MANCHESTER, N.H.–St. Mary’s Bank has received the 2020 Credit Union of the Year Award from award from the New Hampshire District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration as the leading New Hampshire credit union underwriting the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
“We are thrilled at the recognition for our work in supporting local businesses and nonprofits, many of whom serve the underserved,” said Kyle Schneck, SVP/director of Commercial Banking.
In total, St. Mary’s Bank assisted 734 small businesses, including 125 nonprofits, with a PPP loan, which in turn supported more than 6,125 employees. “We treated every loan request, no matter the size, with the same sense of urgency and care,” he added.
Keri Levesque, owner of Michael Thomas Salon, called the staff at St. Mary’s Bank “reassuring, compassionate, and helpful.”
“When I received the news that my salon was able to receive PPP funds, I was finally able to take a deep breath,” she said.
According to Schneck, St. Mary’s Bank also extended its services to non-member business entities, which became members during the PPP application loan process.
“We felt it was our fiduciary responsibility to open our doors to non-member requests,” he said. “We knew these were businesses that were struggling and unable to get a loan through their primary bank.
“If and when Congress approves the proposed legislation, St. Mary’s will be willing and ready to support any qualifying small businesses and nonprofits with a PPP loan,” he said. “We are prepared to support our community.”