PORTSMOUTH, N.H. –Service Credit Union marked its 60th anniversary by reporting record numbers in membership and assets during its annual meeting.
Nearly 300 members attended the meeting, which featured Portsmouth Mayor John Blalock, Col. James Ryan of the NH Air National Guard, NH Banking Commissioner Gerald Little, and Defense Credit Union Council President Roland “Arty” Arteaga as guest speakers.
“The relationship between Portsmouth and Service Credit Union is very important,” said Mayor Blalock. “Service Credit Union excels at corporate citizenship for their support on non-profits and veterans which other businesses can learn from.”
Col. Ryan, Commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base, compared the credit union to the KC-135 Stratotanker, which is also 60 years old. “Both persevered to win the test of time,” he said. “They earned a lasting reputation of true service. Service Credit Union makes a better tomorrow for all of our servicemen.”
Service Credit Union’s assets and member numbers reached unprecedented levels in 2016, and the credit union paid out $17.6 million in dividends to its members. Its loan portfolio reached $2.41 billion and share capital also increased to $2.45 billion.
“Our commitment to our members is a significant component of Service Credit Union’s mission. We pride ourselves on helping our members and the communities in which they live,” said David Hanchett, Chairman of the Service Credit Union Board of Directors.
The credit union also recognized two long-time volunteers who retired at the end of the 2016 with crystal awards. Barbara Roberge served as a volunteer for 17 years, a majority of that time on the Board of Directors. Ronald Smith has served on the Supervisory Committee since 2010 and previously held a seat on the Credit Committee.
Daniel Egan and Susan Desjardins won election to the board. Egan previously served as president of the New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Credit Union Leagues for more than 30 years and is a 2016 Herb Wegner Memorial Award recipient, the credit union industry’s highest individual honor. Desjardins, a retired Major General in the United States Air Force, was a member of the first class at the Air Force Academy to admit women, graduating in 1980 and later became the academy's first female commandant. She has accumulated close to 4,000 flying hours during her 32-year Air Force career.
At right, Board Chair David Hanchett recognizes long-time volunteer Barbara Roberge with a crystal award.