On Thursday, Nov. 16, several Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) team members partnered with Neighbors in Need to help distribute food to more than 240 community members at the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club. Neighbors In Need is a Lawrence-based organization that operates six food pantries in Lawrence, Methuen and Andover. The organization’s Holiday Meal Program provides Thanksgiving and holiday meals to local food pantry families and other families referred to Neighbors in Need by area social workers and partner organizations.
While the months of November and December can be hectic, the holidays are the very time of the year when we should pause for reflection and gratitude. I have been reflecting and feel very grateful for many things in my life. First, I am so thankful for my family, which grew a little bit bigger last month with the addition of my third grandson, Noah! I am also so grateful to be part of our OneTeam at Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and for the many ways that we support our communities.
Bridgewater Credit Union (BCU), a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), was honored with an Economic Impact Award from the Metro South Chamber of Commerce during the Chamber’s 110th Annual Meeting Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 15. According to the Metro South Chamber, the award honors “significant investment and contribution to the economic development of the region.” BCU received the award in recognition of the credit union’s investment in the new branch that opened on Washington Street in Hanover this summer.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) President & CEO John J. Howard received the U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo Memorial Award from the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) during their annual Veterans Day breakfast on Friday, Nov. 3. Prior to his career in banking, Howard served in the U.S. Marine Corps where he was stationed in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. The award honors U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, a Lawrence, Mass., native who was killed during the U.S. evacuation of Afghanistan in 2021.
On Friday. Nov. 3, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) participated in the Kasasa® Best Day Ever campaign, which encouraged financial institutions across the country to initiate acts of kindness with the goal of initiating 100,000 acts of kindness. The campaign recorded more than 300,000 acts of kindness nationwide. MVCU team members from every branch and department participated in Best Day Ever by holding a Random Acts of Kindness Day within the communities the credit union serves, from Seabrook, N.H. to Fairhaven, Mass.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) has donated $30,000 to Emmaus, Inc. in Haverhill, Mass. MVCU began supporting Emmaus in 1994 and is currently the nonprofit’s longest running and largest corporate partner. MVCU has donated more than $500,000 to Emmaus over nearly three decades. Emmaus, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and affordable housing to families and individuals facing homelessness.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union was recently named “Best Credit Union” in the Eagle-Tribune’s annual contest in which the newspaper’s audience votes online for their favorite local businesses. The Eagle-Tribune covers the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, including the towns of Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Lawrence and Haverhill in Massachusetts and Salem, Atkinson, Plaistow, Pelham, Windham, Derry and Londonderry in New Hampshire.
On Thursday, Oct. 26, Credit Union Times published an exclusive profile of Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s (MVCU) President & CEO John J. Howard. The Q&A-style profile, titled “My Journey to Credit Union Leadership,” detailed Howard’s career in banking, the unique skills and experience that he brings to his role and the challenges he has overcome to become a credit union leader. Howard, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps., became president & CEO of MVCU in 2018 following a merger with Bridgewater Credit Union where he had been president & CEO since 2015.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s (MVCU) President & CEO, John J. Howard, and Assistant Vice President of Member Support, Zobeida Duarte, were both honored during the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s (CCUA) annual APEX conference. Howard was named CEO of the Year and Duarte was named Young Professional of the Year. The CCUA is a credit union trade organization that represents credit unions in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The CCUA’s annual APEX conference brought together nearly 700 hundred credit union professionals for a three-day event at Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort in Uncasville, CT.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, hosted a Shred-It day at the credit union’s Fairhaven Branch to support the Fairhaven High School (FHS) class of 2025. During the event, members of the credit union and community alike brought old, unwanted documents to be shredded. Proper disposal of documents is imperative to protecting private personal information from identity thieves.
To adapt to recent growth and to create a healthy structure for future growth, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) has announced the promotions of four team members into the newly created positions of Regional Sales and Service Manager.
On Saturday, Sept. 9, members of the Hanover, Mass. and surrounding communities are invited to attend the grand opening celebration of the new Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, branch located at 1095 Washington Street (RT 53) in Hanover. The festivities will begin at 10:15 a.m. with a tour of the new branch and ribbon cutting ceremony, including welcome remarks from Merrimack Valey Credit Union’s President & CEO John J. Howard. A celebration will follow immediately after from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. that features live music from Cat Country 98.1, food from Thyme Travel food truck, face painting, games, prizes and exclusive giveaways.
In response to the news of devastating fires that have taken over one hundred lives and impacted thousands of others in Maui, Hawaii, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) has established the Hawaii Disaster Relief Fund through its GoodWorks Foundation to support CUAid, the disaster relief center of the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF). MVCU has already donated $10,000 to CUAid to assist their credit union colleagues as they help their members through the process of rebuilding their lives. MVCU is now extending the opportunity to contribute to its members and the community at-large, who can donate to the Hawaii Disaster Relief Fund digitally or by cash or check at any of our branches.
On Wednesday, Aug. 16, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) team members joined the Metro Boston Chapter of the Cooperative Credit Unions Association (CCUA) to build beds for A Bed for Every Child, an organization based in Lynn, Mass., that builds and donates new beds to children in need. MVCU staff organized two teams, each working together to construct a wooden twin sized bedframe. In addition to building a bed, teammates brought pillows, bedding, books and stuffed animals to personalize the beds and make them comfortable spaces for the children they will be delivered to.
When you’re young, it’s often exciting to experience the world outside of your hometown. Whether you drift far or stay close by, living in new places, working with new people and building your career independently are all incredible ways to grow and evolve. And sometimes, the path you take can lead you right back to your roots. This is what happened for Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s (MVCU) new Vice President of Commercial Lending Tim Frechette. After spending decades in lending and sales throughout New England, Tim, a Methuen, Mass. native, has made his way back to the Merrimack Valley to help credit union members both in and around his hometown.
Despite an increase in the volume of calls due to our recent merger, MVCU’s Member Support department has been extremely successful in reducing the occurrences of abandoned calls each day. An abandoned call occurs when a member who is placed on hold gives up and ends the call before getting to speak with a representative. In July 2022, the team had an average of 47 abandoned calls per day. As of June 2023, Member Support’s average number of abandoned calls per day is down to just seven!
On Tuesday, August 1, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships to three local high school and college students. The students were honored with a special ceremony at the credit union’s Waltham office, followed by a lunch with the students, their families and members of MVCU’s senior management team.
As I reflect on the busy spring we have had at the now larger Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and gear up for the exciting summer ahead of us, I have been thinking about the importance of engagement. As a community credit union, our most important focus is engaging positively with our members to offer solutions to life’s challenges and to be a positive force in the communities we serve. When it comes to engaging our members, my teammates and I recognize that our institution is part of your life, not just a place that you visit occasionally to make financial transactions. We are here to help you through important — and exciting! — milestones...
Jennifer Aldo, deposit operations ACH specialist at Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), was recently awarded the New England Automated Clearing House (NEACH) Rising Star Award. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field of payments. Considered MVCU’s ACH expert, Aldo recently worked on a project to streamline ACH processing with the credit union’s core providers, resulting in operational efficiencies and a better experience for the credit union’s members. Aldo also became an Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP) this year. Jennifer will celebrate five years working for MVCU this October.
As a community credit union, my teammates and I are passionate about the members and communities that we serve each day. This means that our concerns go well beyond serving your basic financial needs. This month, we have hosted some exciting events that have helped us support one of our most important passions: education! On June 12, MVCU held its annual charity golf tournament, and what a joy it truly was to spend a warm day with so many generous partners from our community. Thanks to the generosity of the participating golfers and sponsors, the tournament raised over $55,000 to support our credit union’s new program, Financial Edge...
On Monday, June 12, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) hosted its 2023 Charity Golf Classic at Atkinson Resort & Country Club in Atkinson, NH. The tournament, sponsored by Synergent, raised more than $55,000 to support the credit union’s new financial education program, Financial Edge, which is offered, free of charge, to community organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Proceeds from the tournament will also fund financial education courses in schools throughout the region, in partnership with Banzai!, a financial training organizations that works with credit unions throughout the nation.
On Tuesday, June 13, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) awarded a total of $17,500 in scholarships to 16 high school students from southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The students were honored with a special ceremony and dinner with MVCU’s senior leadership team at the credit union’s Lawrence corporate office.
The combined institution is now one of the five largest credit unions in Massachusetts. On Thursday, June 1, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) finalized its merger with RTN Federal Credit Union. The newly merged credit union will operate under the Merrimack Valley Credit Union name until a new name is launched in late 2024. MVCU is now one of the five largest credit unions in Massachusetts with more than $2.3 billion in assets, 115,000 members and 28 branches. In March, members of MVCU and RTN voted in favor of merging the two financial organizations, clearing a major hurdle that allowed the credit unions to begin the transition into becoming one financial institution.
Each month, I grow more and more excited about the direction in which Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) is headed. I have spent the last few weeks working closely with my current and future (from RTN) MVCU teammates on our upcoming merger, and I am so proud of the incredible work our teams are doing to make this transition as smooth as possible. On Thursday, June 1, we anticipate that our merger will be final and we will officially become one credit union family. Though merging credit unions can be a challenging process, our mission to support our community remains at the forefront. As we approach Memorial Day weekend and prepare to gather with our loved ones and honor those who served, I encourage you to consider the important themes of community spirit and supporting our neighbors.
As technology and social media dominate our social interactions, making meaningful personal connections with others is becoming increasingly imperative to building a community. This rings especially true for local artists, who thrive when they have resources that can help create a supportive network with other artists. Lisa Miller-Gillespie, president of the Greater Lawrence Fellowship of the Arts, noticed this growing need for community, collaboration and connection, and organized a local festival to support artists of all ages and forms.
Who doesn’t love free money? On Thursday, May 11, Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s (MVCU) Methuen branch team visited a local supermarket to hand out free money to shoppers in celebration of the Kasasa rewards checking accounts. Methuen branch staff honored Kasasa’s superhero campaign by dressing in bright red superhero capes and heading to the Market Basket located at 70 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. The staff engaged with shoppers by telling them about the Kasasa rewards checking account and its incredible benefits, and then gave the shopper an envelope with a surprise cash value inside!
On Friday, April 22, MVCU teammates spent the night at Bridgewater State University to support the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life fundraiser. This was the credit union’s first time participating in the Relay, and the team collectively raised $5,150 for the American Cancer Society. MVCU’s relay team was led by Team Captain Wendy Kuntz, a senior mortgage underwriter. Wendy, who has lost numerous family members and a lifelong friend to cancer, felt passionate about this cause and the opportunity to show support for those currently battling this disease.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) has been named as one of Boston Business Journal’s (BBJ) 2023 Best Places to Work. Out of the 300-plus businesses who were nominated, only 80 were selected overall. Businesses were ranked in small, medium, large and extra large categories, and MVCU was one of 20 medium-sized companies to receive the honor. For 21 years, the annual Best Places to Work program has recognized companies who have cultivated a great workplace culture for their employees. To be eligible for this honor, the company needs to have a minimum of 20 employees and have a physical office in Massachusetts.
What an exciting time it is for our credit union. Just a couple of weeks ago, we held our Special Meeting of members to vote for our proposed merger with RTN Federal Credit Union. After an exciting two days of connecting with members and colleagues, the final results came in and both MVCU and RTN members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed merger. Now, the final hurdle that we need to clear is receiving approval from the Massachusetts Division of Banks, which is expected to occur by the end of April. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our members for the support they have provided us throughout this process
One of the many missions of the Massachusetts-based Credit Unions Kids at Heart nonprofit organization is to raise money to support research on the incredibly rare Moyamoya disease. Learn more about the nonprofit’s efforts and how an Andover family was impacted by this neurological disease.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) sponsored Monday night’s community meal at the Haverhill Citizen Center on Welcome Street. Several MVCU teammates volunteered to help prepare and serve meals to dozens of community members. Every Monday, the nonprofit Community Meals, Inc. serves meals prepared by a local chef that are free and open to the public. Local organizations and businesses sponsor these weekly meals and provide volunteers. MVCU’s volunteers helped serve meatball subs, beverages and dessert to over 40 members of the Haverhill community.
The members of Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and RTN Federal Credit Union (RTN) voted in favor of merging the two financial organizations this week, bringing them one step closer to creating one of the five largest credit unions in Massachusetts with more than $2.4 billion in assets. Members of both credit unions voted overwhelmingly in favor of the merger.
MVCU staff formed teams to support annual bowling and bocce events hosted by charitable organizations in the Merrimack Valley. These events offered great opportunities for connecting with our community and team bonding—with lots of camaraderie and competition!
The month of March brings some exciting things for the MVCU community. Just as the spring season marks new growth in the environment around us, we will celebrate important milestones as our proposed merger with RTN Federal Credit Union comes closer to fruition. All of the recent talk about merging makes me reflect on the rich history of mergers that has helped MVCU become the strong, community financial institution that it is today.
Celebrating an anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect, learn and look forward to the future. Whether it’s romantic or professional, one year or 30 years, pausing to appreciate important milestones helps connect us to the journey we have been on and the person we have become. This month, Deposit Operations Manager Wendi Fallon is celebrating 30 years working for Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU). When reflecting on her professional journey, it is the credit union’s community-focus and the special connections she has made with credit union members that have helped Wendi to thrive over the past three decades.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Methuen High School (MHS) teamed up for the fourth year to present the Credit for Life Fair to more than 300 graduating seniors on Friday, Feb. 17. “A solid financial foundation is so important for people, no matter how old or young,” said John J. Howard, president and CEO of MVCU. “As a community credit union, we seek out opportunities to provide financial education to community members. Working with Methuen High School on the Credit for Life Fair gives us the chance to talk to the students at a critical time in their lives: right before they’re about to start making significant financial decisions on their own.”
We’re already well into the second month of 2023, where does the time go? This February, I’ve found myself considering the things that I am passionate about, both inside and outside of the workplace. Of course, my family and my work are my most important priorities. But I also have an exciting passion that you may not know about: I love to travel. When I was young, my family rarely traveled—although this never stopped me from dreaming about the day that I could visit new and exciting places.
Life can take an unexpected turn at any time, sometimes turning joyful circumstances into frightening ones. Few people know this better than Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) member and Methuen native Bobby Cole and his family. In the fall of 2020, Cole and his wife, Tori, learned they were expecting their first child. The couple were thrilled, as were their families. Like most expectant parents, the Coles began to make space for the baby in their home and in their hearts. But in the early spring of 2021, when her pregnancy was 26 weeks along, Tori began to experience abdominal pain.
From budgeting to saving to investing to borrowing, keeping track of everything you need to be financially successful can be confusing in our ever-changing economy. Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) recognizes the challenges experienced by members and is excited to introduce LPL Financial and financial advisor, Chris Maynard. Chris has decades of experience in many sectors of the financial world, and a passion for helping others get the most out of their money.
Happy New Year! I’m excited to welcome you back to Member’s Edge. As we transition into 2023, there is so much to look forward to, including our proposed merger with RTN Federal Credit Union (pending member and regulatory approval). While merging with another credit union is an exciting endeavor, I understand that we all have concerns and questions when changes are proposed. So, I want to share a little bit about the history and benefits of merging credit unions.
What do you love about your local credit union branch? Is the atmosphere warm and inviting? Do you have a favorite teller that greets you each time you stop by? Is there convenient access to an ATM that accommodates your busy schedule? Whatever your reason may be, it takes a group of talented and hard-working teammates to make each branch a welcoming, community-focused environment. This is exactly what has been established at MVCU’s Haverhill branch led by Branch Manager Taveiry Brito. In this Behind-the-Scenes look at our Haverhill location, Taveiry gets candid about community, leadership and Haverhill’s unique interior design.
Many members have asked for an improved and seamless process for both receiving direct deposits and making electronic payments. We heard you! You are now able to set up payments from or direct deposits to any or all of your checking, savings, and/or club accounts. You get to decide where your money goes. To do that, we have added a unique ACH Account Number to most accounts. A small number of members may receive a letter from their merchant or employer verifying this new ACH Account Number. If you already have payments and deposits set up, you don’t have to do anything. To set up new payments or deposits, you will use your account’s new unique ACH Account Number.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Kasasa, an award-winning financial technology and marketing provider, announced the winner of the local “These Are My People” contest. Brittanie Ramirez of Lawrence, Mass. won $2,500 to help support human connection with her favorite people. “I was so surprised when I received the call that I won that I didn’t believe that it was true,” said Ramirez. “This money gives me the opportunity to give back to Beyond Soccer, an organization that I was part of growing up here in Lawrence and where I work now as a Coach Mentor.
Welcome back to Member’s Edge. Since the release of our last newsletter MVCU made a major announcement: RTN Federal Credit Union will be merging into Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), pending member and regulatory approval. As your President & CEO, I am thrilled by the opportunities that will open because of this merger. This endeavor is just another step towards our goal of making MVCU the greatest place anyone has ever worked and the greatest place anyone has ever banked.
What does it mean to "grow up" in our credit union? How does starting your career while taking college courses affect your learning? These questions are answered in the story of Zobeida Duarte, one of MVCU's many female leaders who has found both growth and success in her nine-plus years here at MVCU. (And she's just getting started!)
Christmas trees! Santa! Presents! Snow! And… Harry Potter? MVCU members, teammates, and community members alike celebrated the holiday season with TWO wonderful parties in our Lawrence and Bridgewater offices. Check out this recap of our awesome holiday events!
To support children in need and spread cheer this holiday season, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) held a toy drive at each of its ten branch locations. Each branch collected new, unwrapped toys to be donated to various organizations throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. To support as many children as possible throughout the credit union’s field of membership, MVCU donated toys to numerous organizations from Seabrook, NH, to Fairhaven.
On Monday, Dec. 5, Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), established a new community partnership with the Plymouth Public Library Foundation (PPLF), making a $10,000 donation that will support the foundation’s public events through the end of 2023, including its golf tournament, arts & crafts festival and the annual Taste of the Town. The partnership will also include the development of a free financial literacy program that MVCU will launch in conjunction with the Plymouth Public Library next year.
LAWRENCE, MA — In celebration of the season of giving, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) is helping local families in need enjoy their Thanksgiving dinners with loved ones. This year, MVCU’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive collected goods to support the Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB). Taking place in early November, MVCU members and employees generously donated boxed, canned and non-perishable goods including stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, peanut butter, hot cocoa and much more. The drive was held in MVCU’s Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, North Andover, Plaistow and Seabrook branch locations where, in total, MVCU collected a whopping 720 pounds of food for the MVFB.
I first want to welcome you to Member’s Edge, our expanded news section on mvcu.com. Here, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at your credit union and the teammates who make Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Bridgewater Credit Union (BCU) wonderful places to work and bank. At MVCU and BCU, we consider ourselves a part of OneTeam; a team made up of many branches, many team members, and many members. We work together to support each other, and we’re all aligned towards the common goal of making this the best place anyone has ever worked or banked.
As you step inside Bridgewater Credit Union, A Division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s new Plymouth Branch, you’ll notice some elements that feel familiar and others that feel rather new. You are still welcomed by the friendly tellers of Plymouth’s previous location and enjoy the same services that all our branches provide. But this new space offers even more: a modern design with bright natural lighting and unique ties to the local community. Let’s go Behind-the-Scenes at BCU’s new branch for the story behind its unique look, and the manager who leads its team.
On Thursday, Nov. 3, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) donated $30,000 to Emmaus, Inc., a homeless shelter in Haverhill, MA. This annual donation is a continuation of the support MVCU has provided the non-profit since 1994. MVCU is Emmaus' longest running and largest corporate partner, contributing over $500,000 to the non-profit over nearly three decades. Emmaus, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and affordable housing to families and individuals facing homelessness.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) hosted its annual Shred It Day on Saturday, September 10. During the event, which was held at MCVU’s North Andover and Plymouth branches, members of the credit union brought in old, unwanted documents to be shredded. MVCU Members travelled from throughout the Merrimack Valley, including Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill, to visit the Andover branch.
On Wednesday, June 22, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) awarded a total of $16,500 in scholarships to 15 high school students from New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Nina Tiani was the inaugural recipient of the Lisa Lewis Goodman Community Spirit Award of $2,500, and the other 14 recipients received $1,000 scholarships. Nine students were able to attend the scholarship presentation in person with their families, while two attended via Zoom.
Lawrence, Mass. (March 30, 2022) – For the first time since 2019, more than 200 Methuen High School seniors participated in a “Credit for Life” fair on Friday, March 25. Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) partnered with Methuen High School to present this opportunity for students to take a hands-on approach to budgeting and managing their money.
Lawrence, Mass. (March 15, 2022) – In honor of American Heart Month, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) held a fundraiser throughout February to raise money for the American Heart Association. The MVCU branch team sold hearts for a minimum donation of $2.00 with MVCU employees also contributing, raising a total of $3,608.99.
On Thursday, Nov. 16, several Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) team members partnered with Neighbors in Need to help distribute food to more than 240 community members at the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club. Neighbors In Need is a Lawrence-based organization that operates six food pantries in Lawrence, Methuen and Andover. The organization’s Holiday Meal Program provides Thanksgiving and holiday meals to local food pantry families and other families referred to Neighbors in Need by area social workers and partner organizations.
While the months of November and December can be hectic, the holidays are the very time of the year when we should pause for reflection and gratitude. I have been reflecting and feel very grateful for many things in my life. First, I am so thankful for my family, which grew a little bit bigger last month with the addition of my third grandson, Noah! I am also so grateful to be part of our OneTeam at Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and for the many ways that we support our communities.
Bridgewater Credit Union (BCU), a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), was honored with an Economic Impact Award from the Metro South Chamber of Commerce during the Chamber’s 110th Annual Meeting Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 15. According to the Metro South Chamber, the award honors “significant investment and contribution to the economic development of the region.” BCU received the award in recognition of the credit union’s investment in the new branch that opened on Washington Street in Hanover this summer.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) President & CEO John J. Howard received the U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo Memorial Award from the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) during their annual Veterans Day breakfast on Friday, Nov. 3. Prior to his career in banking, Howard served in the U.S. Marine Corps where he was stationed in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. The award honors U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, a Lawrence, Mass., native who was killed during the U.S. evacuation of Afghanistan in 2021.
On Friday. Nov. 3, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) participated in the Kasasa® Best Day Ever campaign, which encouraged financial institutions across the country to initiate acts of kindness with the goal of initiating 100,000 acts of kindness. The campaign recorded more than 300,000 acts of kindness nationwide. MVCU team members from every branch and department participated in Best Day Ever by holding a Random Acts of Kindness Day within the communities the credit union serves, from Seabrook, N.H. to Fairhaven, Mass.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) has donated $30,000 to Emmaus, Inc. in Haverhill, Mass. MVCU began supporting Emmaus in 1994 and is currently the nonprofit’s longest running and largest corporate partner. MVCU has donated more than $500,000 to Emmaus over nearly three decades. Emmaus, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and affordable housing to families and individuals facing homelessness.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union was recently named “Best Credit Union” in the Eagle-Tribune’s annual contest in which the newspaper’s audience votes online for their favorite local businesses. The Eagle-Tribune covers the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, including the towns of Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Lawrence and Haverhill in Massachusetts and Salem, Atkinson, Plaistow, Pelham, Windham, Derry and Londonderry in New Hampshire.
On Thursday, Oct. 26, Credit Union Times published an exclusive profile of Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s (MVCU) President & CEO John J. Howard. The Q&A-style profile, titled “My Journey to Credit Union Leadership,” detailed Howard’s career in banking, the unique skills and experience that he brings to his role and the challenges he has overcome to become a credit union leader. Howard, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps., became president & CEO of MVCU in 2018 following a merger with Bridgewater Credit Union where he had been president & CEO since 2015.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s (MVCU) President & CEO, John J. Howard, and Assistant Vice President of Member Support, Zobeida Duarte, were both honored during the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s (CCUA) annual APEX conference. Howard was named CEO of the Year and Duarte was named Young Professional of the Year. The CCUA is a credit union trade organization that represents credit unions in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The CCUA’s annual APEX conference brought together nearly 700 hundred credit union professionals for a three-day event at Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort in Uncasville, CT.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, hosted a Shred-It day at the credit union’s Fairhaven Branch to support the Fairhaven High School (FHS) class of 2025. During the event, members of the credit union and community alike brought old, unwanted documents to be shredded. Proper disposal of documents is imperative to protecting private personal information from identity thieves.
To adapt to recent growth and to create a healthy structure for future growth, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) has announced the promotions of four team members into the newly created positions of Regional Sales and Service Manager.
On Saturday, Sept. 9, members of the Hanover, Mass. and surrounding communities are invited to attend the grand opening celebration of the new Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, branch located at 1095 Washington Street (RT 53) in Hanover. The festivities will begin at 10:15 a.m. with a tour of the new branch and ribbon cutting ceremony, including welcome remarks from Merrimack Valey Credit Union’s President & CEO John J. Howard. A celebration will follow immediately after from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. that features live music from Cat Country 98.1, food from Thyme Travel food truck, face painting, games, prizes and exclusive giveaways.
In response to the news of devastating fires that have taken over one hundred lives and impacted thousands of others in Maui, Hawaii, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) has established the Hawaii Disaster Relief Fund through its GoodWorks Foundation to support CUAid, the disaster relief center of the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF). MVCU has already donated $10,000 to CUAid to assist their credit union colleagues as they help their members through the process of rebuilding their lives. MVCU is now extending the opportunity to contribute to its members and the community at-large, who can donate to the Hawaii Disaster Relief Fund digitally or by cash or check at any of our branches.
On Wednesday, Aug. 16, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) team members joined the Metro Boston Chapter of the Cooperative Credit Unions Association (CCUA) to build beds for A Bed for Every Child, an organization based in Lynn, Mass., that builds and donates new beds to children in need. MVCU staff organized two teams, each working together to construct a wooden twin sized bedframe. In addition to building a bed, teammates brought pillows, bedding, books and stuffed animals to personalize the beds and make them comfortable spaces for the children they will be delivered to.
Time flies when you’re having fun! It feels like just yesterday I was writing to you about the beginning of summer and the first exciting days of our merger. Although we’re halfway through August, summer is not over yet. No matter how busy our schedules become, there is so much value in allowing yourself time to relax and to do something different. My teammates will likely joke that I am the last person who should talk about the importance of rest and free time.
When you’re young, it’s often exciting to experience the world outside of your hometown. Whether you drift far or stay close by, living in new places, working with new people and building your career independently are all incredible ways to grow and evolve. And sometimes, the path you take can lead you right back to your roots. This is what happened for Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s (MVCU) new Vice President of Commercial Lending Tim Frechette. After spending decades in lending and sales throughout New England, Tim, a Methuen, Mass. native, has made his way back to the Merrimack Valley to help credit union members both in and around his hometown.
Despite an increase in the volume of calls due to our recent merger, MVCU’s Member Support department has been extremely successful in reducing the occurrences of abandoned calls each day. An abandoned call occurs when a member who is placed on hold gives up and ends the call before getting to speak with a representative. In July 2022, the team had an average of 47 abandoned calls per day. As of June 2023, Member Support’s average number of abandoned calls per day is down to just seven!
On Tuesday, August 1, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships to three local high school and college students. The students were honored with a special ceremony at the credit union’s Waltham office, followed by a lunch with the students, their families and members of MVCU’s senior management team.
As I reflect on the busy spring we have had at the now larger Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and gear up for the exciting summer ahead of us, I have been thinking about the importance of engagement. As a community credit union, our most important focus is engaging positively with our members to offer solutions to life’s challenges and to be a positive force in the communities we serve. When it comes to engaging our members, my teammates and I recognize that our institution is part of your life, not just a place that you visit occasionally to make financial transactions. We are here to help you through important — and exciting! — milestones...
Jennifer Aldo, deposit operations ACH specialist at Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), was recently awarded the New England Automated Clearing House (NEACH) Rising Star Award. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field of payments. Considered MVCU’s ACH expert, Aldo recently worked on a project to streamline ACH processing with the credit union’s core providers, resulting in operational efficiencies and a better experience for the credit union’s members. Aldo also became an Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP) this year. Jennifer will celebrate five years working for MVCU this October.
As a community credit union, my teammates and I are passionate about the members and communities that we serve each day. This means that our concerns go well beyond serving your basic financial needs. This month, we have hosted some exciting events that have helped us support one of our most important passions: education! On June 12, MVCU held its annual charity golf tournament, and what a joy it truly was to spend a warm day with so many generous partners from our community. Thanks to the generosity of the participating golfers and sponsors, the tournament raised over $55,000 to support our credit union’s new program, Financial Edge...
On Monday, June 12, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) hosted its 2023 Charity Golf Classic at Atkinson Resort & Country Club in Atkinson, NH. The tournament, sponsored by Synergent, raised more than $55,000 to support the credit union’s new financial education program, Financial Edge, which is offered, free of charge, to community organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Proceeds from the tournament will also fund financial education courses in schools throughout the region, in partnership with Banzai!, a financial training organizations that works with credit unions throughout the nation.
On Tuesday, June 13, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) awarded a total of $17,500 in scholarships to 16 high school students from southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The students were honored with a special ceremony and dinner with MVCU’s senior leadership team at the credit union’s Lawrence corporate office.
Each month, I grow more and more excited about the direction in which Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) is headed. I have spent the last few weeks working closely with my current and future (from RTN) MVCU teammates on our upcoming merger, and I am so proud of the incredible work our teams are doing to make this transition as smooth as possible. On Thursday, June 1, we anticipate that our merger will be final and we will officially become one credit union family. Though merging credit unions can be a challenging process, our mission to support our community remains at the forefront. As we approach Memorial Day weekend and prepare to gather with our loved ones and honor those who served, I encourage you to consider the important themes of community spirit and supporting our neighbors.
As technology and social media dominate our social interactions, making meaningful personal connections with others is becoming increasingly imperative to building a community. This rings especially true for local artists, who thrive when they have resources that can help create a supportive network with other artists. Lisa Miller-Gillespie, president of the Greater Lawrence Fellowship of the Arts, noticed this growing need for community, collaboration and connection, and organized a local festival to support artists of all ages and forms.
Who doesn’t love free money? On Thursday, May 11, Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s (MVCU) Methuen branch team visited a local supermarket to hand out free money to shoppers in celebration of the Kasasa rewards checking accounts. Methuen branch staff honored Kasasa’s superhero campaign by dressing in bright red superhero capes and heading to the Market Basket located at 70 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. The staff engaged with shoppers by telling them about the Kasasa rewards checking account and its incredible benefits, and then gave the shopper an envelope with a surprise cash value inside!
On Friday, April 22, MVCU teammates spent the night at Bridgewater State University to support the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life fundraiser. This was the credit union’s first time participating in the Relay, and the team collectively raised $5,150 for the American Cancer Society. MVCU’s relay team was led by Team Captain Wendy Kuntz, a senior mortgage underwriter. Wendy, who has lost numerous family members and a lifelong friend to cancer, felt passionate about this cause and the opportunity to show support for those currently battling this disease.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) has been named as one of Boston Business Journal’s (BBJ) 2023 Best Places to Work. Out of the 300-plus businesses who were nominated, only 80 were selected overall. Businesses were ranked in small, medium, large and extra large categories, and MVCU was one of 20 medium-sized companies to receive the honor. For 21 years, the annual Best Places to Work program has recognized companies who have cultivated a great workplace culture for their employees. To be eligible for this honor, the company needs to have a minimum of 20 employees and have a physical office in Massachusetts.
What an exciting time it is for our credit union. Just a couple of weeks ago, we held our Special Meeting of members to vote for our proposed merger with RTN Federal Credit Union. After an exciting two days of connecting with members and colleagues, the final results came in and both MVCU and RTN members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed merger. Now, the final hurdle that we need to clear is receiving approval from the Massachusetts Division of Banks, which is expected to occur by the end of April. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our members for the support they have provided us throughout this process
One of the many missions of the Massachusetts-based Credit Unions Kids at Heart nonprofit organization is to raise money to support research on the incredibly rare Moyamoya disease. Learn more about the nonprofit’s efforts and how an Andover family was impacted by this neurological disease.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) sponsored Monday night’s community meal at the Haverhill Citizen Center on Welcome Street. Several MVCU teammates volunteered to help prepare and serve meals to dozens of community members. Every Monday, the nonprofit Community Meals, Inc. serves meals prepared by a local chef that are free and open to the public. Local organizations and businesses sponsor these weekly meals and provide volunteers. MVCU’s volunteers helped serve meatball subs, beverages and dessert to over 40 members of the Haverhill community.
The members of Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and RTN Federal Credit Union (RTN) voted in favor of merging the two financial organizations this week, bringing them one step closer to creating one of the five largest credit unions in Massachusetts with more than $2.4 billion in assets. Members of both credit unions voted overwhelmingly in favor of the merger.
MVCU staff formed teams to support annual bowling and bocce events hosted by charitable organizations in the Merrimack Valley. These events offered great opportunities for connecting with our community and team bonding—with lots of camaraderie and competition!
The month of March brings some exciting things for the MVCU community. Just as the spring season marks new growth in the environment around us, we will celebrate important milestones as our proposed merger with RTN Federal Credit Union comes closer to fruition. All of the recent talk about merging makes me reflect on the rich history of mergers that has helped MVCU become the strong, community financial institution that it is today.
Celebrating an anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect, learn and look forward to the future. Whether it’s romantic or professional, one year or 30 years, pausing to appreciate important milestones helps connect us to the journey we have been on and the person we have become. This month, Deposit Operations Manager Wendi Fallon is celebrating 30 years working for Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU). When reflecting on her professional journey, it is the credit union’s community-focus and the special connections she has made with credit union members that have helped Wendi to thrive over the past three decades.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Methuen High School (MHS) teamed up for the fourth year to present the Credit for Life Fair to more than 300 graduating seniors on Friday, Feb. 17. “A solid financial foundation is so important for people, no matter how old or young,” said John J. Howard, president and CEO of MVCU. “As a community credit union, we seek out opportunities to provide financial education to community members. Working with Methuen High School on the Credit for Life Fair gives us the chance to talk to the students at a critical time in their lives: right before they’re about to start making significant financial decisions on their own.”
We’re already well into the second month of 2023, where does the time go? This February, I’ve found myself considering the things that I am passionate about, both inside and outside of the workplace. Of course, my family and my work are my most important priorities. But I also have an exciting passion that you may not know about: I love to travel. When I was young, my family rarely traveled—although this never stopped me from dreaming about the day that I could visit new and exciting places.
Life can take an unexpected turn at any time, sometimes turning joyful circumstances into frightening ones. Few people know this better than Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) member and Methuen native Bobby Cole and his family. In the fall of 2020, Cole and his wife, Tori, learned they were expecting their first child. The couple were thrilled, as were their families. Like most expectant parents, the Coles began to make space for the baby in their home and in their hearts. But in the early spring of 2021, when her pregnancy was 26 weeks along, Tori began to experience abdominal pain.
From budgeting to saving to investing to borrowing, keeping track of everything you need to be financially successful can be confusing in our ever-changing economy. Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) recognizes the challenges experienced by members and is excited to introduce LPL Financial and financial advisor, Chris Maynard. Chris has decades of experience in many sectors of the financial world, and a passion for helping others get the most out of their money.
Happy New Year! I’m excited to welcome you back to Member’s Edge. As we transition into 2023, there is so much to look forward to, including our proposed merger with RTN Federal Credit Union (pending member and regulatory approval). While merging with another credit union is an exciting endeavor, I understand that we all have concerns and questions when changes are proposed. So, I want to share a little bit about the history and benefits of merging credit unions.
What do you love about your local credit union branch? Is the atmosphere warm and inviting? Do you have a favorite teller that greets you each time you stop by? Is there convenient access to an ATM that accommodates your busy schedule? Whatever your reason may be, it takes a group of talented and hard-working teammates to make each branch a welcoming, community-focused environment. This is exactly what has been established at MVCU’s Haverhill branch led by Branch Manager Taveiry Brito. In this Behind-the-Scenes look at our Haverhill location, Taveiry gets candid about community, leadership and Haverhill’s unique interior design.
Many members have asked for an improved and seamless process for both receiving direct deposits and making electronic payments. We heard you! You are now able to set up payments from or direct deposits to any or all of your checking, savings, and/or club accounts. You get to decide where your money goes. To do that, we have added a unique ACH Account Number to most accounts. A small number of members may receive a letter from their merchant or employer verifying this new ACH Account Number. If you already have payments and deposits set up, you don’t have to do anything. To set up new payments or deposits, you will use your account’s new unique ACH Account Number.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Kasasa, an award-winning financial technology and marketing provider, announced the winner of the local “These Are My People” contest. Brittanie Ramirez of Lawrence, Mass. won $2,500 to help support human connection with her favorite people. “I was so surprised when I received the call that I won that I didn’t believe that it was true,” said Ramirez. “This money gives me the opportunity to give back to Beyond Soccer, an organization that I was part of growing up here in Lawrence and where I work now as a Coach Mentor.
Welcome back to Member’s Edge. Since the release of our last newsletter MVCU made a major announcement: RTN Federal Credit Union will be merging into Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), pending member and regulatory approval. As your President & CEO, I am thrilled by the opportunities that will open because of this merger. This endeavor is just another step towards our goal of making MVCU the greatest place anyone has ever worked and the greatest place anyone has ever banked.
What does it mean to "grow up" in our credit union? How does starting your career while taking college courses affect your learning? These questions are answered in the story of Zobeida Duarte, one of MVCU's many female leaders who has found both growth and success in her nine-plus years here at MVCU. (And she's just getting started!)
Christmas trees! Santa! Presents! Snow! And… Harry Potter? MVCU members, teammates, and community members alike celebrated the holiday season with TWO wonderful parties in our Lawrence and Bridgewater offices. Check out this recap of our awesome holiday events!
To support children in need and spread cheer this holiday season, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) held a toy drive at each of its ten branch locations. Each branch collected new, unwrapped toys to be donated to various organizations throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. To support as many children as possible throughout the credit union’s field of membership, MVCU donated toys to numerous organizations from Seabrook, NH, to Fairhaven.
On Monday, Dec. 5, Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), established a new community partnership with the Plymouth Public Library Foundation (PPLF), making a $10,000 donation that will support the foundation’s public events through the end of 2023, including its golf tournament, arts & crafts festival and the annual Taste of the Town. The partnership will also include the development of a free financial literacy program that MVCU will launch in conjunction with the Plymouth Public Library next year.
LAWRENCE, MA — In celebration of the season of giving, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) is helping local families in need enjoy their Thanksgiving dinners with loved ones. This year, MVCU’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive collected goods to support the Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB). Taking place in early November, MVCU members and employees generously donated boxed, canned and non-perishable goods including stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, peanut butter, hot cocoa and much more. The drive was held in MVCU’s Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, North Andover, Plaistow and Seabrook branch locations where, in total, MVCU collected a whopping 720 pounds of food for the MVFB.
I first want to welcome you to Member’s Edge, our expanded news section on mvcu.com. Here, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at your credit union and the teammates who make Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Bridgewater Credit Union (BCU) wonderful places to work and bank. At MVCU and BCU, we consider ourselves a part of OneTeam; a team made up of many branches, many team members, and many members. We work together to support each other, and we’re all aligned towards the common goal of making this the best place anyone has ever worked or banked.
As you step inside Bridgewater Credit Union, A Division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s new Plymouth Branch, you’ll notice some elements that feel familiar and others that feel rather new. You are still welcomed by the friendly tellers of Plymouth’s previous location and enjoy the same services that all our branches provide. But this new space offers even more: a modern design with bright natural lighting and unique ties to the local community. Let’s go Behind-the-Scenes at BCU’s new branch for the story behind its unique look, and the manager who leads its team.
On Thursday, Nov. 3, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) donated $30,000 to Emmaus, Inc., a homeless shelter in Haverhill, MA. This annual donation is a continuation of the support MVCU has provided the non-profit since 1994. MVCU is Emmaus' longest running and largest corporate partner, contributing over $500,000 to the non-profit over nearly three decades. Emmaus, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and affordable housing to families and individuals facing homelessness.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) hosted its annual Shred It Day on Saturday, September 10. During the event, which was held at MCVU’s North Andover and Plymouth branches, members of the credit union brought in old, unwanted documents to be shredded. MVCU Members travelled from throughout the Merrimack Valley, including Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill, to visit the Andover branch.
On Wednesday, June 22, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) awarded a total of $16,500 in scholarships to 15 high school students from New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Nina Tiani was the inaugural recipient of the Lisa Lewis Goodman Community Spirit Award of $2,500, and the other 14 recipients received $1,000 scholarships. Nine students were able to attend the scholarship presentation in person with their families, while two attended via Zoom.
Lawrence, Mass. (March 30, 2022) – For the first time since 2019, more than 200 Methuen High School seniors participated in a “Credit for Life” fair on Friday, March 25. Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) partnered with Methuen High School to present this opportunity for students to take a hands-on approach to budgeting and managing their money.
Lawrence, Mass. (March 15, 2022) – In honor of American Heart Month, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) held a fundraiser throughout February to raise money for the American Heart Association. The MVCU branch team sold hearts for a minimum donation of $2.00 with MVCU employees also contributing, raising a total of $3,608.99.
LAWRENCE, MASS. — Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) revamped their account line up at the end of 2021 by adding two new rewards checking accounts: Kasasa Cash® and Kasasa Cash Back®. Rounding out the additions is the Kasasa Saver® account, a savings account that is paired with either of the Kasasa checking accounts. All of the new accounts are now available to new and existing members.