BIDDEFORD, ME–Biddeford Savings, a Division of Maine Community Bank, recently hired Marjorie McAvoy as assistant vice president, branch manager of the branch location in Scarborough.

McAvoy comes to Biddeford Savings from Androscoggin Bank, bringing over 15 years of experience in the banking industry. In her new role as branch manager, she is responsible for client relationship building, service, and employee development while adhering to compliance and operational risk control. She has a reputation for mentoring and supporting her team to grow to their full potential while providing excellent customer service.

McAvoy earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Business Management from Southern New Hampshire. She serves as a council member for the Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance. She is involved in the community as a Junior Achievement volunteer and also spends time helping out at the Gray Food Pantry. McAvoy enjoys spending her free time sailing, swimming, and hiking with her family.

Gender roles in bank leadership have traditionally been dominated by men, even though nearly half of bank employees are female. Maine banks, including Maine Community Bank, are working to close the gender gap by diversifying their boards of directors and their leadership teams. We are very fortunate to work for a bank that prioritizes gender equality and to have a leader who is one of only two female bank CEOs in the state.

Our President & CEO, Jeanne Hulit, recently spoke with MaineBiz about the importance of diversifying bank boards and leadership in Maine.

Read the article from Mainebiz

Maine Community Bank’s own Abi Arsenault, Residential Loan Officer, and Christopher Madura, Customer Service Representative, spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine’s Vivien Leigh about how low mortgage rates are driving homebuying and refinancing activity in Maine, from the perspective of a mortgage lender and a new homeowner:

Refinance and mortgage loans booming in Maine | newscentermaine.com

Seen as Economic Boost to Community

Maine Community Bank Ground Breaking from City of Westbrook, Maine on Vimeo

October 7, 2020—Biddeford, Maine—Shovels will dig out dirt, in unison, on October 7 at the site of what will be a state-of-the-art operations center for Maine Community Bank on Larrabee Road in Westbrook.  The 23,000 square foot, three-story building will serve as a full-service branch and an operations center for the bank. Maine Community Bank is the result of the merger between Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings bank this past January.

“This expansion into Westbrook is intentional.  It is a bridge between the communities of Biddeford and Lewiston Auburn where many of our employees work and live,” explained Maine Community Bank’s Jeanne Hulit, CEO and President.  “Employees from both regions will have a similar, very easy commute.   Bringing our operation team together under one roof allows us to retain as much of our workforce as possible and build a strong team culture.”  The bank will continue its presence in its Biddeford Savings and Mechanic Savings divisions facilities.

The project involves the redevelopment of a parking lot and an old metal building into an attractive, energy efficient building featuring state of the art air filtration systems and spaces designed for social distanced business operations.  The building’s architecture and materials reference back to the adjacent Quarry that is the new Rock Row Development and to the mill history that is shared among Westbrook, Biddeford and Lewiston/Auburn.

“We are very excited to welcome Maine Community Bank into Westbrook,” Mayor Michael Foley said. “This project and expansion represent a confidence and commitment that has been in short supply since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  From construction to opening day, the center will bring jobs to the area and inject an energetic spirit plus a boost to local businesses.”

The building was designed by Archetype Architects with Wright-Ryan as the general contractor.  Subcontractors include Pine State Services, a client of the bank.  “We couldn’t be prouder to be part of this,” said Sam Marcisso, owner of Pine State Services.  “Maine Community Bank was there for us from the beginning of the pandemic, which made a huge difference during these uncertain times. We are very grateful for this partnership.”

About Maine Community Bank

Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings have been financial partners to the people of Southern and Central Maine for the past 150 years. To help carry their commitment to the communities they serve, the two banks merged on January 1, 2020, becoming divisions of Maine Community Bank. The merger expands the lending capacity, product offerings, and branch service area, while keeping all decision making at the local level. Maine Community Bank has branches in Auburn, Biddeford, Brunswick, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Scarborough, Waterboro, and Windham.

1 in 7 Mainers is food insecure; 1 in 5 Children in Maine don’t have enough to eat

Biddeford, Maine—September 28, 2020—In an unprecedented time of need, the newly formed Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Charitable Foundation is pledging funds to assist food insecure and homeless children and adults in Maine.  The Foundation has approved a three-year commitment of $8000 for a total of $24,000 to the Lewiston Schools Homeless Youth program.  Additionally, the Foundation approved $5000 to support the Good Shepherd Food Bank this year.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 13.6 % of Maine households are food insecure, a rate that exceeds the national average of 11.7%.  Food insecurity occurs alongside homelessness in Lewiston where an estimated 3.6% of the total population of children in Lewiston public schools are considered homeless.  Of the 199 homeless youth in grades PreK-12, 111 students were enrolled in PreK-6th grade, 19 were enrolled in Lewiston Middle School and 69 students were enrolled in Lewiston High School.

“It is difficult to believe the enormity of the hunger and homelessness issues in southern Maine,” said Jeanne Hulit, CEO and President of Maine Community Bank, the parent company of the Foundation. “This is something happening right in the communities we serve and is something we cannot turn a blind eye to.  Through our newly formed Foundation, we are finding specific ways to help.”

The Foundation’s total commitment of $24,000 over three years to the Lewiston Schools Homeless Youth program will go directly to the purchase of a new van.  The van will be used to reach more children in crisis, more families who need help getting food and supplies, and getting to medical appointments, plus assisting in finding housing.

The Foundation is also supporting the Good Shepherd Food Bank which distributes millions of pounds of food to food pantries, meal sites, shelters, senior centers, and schools in all of Maine’s 16 counties. With distribution centers in Auburn and Hampden, Good Shepherd provides nourishing food to a growing number of Mainers who are food insecure.  Good Shepherd is working to find long-term solutions to hunger by engaging in advocacy, research, and strategic initiatives to create a hunger-free Maine.

“What Good Shepherd does have been amplified during the COVID-19 crisis,” explained Wayne Sherman, Chair of the Foundation.  “The Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Foundation is focused on supporting families and individuals who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic, by lay-offs and the downturned economy.  Many people are struggling.  We see that, understand that and are doing something about it.”

The Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Charitable Foundation was created in July and is structured to give back to the communities in a larger, more enduring way. The Foundation’s mission is to help individuals and families in the bank’s local communities meet their basic needs and achieve financial empowerment.

July 22, 2020 – BIDDEFORD, ME– Biddeford Savings, a Division of Maine Community Bank, recently hired Jennifer Sirois as vice president, commercial loan officer III based out of the Business Banking Center in Biddeford.

Sirois comes to Biddeford Savings from TD Bank, bringing over 20 years of banking experience, including over 15 years in commercial lending. In her new role on the Biddeford Savings business banking team, she is responsible for maintaining and growing a portfolio of commercial loans and relationships centered around the southern Maine market area.

Sirois earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire and her Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University. She serves on the board of directors for Risk Management Association.  She is also heavily involved in local schools, is the co-chair of Friends of Thornton Academy Middle School, and serves as treasurer of Hoops for Hope, a non-profit based in Saco. Sirois is a lifelong resident of Saco, where she resides with her husband and two daughters.

Focus on COVID19 Relief and Inequality Issues among Youth 

Biddeford, Maine—July 21, 2020—Maine Community Bank President and CEO Jeanne Hulit announced Wednesday the bank, and its Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings divisions, has created a charitable foundation to unite and support the communities they serve.  “Both Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings have been strong community supporters for generations. The Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Charitable Foundation is structured to give back to the communities in a larger, more enduring way,” Hulit explained.

“I am very pleased that the bank has chosen to create the Biddeford and Mechanics Savings Charitable Foundation. The two founding banks have long histories of serving their communities and donating time and resources,” noted Wayne Sherman, newly named Chair of the Foundation. “In this unprecedented time of need, it is appropriate for the combined bank to take a leadership role in supporting the communities they serve. This Foundation shows Maine Community Bank’s commitment to meet those needs.”

The Foundation’s mission is to help individuals and families in the bank’s local communities meet their basic needs and achieve financial empowerment.

In support of this long-term mission, the Foundation will concentrate on two immediate goals.  The first is to provide support to families and individuals in our communities who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19.  The COVID-19 Relief Fund will concentrate on health, housing, and hunger.

The second goal is helping the next generation overcome issues of inequality and build unity across lines of differences in our communities.  The Foundation has identified two programs that support our youth by providing safe spaces and encouraging acceptance of diversity in their areas: Tree Street Youth Center in Lewiston and the Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) in Biddeford. The Foundation awarded $5,000 to each organization to support their work with youth in diverse populations.

Julia Sleeper, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Tree Street Youth said Mechanics Savings has long been a supporter of the work of Tree Street and that the $5,000 comes at a critical time. “COVID has changed everything for us.  We work primarily with new Americans. These are kids who arrive as asylum seekers or refugees.” Sleeper explained.  “Our program gives them not only a safe place to go, but an opportunity to expand their minds and express themselves through academics, arts, and sports.”

Michael Forst, Director of The Maine Youth Action Network in Biddeford, a program of Opportunity Alliance, says the $5,000 is a huge boost for a new project at Biddeford High School.   “This commitment will help us launch two important programs:  racial equity and suicide prevention.  These are two big concerns during troubling times,” Forst said.  “If we want to see solid, positive change in our communities, we must begin with our young people.  We appreciate that Biddeford Savings not only understands this but is doing something about it.”

 

 

June 22, 2020 – BIDDEFORD, ME – Maine Community Bank, through its divisions Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings, has pledged to support local small businesses hit hard from the COVID19 pandemic through a gift card campaign.

Beginning Monday, businesses in Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach, Waterboro, Kennebunk, Auburn, Lewiston, and Brunswick will be handing out $10 gift cards to customers all week.  The cards, furnished by the banks, can be used at the businesses (see list below), allowing customers to help local businesses come back from the devastating economic impact of the COVID19 shutdown.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy and are extremely important to Maine Community Bank,” Jeanne Hulit, CEO and President of Maine Community Bank explained.  “We have been working with them closely to ensure they can remain open.  It is important that the community rallies around them to help them get back on their collective feet.”

“Reilly’s Bakery has been a customer of Biddeford Savings for at least three generations. Their consistent generosity with supporting small businesses like ours and their personal relations with us is unfailingly extraordinary,” said Elizabeth Hussey, 4th generation owner of Reilly’s Bakery in Biddeford. “The Share the Kindness campaign is just one shining example of their commitment to the local community. We can’t wait to treat our valued customers with their gift card, courtesy of the bank, giving them an excuse to come by again soon.”

The Biddeford Savings businesses include:

• Reilly’s Bakery, Biddeford
• Firehouse Subs, Biddeford
• Dickinson’s Candy, Old Orchard Beach
• Woody’s Sports Grille, Waterboro
• Ryan’s Corner House, Kennebunk

The Mechanics Savings businesses include:

• The Village Inn, Auburn
• EllieAnna Gift Shop, Lewiston
• The Beacon Pizza, Windham
• Scarlet Begonia’s and Byrne’s Irish Pub, Brunswick.

“We appreciate all the support, it is always great to see a business pay it forward and support each other,” said Patrick Byrnes, general manager of Byrne’s Irish Pub in Brunswick. “Thank you Mechanics Savings.”

“It is our hope that the gift cards will help drive customers in to help increase business and support the community,” Maine Community Bank board member Jeff Worthing said.  “We are proud of these businesses, many which have suffered greatly, and want to support them however we can.”

In total, $4,500 in gift cards will be distributed to customers between June 22-26.

BIDDEFORD AND AUBURN, ME – April 13, 2020 – To answer a growing need for food and sustenance, Maine Community Bank and its divisions, Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings, has contributed $20,000 to food pantries in each of their branch communities.

“At a time when schools are closed and unemployment is on the rise, we wanted to ensure that our food pantries are able to continue providing nutritious food to individuals and families in need,” said Jeanne Hulit, President and CEO of Maine Community Bank. “We want our customers and our communities to know that Maine Community Bank is always here to support you, no matter what the circumstances may be.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, food pantries have reported critical needs and increased demands for help.  These issues have surfaced as many are unexpectedly experiencing a reduction or complete loss of income during the current economic crisis.

The following food pantries each received a $2,000 donation from Maine Community Bank to purchase food and other nonperishable goods: Biddeford Food Pantry in Biddeford, Community Outreach Services in Kennebunk, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in Brunswick, Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston, Saco Food Pantry in Saco, St. Mary’s Nutrition Center in Lewiston, Scarborough Food Pantry in Scarborough, Seeds of Hope in Biddeford, Windham Food Pantry and Clothes Closet in Windham, and Waterboro Food Pantry in Waterboro.

Maine Community Bank also joined forces with Maine Bankers Association and 33 other Maine banks to collectively raise $61,000 in less than 8 hours for the #LetsFeedME initiative. The funds were distributed to food pantries in every Maine county.

March 26, 2020 – PORTLAND, ME – Members of the Maine Immigrant Prosperity Network (MIPN) and ProsperityME met via zoom
on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 to discuss how to best support the immigrant community during the health crisis presented by coronavirus. Maine Community Bank and its divisions, Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings, are among the founding members of MIPN.

ProsperityME and MIPN members consider the health and well-being of the community our highest priority. We also recognize in this time of uncertainty that the financial and economic well-being of our students, clients, and members is also of critical importance. The temporary closure of “nonessential” businesses and adoption of “social distancing” – essential public health measures taken to slow the spread of the virus – have already begun to impact our economy. We want to help lessen the financial impact of the virus on our immigrant members any way we can.

In that spirit of support, MIPN is committed to helping the immigrant community conduct “business as usual” as much as possible. Please know that banks, credit unions and insurance companies are considered essential services and will remain open for the duration of the health crisis. Please call ahead if you plan to travel to your institution to conduct business, as “drive thru” financial services may be different from what you are used to.

The safest place for your money in a personal savings or checking account in a financial institution. Money deposited in an FDIC insured or NCUA insured credit union is protected by the federal government up to $250,000. The United States financial system is very stable and, as a nation, we have not experienced a serious bank panic in over 80 years. Using a debit card – which can be cleaned after transactions – or a touch-free digital wallet like apple or google pay – is the lowest health-risk payment method. We encourage the community to adopt online or mobile banking where possible to protect your assets and your physical health with added benefit of having access to your accounts 24/7.

MIPN and ProsperityME will continue to meet in April as the situation is ever-evolving. We understand the need to be responsive and to provide accurate and useful information to the community as soon as we can. We attached to this message practical information to help you
conduct business safely and protect your financial well-being during this time. While we cannot be certain what will happen during the coming weeks, we are committed to serving and guiding our community though this crisis. It is our hope that we can help all our members,
clients, and students emerge into a stronger and more inclusive Maine economy in the coming months.

Thank you for being part of our community.

Be Well,

Maine Immigrants Prosperity Network Founding Members and ProsperityME