. We have expanded our 24/7 banking to mobile apps, text messaging and remote deposit from your iPhone or Android cell phone.”

Service Credit Union originated right here in Portsmouth in 1957 by members who pooled their resources to benefit each other. Members’ resources are still pooled together for lower loan rates. Service Credit Union will continue to better serve the local communities and members as well as members worldwide through its new facility.

Spear commented that Service Credit Union “leads by example with a LEED-certified building” and have an economic goal to create wealth locally.

McGeorge named Vice President of Finance at Service Credit Union

Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Andrew McGeorge as Vice President of Finance at the credit union.

McGeorge will be responsible for investments, financial reporting, asset/liability management and overseeing accounting and share draft departments. He will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer, Scott Wensley.

McGeorge comes to Service Credit Union from CNBS, LLC of Overland Park, Kansas where he was a Senior Portfolio Strategist. His duties included serving as Service Credit Union’s advisor for matters relating to investment portfolio management and ALM. Prior to his employment at CNBS, McGeorge was an Associate Director at Barclays Capital.

A native of Kansas, McGeorge is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. He also holds a Masters of Science from Northwestern University in Materials Science and Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

“Mr. McGeorge will be a solid addition to our senior management team,” says Simmons. “He brings an exceptional finance background to an already strong team at Service Credit Union.”

Service Credit Union holds Concord Grand Opening

Service Credit Union celebrated the opening of its 38th branch worldwide, 21st in New Hampshire and 8th inside Walmart stores on February 2nd.

The new full-service banking institution with a deposit-taking ATM is located on 344 Loudon Road in Concord inside Walmart. The Concord branch opened in the latter part of 2011.

“This expansion would not have been possible without the support of the business leaders and residents of the Concord community,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “Convenience is important to members and this new location provides them with easy access.”

At the Grand Opening, Simmons acknowledged the storied history of New Hampshire’s capital city and thanked the community for welcoming Service Credit Union.

“Concord’s new location enhances Service Credit Union’s footprint of unparalleled financial services and convenience Service Credit Union currently provides,” Simmons added.

The full-service branch offers complete banking services, mortgages, consumer loans, and a full-service ATM. The hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Service Credit Union has a long history in New Hampshire. In 1957, a group of eight men signed an agreement to establish Portsmouth Air Force Base Federal Credit Union, which eventually became Service Credit Union. The credit union has grown tremendously through the years including the addition of three other New Hampshire branch locations in 2011.

Service Credit Union offers enhanced products and services, such as surcharge-free ATMs, free ATMs, free debit card usage, getting paid up to two days early, instantly-issued Visa® Credit and Debit Cards, loan discounts, low auto loan rate guarantee, shared branching and 7-day banking at all Walmart locations. Plus, members can enjoy a comprehensive suite of online services including bill pay, mobile web banking, apps for the iPhone and Android, SMS text messaging, an online financial management system and online TurboTax products.

Service Credit Union Achieves the Highest Rating in Financial Strength and Stability

Service Credit Union once again received an “A+” rating from the nation’s leading independent provider of ratings and analyses of financial services companies, mutual funds and stocks.

Weiss Rating’s “Excellent” rating recognizes Service Credit Union as an outstanding financial institution offering excellent financial stability for its more than 160,000 members.

Less than one percent of the nation's credit unions meet Weiss Ratings' criteria for exceptional financial strength and receive an A+ rating. According to a recent study by Weiss Ratings, only 774, or 10.7%, of U.S. credit unions were found to be strong or have a B+ rating or better. Weiss Ratings monitors the financial strength of more than 7,200 credit unions nationwide.

“Our members’ money is very safe and secure at Service Credit Union where our members have never lost a penny but have prospered through our wise savings and prudent, conservative investments and borrowings with Service Credit Union,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “We consistently achieve the highest rating for financial stability which clearly demonstrates our financial strength.”

Weiss Ratings is the nation’s leading independent provider of bank, credit union and insurance company financial strength ratings and sovereign debt ratings. Weiss accepts no payment or other compensation for its ratings from rated institutions.

SCU’s ATM Surcharges & ISA Fee Rebates Save Members more than $800 a year

Service Credit Union has rolled out an improved ATM surcharge and Visa ISA fee refund program benefiting many more account holders, essentially making all ATMs worldwide withdrawals free. All that is needed is to benefit is to maintain a positive balance in all Service CU accounts in any amount and send a direct deposit of total net pay to Service Credit Union.

With this new feature, members can save more than $800 annually in Visa ISA fees, ATM surcharges and fees, totaling $2.5 million annually for the entire Service Credit Union membership.

Service Credit Union will rebate Visa ISA (International Service Assessment) fees on debit and credit cards combined up to $20 per month. Visa assess a 1% ISA fee on the face value of any foreign transaction, including ATM withdraws and purchased of goods and services worldwide. Also, any ATM surcharge from other financial institutions will be refunded up to a total of $20 a month. Service Credit Union also increased the number of free withdrawals from non-SCU ATMs from 10 to 20 per month saving members up to an additional $30 monthly.

“Anticipating and serving the financial needs of our member remains at the core of each of our products and services,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “It is obvious that consumers do not want to pay fees. The ISA rebate is a way to help save money for our mobile members who make purchases in foreign countries. Our mobile members and their families face unique financial challenges and this is one way of their credit union assisting them.”

Members do not need to provide any ISA or ATM receipts or paperwork, rebates are applied automatically. Refunds are applied to the member’s account the first business day of the following month.

“We take pride in giving back to our membership, not just with lower loan rates and higher deposit rates, but with free Visa ISAs, surcharge-free ATMs and free ATMs,” added Simmons.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 38 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 $1.9 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union’s toy donations help children in need

Service Credit Union Wish Trees were in full bloom at 20 branch locations in New Hampshire and online at servicecu.org.

This holiday season, Service Credit Union and its members made the season brighter for hundreds of children statewide by donating more than 425 gifts to Salvation Armies and New Hampshire community organizations during the credit union’s wish tree campaign. In addition, Service Credit Union stepped up in a time of dire need for Toy for Tots, contributing $1,000 worth of toys and a $4,000 monetary donation recently at a special toy drive for the organization.

“So many families in our New Hampshire communities struggle just to provide the necessities to their children. We wanted to make sure that these children had a Christmas to remember with enthusiasm,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union.

Beginning in late November, members stopped by any New Hampshire branch and picked an ornament off the Wish Tree. Each ornament had the gender, age and wish of the child. Service Credit Union members could also pick a wish from the Wish Tree online. Service Credit Union came forward to purchase the gifts for many wishes as well.

Service Credit Union Donates to N.H. Food Bank for the Sixth Consecutive Year

With New Hampshire Food Bank preparing to feed thousands for the holidays, Service Credit Union has once again stepped up with a substantial contribution.

Barbara Roberge, Service Credit Union Board of Directors Vice Chairwoman, presented a check for $15,000 to N.H. Food Bank Director Melanie Gosselin Tuesday, November 22^nd to help keep the shelves well stocked.

“Service Credit Union has been a tremendous supporter for many years,” Gosselin said. “This donation in particular comes at a time when we really need it. This has been an amazing partnership throughout the years.”

This is the sixth consecutive year that Service Credit Union has made a significant donation to the food bank to help the agency during its critical times of need. In addition, Service Credit Union delivered non-perishable items weighing more than 1,500 pounds which were collected during the credit union’s Food for Families canned food drive, to the food bank. Service Credit Union branches from across the state participated in the campaign.

“Service Credit Union has been serving New Hampshire for more than 50 years and strives to be a leader in corporate citizenship,” said Roberge. “This donation embodies the credit union philosophy of people helping people. Service Credit Union is honored to help The New Hampshire Food Bank fulfill their mission of helping the less fortunate in our communities and supplying food to local food banks.”

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 38 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 $1.9 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.