SCARBOROUGH, Maine–Town & Country FCU said it has added a new element to its “Local Helping Local” initiative aimed at supporting local businesses, while also rewarding current and new members.
Rather than provide the usual cash incentive for referrals, Town & Country’s new program, “Local Referring Local,” offers existing members who refer new members a gift card to a local business of their choice in Cumberland or York county, and the new member who was referred receives the same option.
The $480-million T&C FCU said its priority remains supporting local businesses and highlighting the ongoing need to do so.
“Our commitment to the local community, where we live and our members live, is strong and Local Referring Local reinforces that,” said President/CEO David Libby. “We wanted to create something that would benefit multiple constituencies and make sure the financial benefits stay local and support local and we have accomplished that objective with this initiative.”
‘Incredible’ Response
Added Jon Paradise, SVP-communications, marketing and community outreach, “The impact that ‘Local Helping Local’ has provided since we launched it days after the start of the pandemic in March 2020 has been incredible. We have heard from so many local businesses, organizations and individuals grateful for the support they have received through this effort. From purchasing gift cards to hundreds of local businesses to encourage local support and providing thousands of dollars in financial support to non-profits and community organizations to deferring thousands of loans for members going through difficult financial times as a result of COVID and delivering hundreds of meals to frontline healthcare workers on multiple occasions, Town & Country is proud of the support and awareness we have provided.”
Paradise added the new initiative is an opportunity to thank current members, welcome new members and support local businesses, many of which continue to struggle. He noted that since March 2020, Town & Country has provided more than $200,000 in direct financial support to local businesses and non-profits, in addition to helping and working with thousands of members at the same time.