Sun Journal Profile 2003 section D

This summer, Geiger, an in-ternationally recognized, leading manu-

facturer and distributor of calendars, diaries, ad-vertising and promotional specialties, will pitch a large tent on their property located on Mount Hope Av-enue in Lewiston, prepare a family-style B-B-Q and say a little prayer for “just enough” sun to celebrate their 125th anniversary. Together with employees, a sales force from across the country, vendors, family members and dignitaries, it will be a celebration the Geiger family shares not only with its employees, but with the Lewiston-Auburn community and, indeed, the State of Maine.

From the day Andrew and Jacob Geiger hung their first “Geiger Bros.” sign above the door of their print shop in Newark, New Jersey in 1878, commitment and family, immediate and extended, have served as the cornerstones of Geiger’s success. Four Geiger gen-erations have guided the company from its earliest days, through 1955 when home base became Lewis-ton, Maine, to the present, when company sales for 2002 were calculated around $125 million.

“Through it all,” says Gene Geiger, company pres-ident, “the loyalty and com-mitment of our 500-plus as-sociates and 400-plus sales partners have enabled us to handle the changes and get better in the process. There is no more important business process than the growth and development of each person – and the col-lective commitment to the company and its goals.”

In the company’s docu-ment entitled, “The Geiger Way”, Geiger’s commit-ment to community is clear. “We give back to our com-munity. Our strengths are drawn from the place where we live and work. As a company, and as individuals, we seek to be leaders in education, charity, and civic affairs.” The evidence of their commitment lines the hallways and graces cabinets throughout the Lewis-ton facility, volunteer and fundraising awards and plaques all attesting to the fact that Geiger. is a proac-tive leader in building a strong State of Maine.

For Geiger, building a stronger community involves the development of individuals beyond the workplace and in the classroom. Executive Vice President, Peter Geiger, is the founder of Maine’s “Adopt-A-School” Partnerships, a program designed to mentor children and support the classroom efforts of Maine’s educa-

tors. Geiger’s own Adopt-A-School partnership with Montello School, bolstered by the hundreds of volun-teer hours provided by Geiger employees, continues to thrive after more than fifteen years. He has served as the chair of the Maine State Board of Education and is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award Winner form both the Maine School Superintendent’s Association and the Main School Board Association.

“Geiger has enjoyed continual growth, success, and prosperity over the last 125 years due in great part to our employees and the strong, healthy relationships that have been built as a result of community involve-ment. Maine’s people are its greatest resource. By working with our youth, we invest in our communi-

ty’s future as well as that of the nation and the world. What little good we do today can have a far-reaching, positive impact long after we are gone.”

The success of 125 years in the promotional and advertising specialties industry illustrates his point beautifully. On the occasion of Geiger’s 125th anniver-sary, past president, Raymond Geiger’s message at the company’s 100th year anniversary is remembered:

“This important milestone in the history of a com-pany is a jewel that reflects the hopes and dreams, heartaches and sufferings, joys and satisfactions of all the people who made it possible. It recalls for us in-sights into those who guided our destiny through the generations - …”

Geiger celebrates 125 years of community

By Donna Keene Rousseau • Freelance Writer

This is an undated photo of Governer Edmund S. Muskie at a ribbon cutting ceremony, with Ray Geiger on the left.

Sun Journal Saturday, March 8, 2003D1

Manufacturing

D2 Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003P R O F I L E 2003

Connecting with you and your community since 1847....

....We will continue connecting with you in 2003 and beyond!

Abused Women’s AdvocacyAdvocates for ChildrenAmerican Cancer SocietyAmerican Heart AssociationAmerican Heart WalkAmerican Legion Post #31American Lung AssociationAmerican Red CrossAndroscoggin County ChamberAndroscoggin Home Health Services ~ Tulip TrekAuburn/Lewiston RotaryAuburn Community BandAuburn Fire DepartmentAuburn Police DepartmentAuburn Police UnionAuburn Running ClubAuburn Suburban Little LeagueAuburn Winter FestivalAuburn Youth HockeyBalloon FestivalBethel ChamberBiddy BasketballBig Brothers/Big SistersBolster HeightsBoys and Girls ClubCalvary Christian AcademyCatholic School WeekCentral Maine HealthcareChamber of CommerceCMMC - Tree of LoveDaredevils Travel FootballEdward Little GrandstandElm Street SchoolFestival De JoieForum Francophone Des AffFresh Air FundGA Humane Society (SPCA)Girl ScoutsGood Shepherd Food BankGreat Falls ShootoutHabitat for HumanityHippach Field in RumfordHome Run DerbyJazz WorkshopJim Giasson InvitationalKiwanis Club/LewistonKora Shrine CircusL/A 5K Bridge RunL/A Arts PerformanceL/A Children’s ChorusL/A Youth SoccerLAYSA/ L/A Youth SoccerLeavitt Area High School

Leavitt Music BoostersLewiston/Auburn Travel Hockey TeamLewiston Fire DepartmentLewiston Fire Department ~ Fire Prevention Lewiston High SchoolLewiston High School Memorial GardenLewiston Police Athletic LeagueLewiston Recreation DepartmentLHS Hockey BoostersLiberty FestivalLions ClubLisbon FootballLittle World’s FairLobster Bowl ClassicLongley Craft FairLost Valley Handicap SkiingMaine Caring FamiliesMaine Council/Economic EducationMaine Cycle ClubMaine Handicapped SkiingMaine Music SocietyMake A Wish FoundationMarch of DimesMoontide Water FestivalNature ConservancyNew Auburn Little LeagueOxford Plains SpeedwayPerformance/PlaybillPlanet Kids/Auburn MallPublic TheatreRed CrossRiver Valley MerchantsRuffed Grouse SocietySalvation ArmySCORESisters of Charity/Health SystemSpecial OlympicsSt. Dom’s Booster ClubSt. Dom’s High SchoolTemple Shalom Synagogue CenterThomas Lahey FoundationTom Magno Ski RaceTri-Mountain ChallengeTri-Mountain RacingTri-Town Knights FootballUnited Way EventsUniversity of FarmingtonUniversity of Southern MaineWGMEYMCAYMCA ~ Softball Business One PitchYMCA Teen CenterYWCA

Catch us on the web! www.sunjournal.com104 Park Street • Lewiston • Maine • 207-784-5411 • 1-800-482-0753 • 1-800-482-0935

Over a quarter of a million donated dollars.Hundreds of hours of employee community service.

These are just some of the organizations throughout our market that we work with each and every year.

CommunityCredit Union

Community Credit UnionCrossing the Bridge

to the future.Lewiston and Auburn.

Serving you on bothsides of the bridge

with two convenient locations.

144 Pine Street, Lewiston

40 Stanley Street, Auburn

www.communitycreditunion.comMembership eligibility required.

PROUDLY

SERVING ALL OF

ANDROSCOGGIN

COUNTY

783-2096 • Fax: 783-2093

“Where Old Fashioned Service and Technology Come Together.”

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“I can’t get a job without experience, but I can’t get experience without a job.”

That lament is some-thing you’re not likely to hear from students who successfully complete teller training at the Fos-ter Regional Applied Tech-nology Center at Mt. Blue High School. They have already gained valuable experience working in a real bank without even leaving the school.

The Mt. Blue High School Branch of Franklin Savings Bank is an actual branch of the bank. Stu-dent tellers greet custom-ers and process transac-tions.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of this unique school-business partnership, which prepares business students for a real-world job in banking. “We are unique because Franklin Savings Bank saw a need and they met it for us,” said Priscilla Conner, busi-ness department coordinator and instructor for the class.

“It’s been a great experience. It’s one of the most positive learning experiences available at the school,” said Conner. “You can go anywhere and apply for a job as a teller. Franklin Savings Bank is giving you the entry level training. . . what a gift!”

During the recent semester change, Mt. Blue Branch Supervisor Patti Belanger introduces three new students to the expectations Franklin Savings Bank has for its employees: “This is a job. If you’re not going to be here, I want you to call,” Belanger tells her charges.

When a student or faculty customer comes in, students must set aside any work and greet them. “Customers come first,” Belanger reminds the students. Above all, they are to be professional and protect customer privacy at all cost. The students need to dress as if they were working at the bank’s main office. These new expectations can be a bit jolting to high school students, who sometimes bring their “bank clothes” and change between classes.

Students learn about banking products, writ-ing checks, balancing statements and handling cash. Students are given a list of projects to work on during any downtime and they are expected to complete four during the semester.

Students receive a half-credit and a certificate of completion. Their experience can be a plum on the resume of a recent high school graduate.

In addition, Franklin Savings Bank Benefit Specialist Jeannine McDonald interviews the students as she would any potential employee, ex-cepting that the interview is not for a job, but for the experience and students receive sugges-

tions how they might make the best impression in a real interview.

“This is often the first job interview they have ever had. I try to make them feel comfortable with

the interview process,” said McDonald. “Generally, they need to be reminded to stop fidgeting, sit up straight and look the interviewer in the eye.”

Creating and maintaining a professional atmosphere in dress and behavior is crit-ical to the program. “It has to be tougher than a regular classroom if it is to success-fully prepare them for the working world,” said Senior Vice President Judi Greco.

Ten years ago, Greco was the impetus for creation of the Mt. Blue Branch. “We were thinking this would be a wonderful experience for students to take with them as they leave high school and

go out into the workforce,” she said.“I think the nicest part of all was that the entire

branch was built by Foster Technology students,” said Conner. “Mrs. Greco allowed the students to take ownership.”

“We wanted to involve as many students as possible,” said Greco. “We had an advanced draft-ing student design the branch, the carpentry students built the cabinets and counters, student electricians did the wiring and home econom-ics students made the curtains. They got actual hands-on experience in a working environment.”

Because the branch is located within the high school, it is not open to the general public. Locat-ing a bank branch someplace not generally acces-sible was clearly not a “business decision” but rather an effort to contribute to the community in a unique but meaningful way. The branch is an expensive gift.

“Our intentions were pure. We wanted to not only give the students a valuable tool to bring into the working environment but to give employers a better-skilled pool from which to hire,” said Greco. “We never expected the branch to make money, although we had hoped for better support from the administration and staff.”

After 10 years, support from administrators has recently materialized with SAD 9 moving its ac-counts to the branch, but individual faculty and student participation continues to be limited. The bank-by-mail transactions provide good basic training but they lack the face-to-face customer contact that can only come from live customers.

“To improve what we have today, we would like to be able to service more accounts for the school, faculty and students. This would allow student tellers to handle a greater variety of transac-tions,” said Greco.

“We do it as a service to help with local busi-ness education,” said Peter Judkins, Executive Vice President at Franklin Savings Bank.

FinanceD3P R O F I L E 2003Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003

Franklin Savings Bank’s Mt. Blue High School branch:

A public-private partnership for education

Supervisor Patti Belanger shows senior Megan Brown how to navigate the Franklin

Saving Bank computer system.

By MIKE BOURGOIN / Freelance Writer

Community Credit Union has been serving the financial needs of the Lewiston Auburn area for more than 58 years, and their commitment to

service is just as strong now as it was when they started.

Community Credit Union offers a wide va-riety of financial services and products to its members whether the accounts are residen-tial customers or business customers. Credit Unions are owned by members and are locally governed. That means that impor-tant loan decisions are made by the credit union and not by some faceless loan executive in another state. This local deci-sion making capabil-ity allows the credit union wide latitude in granting loans as well as the types of loans of-fered.

If you’ve just found the perfect home, Com-munity Credit Union can find the mortgage to fit your need. If you already own a home, Community Credit Union can help you take advantage of the equity with a home equity loan that can be used for a variety of purposes. They also offer loans with competi-tive interest rates on new and used vehicles. The people at Community Credit Union realize that life isn’t all work.

To that end, they offer recreation loans. With this loan you can buy a boat, camper, finance a dream vacation and enjoy life. You can even ap-ply for a loan over the phone.

Community Credit Union also offers Indi-vidual Retirement accounts to help prepare you for retirement. They offer traditional, Roth, and educational IRAs to suit your needs.

One of the hallmarks of Community Credit Union is their dedication to their members. As a result of this dedication, they offer a wide vari-

ety of member services to make banking easier. Community Credit Union offers online banking to help manage your money. This banking ser-vice allows you to down load information into a software program like Quicken ™ to help you keep track of your personal finances.

Community Credit Union also offers direct deposit of paychecks along with direct debits. Members can have a paycheck deposited elec-tronically and make a loan payment all with out leaving home. Community Credit Union will also divide the deposit among your various ac-counts such as checking or savings.

The best part of this is that all the mem-ber has to do is set this service up once and it’s done auto-matically from that point on. Communi-ty Credit Union also offers no fee ATM transactions at vari-ous ATM locations, it’s part of the Surf24 network.

The word “Com-munity” in Commu-nity Credit Union isn’t just part of the name, it’s part of their philosophy. Not only do they serve the com-munity with their products and ser-vices, Community Credit Union also gives back to the community. One of these examples is through the Gerald R. Langelier Schol-arship Fund. These

are scholarship awards that are given to college bound high school seniors.

Community Credit Union’s philosophy of giving back to the community was recently recognized by the Maine Credit Union League. Community Credit Union was awarded first place finishes in both the Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action and the Dora Maxwell award for Social Responsibility Programs.

The Maxwell award recognizes the Credit Union’s outreach and community development programs while the Herring award recognizes the Credit Union’s philosophy of people helping people.

People helping people is probably the best description of what Community Credit Union does. Stop in at their 144 Pine Street, Lewiston location or their branch office on 40 Stanley Street in Auburn and become a member today.

Serving the community

The opening page of Community Credit Union’s web site: www.communitycreditunion.com


The Great American Mismatch

Our nation is, without question, the world'sleading seller of products and services. Ourinvestment into marketing has proven to bedynamic as we've learned how to convince thepublic to buy one product versus another via awell thought out and planned series ofadvertisements.

Now, this is all well and good when it comesto Nike selling sneakers as the mismatch, if itoccurs, may only lead to blisters.

However, when it comes to selling financialproducts and services, the mismatch can bedisastrous. In my thirty years of work in thefinancial services industry, I've seen countlessmismatches where people bought what they weretold was the best product only to discover thatthere were far better choices that were muchbetter aligned to their personal goals andobjectives.

Consider that in the world of mutual funds,while there are over 25,000 available funds, 92%of the balances reside in eight companies. Is itany surprise to know that these eight companiesspend the most in terms of marketing dollars?

And what about the fact that the majority ofthe financial products and services we purchaseare sold by sales staff that are paid based upon thecommission or profit attached to each product?Do people actually compare the internal cost ofselling a product or the percentage of mark-up sothat they can see if too many of their hard earneddollars are going into the wrong pocket?

What about when you apply for a loan? Areyou certain that the structure or rate is wellmatched to your own personal situation? Manypeople simply take the best advertised dealwhereas if they had read the fine print orconsidered the impact of changes in the interest

rate environment, they might have made adifferent choice.

What about insurance? Are you comfortablethat the policy you purchased was competitivelypriced or that the terms and conditions of thepolicy provide the proper level of coverage? Iliken purchasing insurance to buying an airlineticket. People on the same flight to the same placeoften pay hundreds of dollars more, dependingupon the seller.

How does one prevent the creation ofmismatches? The answer is to develop afinancial plan that identifies your personal goalsand objectives, tolerance for risk and, in general,provides a road map for your financial future.Then, once you have a plan, care must be taken toreview it regularly and to make certain that eachand every financial product or service is, indeed,well matched to the plan.

The next step is to take the time to findprofessional staff who are prepared to deliverneeds based advice. Find people who aredetermined to take the time to get to know youand to understand your personal goals andobjectives before giving you advice as to whichproduct to buy. Find people who actually will putthemselves in your shoes and give advice basedupon what they would do if they were in yourposition. Find people who are more concernedabout the development of a long term andmutually profitable relationship versus their ownwallet. In short, find people with integrity whounderstand the value of representing the bestinterest of their clients.

The good news is that there are many suchpeople within the financial services industry and,in most cases, even people who sell the wrongproduct don't intend to do so. They either haveaccess to a limited number of products andservices or they simply don't take enough time todetermine if the product they are trying to selldoes indeed provide the right fit.

So, in conclusion, if you desire to avoidserious financial mismatches, take the time tocomparison shop, to review all the fine print and,most of all, to have a personal financial plan thatcan help you identify whether or not a product isright for you.

Jim DelamaterPresident & CEONortheast Bank

Mr. Delamater has spent 30years in the financial services industry as astockbroker, insurance broker, banker and the lasttwenty one years as President & CEO of NortheastBank. Northeast Bank offers a wide array of financialproducts and services, including traditional bankproducts such as loans and deposit services, stocks,bonds, annuities, mutual funds, trust services,insurance services and financial planningdevelopment and assistance.

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For years, banks have been inbusiness to do one thing: lend money-if you didn't like a bank's rates orterms, the sentiment was often "goodluck, you're on your own." Needlessto say, comparison shopping wasn'talways encouraged, andunfortunately this sentiment hasdescended down through the agesinto many of the financial institutionsof today. But what if the bank lookedout for your best interests-instead ofjust its own?

Northeast Bank, with a 130-yearhistory in the state of Maine, could beconsidered amongst the old-guard ofthe banking establishment in the stateif it weren't for the "needs-based"premise behind its practices, thathave transformed it into a differentbanking institution altogether.Matching the right products to everysingle customer's particular financialgoals is the basis of this philosophy,which rejects trying to fit thecustomer to the products the bank hasavailable. This focus on theimportance of the customerrelationship and their specific needsabove and beyond a balance sheet hastransformed the way that banking isdone at Northeast.

There is no better example of thistype of banking than in Northeast'sCommercial Division, wherebusiness customers of the bank oftenform long-term relationships withtheir commercial lenders. Rather thanfocusing on the short-term needs ofthe bank or client, each lender workswith their customers to tailor asoundly structured product andservice plan that works best for them,often changing this plan as neededwhen their business grows.

"We have to be flexible when itcomes to commercial lending, as theneeds of the businesses we work withand the communities we are involvedin constantly change," DianeMcManus, Regional Vice Presidentof Commercial Lending at Northeast.

"By being such a close, vital part ofthe local business community, ourown success relies on theachievements of the companies wework with. As a result, we look outfor their best interests as if they wereour own, because in many ways theyare."

Many businesses have recognizedthat these long-standing relationshipshave worked in their favor, such asDana Ireland, owner of JDJAssociates dba Coleman's Collisionin Auburn. "As a customer I am at alevel where I feel I have someinvolvement-you're not just a number.It's personal banking at its best…Myrelationship began with my lenderand has grown from there one productat a time,” said Ireland. In fact, overthe past 5 years Northeast Bank'scommercial loans have grown from$75 million to over $175 million thispast year.

Another great example of thismethod of banking started with theestablishment of one of the firstcommercial mortgage brokeragedivisions by a bank in the State ofMaine. This division, which operatesthrough Northeast Bank's subsidiaryNortheast Financial Services, Inc.,works closely with the commerciallenders and a network of otherlending sources to find the bestcommercial real estate loans availableif a loan doesn't fit the bank'straditional lending criteria, hasexceptional specifics, or if the size ofthe mortgage is out of the bank'snormal realm. This has opened up awhole new territory for Northeast,targeting commercial business thebank wouldn't normally seek.

"Our customers come to NortheastFinancial expecting their borrowingneeds be fulfilled-regardless of thesource of financing. Our affiliationwith Northeast Bank allows us torespond to our customers' borrowingneeds with products and services thatare not necessarily proprietary to the

Bank-a very progressive approach tocustomer service." said James Brown,Vice President and head of themortgage brokerage division, "To thatend, we take the customer'scommercial real estate financingneeds fully into considerationregardless of who underwrites theirloan and/or provides any otherfinancial service. We are continuallyseeking to expand our sources offinancial products and services so thatwe may best serve our customers."

While mortgage brokerage iscommon throughout the country, it isnot common for a bank to have closeaccess to such a division forcommercial customers. The conceptof a financial division seekingalternate funding for a client fromother lenders is also quite foreign, butin their best interest if that loandoesn't fit the bank's commerciallending criteria.

Staking more on a customer's needsthan selling a specific set of productsmay seem like a risky venture, butNortheast Bank knows that it isalready paying off. "We've seen thestrength of our relationships withcustomers grow over the years as theycome to see that we are truly lookingout for them," said Dan Keneborus,Senior Vice President of CommercialBanking at Northeast Bank. "As aresult, our reputation has grown andpeople are telling other businesses,their friends, and families about abank that takes care of all their needs-from the most minute to the largest."

Northeast Bank's goal over thelong-term is to provide more fittingproducts to the customers it alreadyhas, rather than to solely try to createand conform new customers tospecific products. By being as muchof an all-encompassing, or seamlessbank as possible, customers will getwhat they want and need, andNortheast will remain their bestoption.

An Approach to Commercial Banking Thats Time Has Comeby Marlon Welch

Our Lewiston / Auburn leadership team is proud to support the efforts of these area organizations, who are helping to improve our local community.

Auburn Public Library

United Way ofAndroscoggin County

New Beginnings

Junior Achievement

Central Maine Healthcare

Temple Beth-El

Pictured from left to right:Connie Doucette, Lewiston Branch ManagerDiane McManus, Commercial Loan OfficerStephen Poirier, Commercial Loan OfficerRoxanne Gagne, Auburn Branch Manager

Affordable Medicare Supplements

Pinetree RetirementPlanning, P.A.Two great locations: 155 F. Center St., Auburn • 432 Rte. 1, Scarborough

(207) 786-9670 or 888-408-8418

OUR CLIENTS VALUE SERVICE

Hilda TanguayAuburn

Rod DowlandAgent

Beth SmithAgent

Jen AudetteAgent

Peter MorinAgent

Lisa SaltisAdministrator

John LinscottAgent

Mike DaleyAgent

Tonya WilburMarketing

Stacy BeliveauMarketing

Melinda SmallPresident

Roland CuritAgent

Becky LilleyDirector of Sales,

Scarborough

Giles OuelletteAgent

“My insurance company droppedme! I didn’t know what to do. Icalled the ad in the paper and theycame right over. They helped meunderstand my options, and bestof all, the insurance was affordable.I’m glad I made the call.”

Arthur LeavittSouth Portland

“I was nervous about changing myMedicare Supplement Company. Ihad been with them for over 20years. When my premium wasincreased from $108.00 to $120.00I knew it was time for a change.They offered me better coverage forless money. Best of all, I know theyare always there for me”

“They helped me save over $55.00a month on my MedicareSupplement. Best of all, they pro-vide 100% customer service.Thanks Pinetree”

Anita LevesqueLewiston

Ray & Olivette BeaudetteLewiston

“I would recommend Pinetree toanyone! They offer everything fromMedicare Supplements to estateplanning. I am very grateful to them.They took the time to research myveteran benefits, which helped savemoney on my prescription drugs.Ilove the fact that when I call, there isalways a friendly voice on the otherend. NO MACHINES - NO BUTTONSTO PUSH!”

Ann ChamberlinWestbrook

“Everyone at Pinetree is so good tome. It’s hard for me to say what Ilike best! However the customerservice I receive is exceptional. Iappreciate everything they do forme, I really do! I don’t know whatI would do without them. I encour-age everyone to call and see whatthey can do for you!”

Oscar LevesqueLewiston

“I love the personal service Ireceive at Pinetree. They helpedme save money on my taxes! Ihave complete peace of mindthat all my retirement needs arein order”

Kenneth & Nellie SwanParis

“What I like best about Pinetree isthe personal contact with Becky.You can reach her any time, day ornight! She always calls me backpromptly. If I have any problemsshe simply takes care of them. It’snice to know she is always there forme.”

“Your Quote Here.”

9 out of 10Seniors Save

Money With US!!

Your Photo Here

Call today

for peace

of mind

tomorrow.

Missing Photos:Dan Small,Vice President;

Scott LaFlamme, Agent;

Margaret Lurz, Agent;

John Gordon, Agent; Brian

Walker, Agent,Brandy

Taylor,Marketing; Carne

Diffin, Administrator

BELGRADERoute 27

495-7787

BINGHAMMain Street

672-5553

CORINNAFernald Streeet278-2651

DEXTER83 Church Street924-5582

FAIRFIELDMain Street

453-2521

LIVERMORE FALLS86 Main Street897-3941

MADISON188 Main Street696-3359

NORRIDGEWOCK9 Main Street634-3501

PITTSFIELD7 Hunnewell Square

487-9511

SKOWHEGAN13 Elm Street474-9511

SKOWHEGANWaterville Road474-5610

D5P R O F I L E 2003Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003

Pinetree Retirement

a new, old-fashioned companyBy BARBARA LIVINGSTON

Freelance Writer

After 10 years as a stay-at-home mom, Melinda Small found she was anxious to get into the workforce. Her gregari-ous nature and appeal-

ing personality made her well suited for a ca-reer in the insurance business where she very quickly worked her way up through the ranks.

After five years, she decided to move on and was open to her husband’s suggestion that she start her own business. Her son suggested she call the business “Pinetree Retire-ment Planning” and it hit a chord with her. She de-cided to take a chance.

In August 2000, Me-linda Small opened her business at 155G Center Street in Auburn where the company saw a 200 percent growth in its first year. “Business has been remarkable,” comments Small. “We recently opened an office in Scar-borough and plan to open another in New Hamp-shire this summer. We expect to have five of-fices in a five-year period.”

But growth isn’t the primary concern of this dedicated and compassionate woman. “Ser-vice is truly number one here. Every one of our customers is important and they get personal attention whenever they need it. If there’s a problem, they know we are only a phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” says Small.

Pinetree Retirement Planning offers a full range of insurance and retirement planning including Medicare supplemental insurance, annuities, life insurance and long term care insurance. They also help clients locate many of the free programs available to qualified

seniors like Healthy Maine and the Elder Low Cost Prescription Drug program. “Many senior citizens don’t even know about these programs or if they do, they can’t work their way through the mounds of paperwork,” adds Small. “They can just give us a buzz and we’ll help them complete the paperwork and get started.”

Though the majority of Pinetree’s clients are senior citizens, Small emphasizes the impor-tance of planning much earlier.

“Every decision a person makes is a re-tirement decision. People don’t realize that

when they buy a house or change jobs, these are decisions that could ulti-mately affect their retire-ment.”

Small says she sees the retirement challenge as a puzzle and recommends that people take each clus-ter – health care, social security, their 401K and Medicare supplemental insurance – and figure out how they will fit together as a whole.

“Then people can view this puzzle as a snapshot of their retirement fu-ture,” advises Small.

Melinda Small and her staff are proud of their accomplishments and what their work has meant for their clients. “We believe what goes around, comes around,” says Small. “We’re all here because we want to be here to do the best job we can for the people who put their trust in us.”

Today, Small is the proud owner of Pinetree Retirement Plannig — the only insurance com-pany to receive the SBDC (Small Business De-velopment Center) Award for 2002 presented by former Governor Angus King.

The growth and success of this new, old-fash-ioned company is an example that this philoso-phy works.

Call 786-9670 or toll free 1-888-408-8418 for in-formation.

Planning —

“We’re all here

because we want

to be here to do the

best job we can for

the people who put

their trust in us.”Melinda Small

SKOWHEGAN SAVINGS BANK —providing quality banking services

By MIKE BOURGOINFreelance Writer

Since 1869, Skowhegan Savings Bank has been providing the people of Maine with quali-ty banking. That tradition of service continues today especially at the Livermore Falls loca-tion on 86 Main Street. Until 1998, Skowhegan Savings Bank has been primarily a central Maine entity. In 1998, Skowhegan Savings bought six locations of Key Bank including the Livermore Falls location. Because of this pur-chase, people in western Maine can experience the same high quality service that the people in central Maine have come to depend on.

Skowhegan Savings Bank is a truly versatile bank with services and products for everyone. They can supply businesses with checking, savings, loans and Visa Accounts. The staff at Skowhegan Savings can provide banking ser-vices to all size businesses from mom and pop stores to large companies.

Consumers are not left out at Skowhegan Savings; there are a wide variety of products and services for them as well. In addition to savings accounts, Skowhegan Savings pro-vides a variety of checking accounts to serve individual needs. If you’ve found your dream home, Skowhegan Savings can help with mort-gages at competitive rates. If you already have your dream home, you may be eligible for a home equity loan that can be used for a multi-tude of purposes such as a new car, vacation or home improvements. Skowhegan Savings Bank also of-fers auto, recreational and personal loans to cover anything from the car you’ve always wanted to the perfect boat.

Skowhegan Savings offers Indi-vidual Retirement accounts – IRAs - such as traditional, Roth and educational loans to plan for those retirement years. It’s never to late to

start planning for retirement. The staff at Skowhegan Savings has all the

latest information regarding IRAs so they can help you set up IRAs and get the most out of each account.

“While Skowhegan Savings Bank does of-fer a wide variety of products, the employees realize that excellent service is vital in a local bank.”

Understanding that people do not always have time to do their banking during the tra-ditional banking hours, Skowhegan Savings Bank offers several convenient options for doing banking at home or on the road. Online banking is offered through the bank’s website with I-bank Online.

From the privacy of your own home, you can transfer funds between accounts, make loan payments, and check account balances. Away from a computer, many of the same transac-tions can be done with a touchtone telephone with the bank’s telephone banking service called ‘Bank Around the Clock’. Another con-venience that the bank offers is ATM and debit card services.

With many products and services to choose from and excellent customer service, Skow-hegan Savings Bank is not only a full service bank, it is truly living up to its slogan of being “Your Partner for the Future.”

‘Your partner for the future’

The staff at Skowhegan Savings Bank, ready to assist with your banking needs, left to right, Michelle Gervais, Jessica

Norton, Kimberly Karkos, Joanne Wardwell and Lisa Bilodeau.

Retired orRetired orRetiring Soon?Retiring Soon?

Avoid mistakes with your investments, taxes and savings!!

Call Today for a FREE, No Obligation Consultation

At this free informational session, you can learn about:

• How to protect your assets from a falling stock market• How to keep more social security after taxes• How to protect yourself from long term care costs• How to reduce your capital gains and estate tax• How to get Tax Free income• How not to rely on low interest CD’s to provide for your future• How to understand your IRA/401(k) distribution options• How to avoid making the IRS your single largest heir• Roth IRA vs. Regular IRA• How to STRETCH your IRA for the next generation - TAX FREE

Call 1-800-297-6683 or 207-283-6669

to schedule your FREE Consultation at one of Greg’s locations:South Portland, Saco, Naples,Yarmouth, Auburn, Augusta.

If you are retired or retiring soon, you are invited to a FREEone hour consultation with retirement specialist Gregory Strong.

Gregory Strong is a well-known financial educator who has been helping people in Maine with their retirementplanning since 1975. For years, he has been teaching investors over age 60 how to preserve their assets, increase

their income, and reduce income taxes. Consequently, Gregory is regarded as alocal expert in the financial risks and opportunities of retirement. As well asbeing a Chartered Financial Consultant, Gregory is Certified Senior Advisor, andis the author of the book Mistakes Retirees Make. Do not miss this opportunityto learn how to avoid some of the most expensive financial mistakes made byretirees and talk with one of Maine’s most knowledgeable retirement specialists.

Call to schedule your consultation in March and you will get a FREE copy of

Greg’s popular 103 page book “Mistakes Retirees Make.”

1-800-297-6683 or 207-283-6669.Registered Representative Securities offered by: MONY Securities Corporation, Member NASD, SIPC

A member of The MONY Group, New York, NY 10019

Celebrating50 Yearsof meeting the needs of our members and our community.YOU CAN JOIN!Fifty years ago life was very different, the shoe industry and textilemills were primary employers of our community. Today you’ll findthat businesses and its workforce have evolved to reflect the changingtimes and the needs of its people.

Great Falls Federal Credit Union is proud to have been part of ourcommunity’s rich history and has always served and will continue toserve the changing needs of our members. We provide a long list offinancial services and products that provide ease and convenience forour members and their changing lifestyles. Our website offers a weathof information about us and our services and provides a loan applicationfor your convenience.

Great Falls Federal Credit Union began by providing services for St.Louis Church parishioners in New Auburn, servicing the employees ofKnapp Shoe Manufacturing and the Knights of Columbus Council #106and has now grown to include three branch locations which serve all ofAndroscoggin County.

As the “HOME OF THE ONE HOUR LOAN”, Great FallsCredit Union strives to provide LOWER LOAN RATES and QUICKloan processing. You can be assured that with 50 years of historybehind us, we will continue to provide products and services to fulfillwhatever your financial needs are now and into the future!

Come experience the warm welcome you’ll receive as a member ofthe Great Falls Credit Union family and receive the personal service thathas come to be known as OUR personal touch. At Great Falls FederalCredit Union you are always #1.

www.greatfallsfcu.com

34 Bates Street, Lewiston782-7192

33 Dunn Street, Auburn783-3552

760 Minot Avenue, Auburn753-0500

Great Falls Federal Credit Union

HOME OF THEONE HOUR LOAN

5050Years

Cel

ebrating

Of Serving Member

s

We welcome you to join and

celebrate with us!


Finance

The financial decisions you make today will help shape tomorrow for

you and the people you love.

By Greg Strong / The MONY Group

Whether you are retiring or being laid-off, there are many crucial mistakes Mainers make with their retirement money. You have worked hard. You have saved. Please do not make the five most common mistakes which can ERODE your financial future!

Having helped people in Maine make the most of their retirement funds since starting my fi-nancial planning practice in 1975, I have noticed some common mistakes which you can easily avoid!

Mistake #1Getting slammed with the

20% lump sum withdrawal hit on your money. Since 1993, the US government has mandated that, if you request a lump sum distribution of your hard-earned money, 20% will be withheld! That means if you have $100,000 and request a check, you will receive $80,000. It may possibly be better for you to rollover to an IRA, where 100% of your money contin-ues to grow tax deferred, and you still may be able to take income penalty free!

Mistake #2Not taking advantage of

the tax laws. Do you realize that $100,000 grows to about $229,000 after ten years (at 12%, assuming a 28% tax bracket). The same amount of money tax-deferred would grow to about $310,000 over ten years!’ These are exam-ples only, and you should talk to your financial advisor and tax consultant. Before touch-ing your 401K, see if it is in your best interest to keep that money away from the tax man as long as legally possible.

Mistake #3Asset Allocation/Reducing Risk. You’ve

heard the expression “Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket.” One year CDS are doing great, the next year it might be growth mutual funds, then bonds...... where do you put your money when you leave a job, and how can you reduce your risk in today’s volatile market??

A good financial planner can help you under-stand “Asset Allocation” and help you under-stand what types of financial vehicles are safer

than others, as well as helping you put together a “financial roadmap.”

Retirement definitely is not the time 10 have “all your eggs in one basket” because time may no longer be on your side if you loose a lot of money in a down market. You NEED to leam about asset allocation!!

Mistake #4Procrastination in Planning your “Financial

Roadmap” After 27 years of helping my fellow Mainers with their financial affairs, I’ve con-cluded (sadly) that more people spend more time planning their next vacation than their retire-ment. It’s true! If you were planning a trip from Maine to Florida, you would probably call AAA, get a roadmap and follow a systematic plan to achieve your goal of reaching Florida safely and on time.

But do you have a “roadmap” for what to do with your 401K, IRA, mutual funds, Certificates of De-posit, etc. to make sure they can maximize your income potential down the road? Do you have a goal as to how much money you will need (or want) at age 60, 70, 80 and beyond?

It’s interesting. I do free re-tirement seminars through-out Maine for people plan-ning on retiring, already in retirement, or people recently laid off who are wondering what to do with their $5,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000 or $600,000 401K, IRA or CD accounts.

Part of my free seminars talks about “having a road-map” for retirement, and how if you really knew what you were doing, you could take advantage of several “free bridges” that bypass the financial highway of taxes, inflation, and not un-derstanding your choices. For example:

4 How to get retirement income that could be up to 80% tax free

4 How to make your money work smart and safe in this scary, volatile market

4 How you could increase your retirement in-come using Rockefeller’s Secret

4 How to fight inflation safely4 How to get stock market-like gains without

any direct downside market risk4 How to reduce taxes on Social Security4 And much much more..In other words, you must have a PLAN, and

IMPLEMENT your plan with concepts like these that I have shared with more than 7,000 Maine families.

The biggest mistakes retiring or laid-off workers make

Greg Strong is a well-known financial educator who has been helping Mainer with their retirement planning since 1975. For years he has been teaching investors over age 55 how to preserve their assets, increase their income and reduce taxes. Consequently, Gregory is regarded as a local expert in the financial risks and opportunities of retirement. He has met with over 9,000 people to help them in such concerns as asset protection, Long Term Care Planning, 401K and IRA Distributions and other vital retirement issues. As well as being a Chartered Financial Consultant, Gregory is a Certified Senior Advisor, and has written several articles on conservative investing. Gregory lives in Yarmouth, Maine with this wife Janmarie, and has three children. Gregory can be reached by calling 207-283-MONY or by mailing to: 42 Thornton Avenue, PO Box 535, Saco, Maine 04072. He also has offices in Saco South Portland, Yarmouth, and Naples, Maine.


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Finance

By DONNA KEENE ROUSSEAU

Freelance Writer

FISC Solutions opened its doors in 1977 in Brunswick and moved its offices to Lisbon Street in

Lewiston four years later. The company recently celebrated 25 years in operation, more than 20 of them spent success-fully in the city’s downtown business community.

FISC offers innovative operations solutions including check processing and statement generation and mailings for financial institutions in Maine and across New England. According to Charles Mercer, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Busi-ness Development, FISC employees process six million checks each month and mail 250,000 bank state-ments along with corresponding checks or check images.

“We’re a ‘backroom’ operations company helping banks and credit unions meet the needs of their cus-tomers and members. If we didn’t exist, these financial institutions would deplete their capital resources to purchase processing hardware and software to accomplish these key tasks.

With FISC’s services, credit unions and banks can utilize capital to devel-op programs that offer cutting edge and convenience services includ-ing telephone and online banking. We help credit unions and banks in Maine and New Hampshire stay com-petitive with their bigger brethren.”

Many companies also procure the services of FISC for processing pay-ments. Clients using “Lock Box” ser-vices include Dead River Oil, AAA New England, Anthem Insurance Company, Nordx Labs and the Uni-versity of Maine System.

Additionally, the company also ser-vices higher education loans made

by banks and credit unions. Says Mercer, “We currently service a portfolio of 40,000 loans equaling one hundred and seventy-five million dollars. We cut back on the paper han-dling for our clients and allow their customers to view their transactions in a variety of ways, making information avail-able in more ways than ever before.”

Proud of the contribution the company makes in lieu of employment and the impact of its revenue on the local economy, FISC remains more committed to the Lewiston downtown business district than ever before.

Over the next year, the company will make critical invest-ments in machinery and equipment that will help them con-

tinue to grow successfully over the long term.“We will take advantage of the latest technology, hardware

and software, to provide our client base with state of the art products and services,” Mercer explains.

Loan software that will allow FISC to service a wider range of loans and credit accounts is scheduled for unveiling in 2003. Mercer adds, “Later this year we will be updating our processing systems which will also capitalize on the latest image and electronic technologies. Combined, they will help make FISC an important partner in the Lewiston business community for years to come.”

FISCPutting technology work in Lewiston’s downtown

FISC Loan Servicing, Brenda Leavitt and Kerry Kates FISC Loan Servicing Serry Vaughan using new compass program.

By Denise ScammonStaff Writer

Modern Woodmen of America, founded in 1883, is a not-for-profit fraternal life insurance organiza-

tion based in Rock Island, Ill., offering life insurance, annuity and investment products, along with fraternal member benefits for families and their communi-ties. January 5, 2003, marked Modern Woodmen of America’s 120th anniver-sary of keeping ‘our promise to improve members’ quality of life.’ “We know that Modern Woodmen of America will be there to take care of our clients’ families and our own families in the future,” said Richard Courtemanche, district manager, who has been a representative for Modern Woodmen of America since 1973.

Many Modern Woodmen of America representatives are members of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, one of the oldest and largest trade organizations in the insur-ance field.

Courtemanche has extensive training in needs-based analysis and financial security planning. The organization has added two wholly owned subsidiaries since 2001, broker-dealer MWA Finan-cial Services, Inc., and MWABank, one of only a few direct banks in the United States.

MWA Financial Services, Inc. is a full service broker/dealer, licensed to con-duct business in all 50 U.S. states with 250 registered representatives. A full line of securities products are offered through the broker/dealer, including variable universal life insurance, vari-able annuities, mutual funds, stocks

and bonds. Mutual funds from 50 fund families are available at this time. And Modern Woodmen provides variable universal life insurance and variable an-nuities in Maine.

Fraternals make a difference in the lives of individuals, communities and the nation.

Modern Woodmen of America mem-bers demonstrate their fraternal spirit through camp activities, charitable, educational, patriotic and/or religious work, serving families of all ethnic, reli-gious and vocational backgrounds.

“It’s important to have knowledge in a wide array of products so as to be able to customize a product solution for indi-vidual financial needs because no two

families have the same combination of financial needs,” continued Courteman-che.

Modern Woodmen of America is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau, and organizations which are committed to improving the quality of life for Ameri-cans and addressing social problems through community service programs. “At Modern Woodmen of America, we think it is important to be involved and volunteer in social programs for health care, homelessness, youth education, the family, senior citizens, and similar programs,” Courtemanche said.

Securities offered through MWA Fi-nancial Services, Inc. a wholly owned

subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America, 1701 1st Avenue, Rock Island, IL, 61201, 309-558-3100. Member: NASD, SIPC.

Products are available in most states. Individual representatives may not be licensed to sell all products.

MWABank is a wholly owned subsid-iary of Modern Woodmen of America. Annuities, insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds and other securities are not insured by the FDIC or any other fed-eral government agency, are not obliga-tions or deposits for MWABank, and are not guaranteed by MWABank.

These products involve risk, including the possible loss of principal invested. MWABank is an Equal Housing Lender.

Finance


Modern Woodmen of America’s quality of life promise

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Finance

9DP R O F I L E 2003Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003

By DENISE SCAMMON Staff Writer

Down the Androscoggin valley, and from Gray to Rockland, Androscoggin Bank’s 13 locations serve central

Maine communities with dedicated financial professionals, knowledge-able about their local business com-munity.

“Our business clients quickly learn that our staff is well-equipped to satisfy all their business financial needs,” began Paul Andersen, se-nior vice president for commercial lending. “As a Maine-based bank, our customers don’t have to wait days for an answer while we check with an out-of-state home office. That is not how we do things. We work at the local level right here in Maine to give you answers as quick-ly as possible.”

Androscoggin Bank’s idea of the ideal business financial partner “is a bank with its finger on the pulse of the community. That’s one of the best reasons to come over to Andro-scoggin Bank. We’re well-connected to the community, a fact that gives us an obvious motivation for help-ing your business succeed.” Ander-sen added, “We’ve been around a long time, since 1870, and have the financial and business resources your business needs to prosper. As a community bank, the local savings deposited in our bank are returned to the community in the form of business loans.”

Businesses need working capital with maximum flexibility. “Our lines of credit offer the flexibility every business requires to oper-ate successfully...working capital when you need it most,” said Andersen.

“Since 90 percent of businesses in Maine oper-ate as ‘small businesses’, meaning they employ 10 or less, we have tailored our products to meet their needs. ”

Small, family-run businesses and partnerships, from construction companies to small retailers to accountants, have all benefited from Androscog-gin Bank’s business checking, lines of credit, term loans, debit cards, credit cards, and other services. “One of our goals has been to create a stress-free

banking environment for our customers. We do that by meeting face-to-face with our clients and we have found that people like to do business that way,” noted Andersen.

Another way that Androscoggin Bank creates a stress-free environment is by mak-ing it as good a place to work at as possible. “We believe that in order to offer good, old-fashioned custom-er service, we need to be good to our employees. We make the work envi-ronment as beneficial as we can for all employees, from the teller to the president,” said Andersen. “Our employees’ pleasant attitudes, honesty, and customer service are appreciated by our customers.”

“If you’re looking for a bank that understands the needs of your busi-ness, and which can be responsive at the local level, please stop in or give us a call,” said Andersen. “We’d like to talk with you about your plans to purchase new equip-ment, expand into a larger space or redesign your cash management services. The flexibility of our banking services at Androscoggin Bank is designed to help you no matter which business you are in.”

Services offered:

In addition to old-fashioned banking, other business services and conveniences

include: From your home or of-fice computer, you can access and manage all of your business’ Androscoggin Bank funds with a minimum amount of time and a maximum amount of security and efficiency. These options include electronic transfers, online pay-ments, automatic deposits, auto-matic payments, and e-mail com-munication. “The internet goes way beyond what ATM machines

brought to banking 20 years ago,” said Andersen. Telephone Banking, at no additional charge, pro-vides access to your account information. Your monthly statement includes reduced size pictures of all your canceled checks together on individual sheets in numbered sequence. They’re easier for you to handle and are guaranteed to reduce the time needed to reconcile your account every month. There’s also the convenience of drive-up facilities and night drops at all Androscoggin Bank locations.

Androscoggin Bank is motivated to make your business a success

“While our commercial lending officers visit our clients at their business sites and tend to be on the road often, we have

committed to modernizing the lending offices at our

30 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, location,” said Andersen.

“Just as Androscoggin Bank was recognized in

2002 as one of the Top Ten SBA Certified Lenders, our goal is to continue

to expand and grow our commercial and small

business lending to meet our client needs.”

By MIKE BOURGOINFreelance Writer

Capital is the lifeblood of busi-

ness, unfortunately it can be

difficult to obtain. Financial

institutions may be reluctant

to lend money to new, start-up

companies and be equally reluctant to lend

money to established firms in tight economic

times. As a result, promising ideas and busi-

ness might never

reach fruition and

established firms

may remain stag-

nant.

Fortunately for

Maine businesses,

there is FAME.

FAME, The Finance

Authority of Maine,

was established by

the state to act as an

independent agency.

Their function is to

work with the busi-

ness community to

provide a variety of

financing solutions

for Maine businesses. FAME provides a vari-

ety of services to entrepreneurial start-ups to

well established firms.

FAME acts as a specialty commercial fi-

nance shop, they provide loan guarantees

and enhanced access to capital through the

banking system. FAME provides this service

at all stages of a company’s existence. FAME

calls the financing options it offers a “risk con-

tinuum.”

Each step of their financing help is matched

to that continuum. Early stage companies

need access to “patient capital”, that is capital

which can be tied up for a long period of time.

Return on this type of capital may be delayed

until the company becomes more profitable.

As companies grow, they may have a healthy

economic picture but are unable to access pri-

vate capital.

This is where FAME’s loan insurance and

business programs can help with access. Es-

tablished companies can take advantage of

long term finance option offered by FAME.

FAME will work with businesses to see

which program is most appropriate for the

business. For example: a start-up company

might qualify for loan guarantees as well as the

Maine Seed Tax Credit

Program.

The Seed program

allows for tax credits

to investors in an

emerging business to

help spur investment

and help the business

reach it’s full poten-

tial.

For companies that

are established but

still growing, FAME

offers a wide variety of

programs to help these

companies access

capital as well as se-

cure loan guarantees.

Some of these programs include Clean Vehicle

Guarantees to companies buying or leasing

clean fuel vehicles, computer loan programs

for the purchase of hardware and software for

business.

FAME can also help meet the needs of estab-

lished companies as well. FAME offers a series

of bond programs to help with expansion, com-

mercial real estate purchases, or moderniza-

tion of facilities.

The scope of FAME’s programs go far

beyond the few mentioned here and FAME

is always working to create new business

programs to help Maine companies. For

the latest information, visit their website at

www.famemaine.com

FAME – Providing finance solutions for business

Their function is to work with the business community to

provide a variety of financing

solutions for Maine businesses.

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PartnersFor Life

Since 1938, OxfordFederal Credit Unionhas been sharing in the lives of ourmembers.

Our family has grownwith yours.

With each new generation, we arethere to share in yoursuccess, and helpbuild your future.

P.O. Box 252, 225 River Road, Mexico 207-369-99761591 Main Street, Oxford 207-743-2638

1-800-991-9219 www.ofcu.orgMembership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Oxford County.

FinanceD10 Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003P R O F I L E 2003

Healey & Associates, with offices

in Auburn and Portland, Maine, has

continued to grow during what has

been widely recognized by the finan-

cial services industry as one of the

most difficult periods of time to grow.

So how does this 21-year-old firm con-

tinue to find opportunities for growth?

Partners Mark Anthoine and Matt

Arbo seem to have been able to come

up with the answers…

Anthoine calls it a continued focus

on a well thought out and strategic

business plan that centers on finding

creative solutions to common prob-

lems faced by business owners, their

families and their employees today.

“Matt and I constantly look to find the

opportunities that will lead us into the

next 10 years and beyond. We never

want to rest on our successes of the

past. Over the past several years we

have explored and expanded into other

geographic locations where our core

competencies and strengths allow us to deliver

the same valuable resources to our clients re-

gardless of where they live and work.”

They also have continued to develop en-

hanced internal systems and service initia-

tives that create a special synergy within

the organization. Says Arbo “We have three

divisions within our firm that work together

for our clients to be able to gain the most from

what we have to offer as a financial services

firm. We have developed fully integrated

systems, across each of our divisions, which

provide us with the necessary collaborative

focus among our staff to succeed. We recognize

that intellectual capital is what our clients ex-

pect from us at all times. Without a doubt, this

has allowed us to provide the highest level of

quality service and solutions that our clients

deserve and expect from us.”

Healey & Associates has three divisions that

provide services to clients:

3 Through Healey’s Individual Financial

Services Division, they work with individuals

to design and implement estate planning and

business succession planning strategies, in

particular when it comes to insurance needs

within those plans. This often involves unique

approaches to life insurance, disability insur-

ance and long term care insurance.

3 Healey’s Group Employee Benefits Divi-

sion works with more than 350 businesses to

develop and service employee benefit pack-

ages, including partially self-funded health

insurance programs for companies with 35 or

more employees.

3 Healey continues to work to help employ-

ers deal with the well-known health insurance

crisis in Maine. According to Arbo, “The ever

present turmoil within the health insurance

market in Maine has created various opportu-

nities for our firm. The number of traditional

health insurance options is limited, so we often

find ourselves developing creative and unique

programs with a goal to help reduce the finan-

cial impact to our clients.”

In January 2002, Anthoine and Arbo’s firm

acquired an affiliated company that became

their Retirement Planning Division. This di-

vision works with more than 350 businesses

throughout the United States offering 401(k)

and 403(b) investment management, advice,

and education along with fee-based admin-

istrative services. Arbo’s comments on the

acquisition “we are expanding our market

opportunities by providing every conceivable

employee benefits including pension adminis-

tration within one corporate entity. Further-

more, our model is built on solid employer

and employee education, superior plan design

support and ongoing performance evaluation,

asset allocation and risk assessment to ensure

our clients are protected regardless of the mar-

ket conditions.”

Healey & Associates continues to empha-

size consolidated and clear communication

coupled with education as an important ser-

vice to offer employers and their employees.

So, regardless of how difficult and challenging

the times may be, the future continues to look

bright for Healey & Associates. Says Anthoine,

“Over the past 15 years, our firm has contin-

ued to grow through our ability to recognize

opportunities that exist from the challenges

we face. Matt and I are big believers in plan-

ning our work and working our plan. We also

believe that by staying focused on our plan for

expansion, while remaining flexible in our ap-

proach, we will be best positioned to deal with

whatever cards we are dealt.”

Matt Arbo andMark Anthoine

Healey & Associates • Auburn & Portland, Maine

By PATRICIA KEMPFreelance Writer

Oxford Federal Credit Union operates much the same way it did 65 years ago when first squeezed inside the loading dock of Oxford Paper Company. Maintaining close family ties to the community has been the foundation of the financial institution. Still, as technology advanced, so did the credit union’s services to its members.

Today close to 14,500 members enjoy the same member service, but with the convenience of online banking. Anyone who lives, works, wor-ships or attends school in Oxford County is wel-come to join and take part in a variety of finan-cial opportunities at the main office in Mexico or the sister branch in Oxford.

“Oxford Federal Credit Union is a not-for-prof-it entity,” says Matt Kaubris, President/CEO. “Our members are our shareholders. That’s whom we’re responsible to. We’re not here just to sell products. We want to meet our members’ needs and hopefully build lifetime relation-ships.”

An example of the personal involvement can be found in the loan department, Kaubris con-tinues. “Many members ask for a loan officer by name. It’s rare our members would wait for an answer. Decisions are made here, locally, typi-cally within five minutes.”

Free checking, ATM and debit cards, and a 24-hour lending service for those seeking immedi-ate financing, are just some of the long-standing services offered to members.

Recent additions include a personal financial planning program, direct insurance quotes and higher savings coverage.

* Financial Planning with Steve Dean, Northeast Planning Associates: Guiding members through areas of retirement income, personal investment, life insurance, tax strate-gies, education funding and estate planning is Steve Dean’s specialty.

“Steve believes his success is measured by the success of his clients and their families,” says Lenny Fairchild, Assistant to VP of Marketing/Human Resources.

“We believe this service will be effective in helping our members achieve what is impor-tant to them. It’s about providing value to our members, the value of expertise in evaluating each member’s situation and setting up a confi-dential personal action plan that is coordinated with Oxford Federal Credit Union’s products and services.”

* Partnership with Equinox: A highly respected Falmouth-based financial and insur-

ance firm, which allows OFCU members to read-ily shop for insurance quotes in areas of home, life, auto, business and long-term care.

* Excess Share Insurance: Member’s ac-counts can now be insured up to $350,000. The service, introduced in April 2002, is the highest combination of federal/private savings insur-ance available to consumers.

These services, in addition to a variety of home banking options, can easily be ac-cessed through the credit union’s Web site, www.ofcu.org.

For example, the CU Anywhere advantage allows members to view their account balance, transfer funds and make loan payments through the home banking system at no charge. For a small monthly fee, members can now pay all their bills online. Transactions are recorded instantly and can be conducted wherever the internet is provided, 24 hours a day.

“It’s a big timesaver and it costs less than a book of stamps,” says Tammy Daigle, Executive Vice President.

In addition to in-house and online services, OFCU employees are reaching out to the young-er population—discussing life skills with high school students, while mascot Monty Moose of-ten makes an appearance to elementary grades.

Young entrepreneurs have become a signifi-cant part of the shareholder membership at OFCU. The Monty Moose Club, geared toward children under 12, acquire “moose cash” each time they make a deposit, which they can spend in Monty’s store. Teenagers as well can earn points towards movie passes, pizzas and win raffle drawings.

“The programs educate and encourage chil-dren to save money,” Daigle says.

Community involvement plays a big role in the lives of the staff. Through weekly contribu-tions to their employee fund, “Helping Hands,” staff support various local services.

OFCU employees are regular participants in such causes as the United Way Day of Caring, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the Alzheimer’s Walk, the March of Dimes Walk, and the Maine Credit Union League’s Ending Hunger in Maine project.

Keeping close community tiesand expanding services

Oxford Federal Credit Union

Finding opportunities for growth during challenging times in the

financial services world

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At UnitedKingfield Bank, we believe that our number-onejob is to make you happy. Jumping-for-joy kind of happy.

We take a rather unique approach to banking.

We believe in developing personal business relationships,not just portfolios. We believe we should get to know yourbusiness, not just the business you do with us. We believethat if we put our Maine business experience and expertiseto work for you, you’ll want to keep us as your bank.

If this approach seems rather unconventional in today’sbanking industry, well, it is.

But if you’re looking for something other than conventional,like a strong, one-to-one financial partner, we may be justwhat you’re looking for.

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FinanceD12 Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003P R O F I L E 2003

By BARBARA LIVINGSTONFreelance Writer

When brothers Justin and Lucas Hartford were growing up, they probably didn’t think much about the work their father, Dick, did at his office each day. Nor they did realize that their grandfather, Oscar, had worked in the insurance business nearly his entire life. And when they were young, they may have been unaware that the work their father and grandfather did to build a complete service insurance agency in Lew-iston known for its quality of service would one day become their own life’s work.

Today, Justin and Lucas manage the day-to-day operations of The Hartford Agency on Main Street in Lewiston. And as their father and grandfather before them, they continue to grow the business by offering additional services while still providing the best service possible to their customers.

“One thing we realized,” offers Justin, “is that no single agent or service representative can know everything there is to know about the insurance needs of all the various types of businesses. Large businesses generally have different needs than a small business and vice versa.” So now The Hartford Agency has done some internal restructuring in order to expand their commercial business sector.

“We now have a small business unit and a large business unit,” says Justin, “with an agent and a service rep assigned to each unit. These people are able to offer expert advice for their particular clients’ needs. The custom-ers will get the individualized and specialized attention they need and deserve and it will allow our internal operations to run more ef-ficiently.”

In addition to this new approach, The Hart-ford Agency offers Risk Management to busi-

nesses as a service that can now be separate from the other services the agency offers. With

two safety inspectors on staff at Hartford, this service can be utilized easily and quickly.

The folks at The Hartford Agency have a lot to be proud of these days. In ad-dition to their growth and additional services, one of their Life and Health Ser-vice Representatives, Lisa M. Bussiere, has successful-ly completed the ACSR (Ac-credited Customer Service Representative) Life/Health Designation series and will be receiving her ACSR des-ignation certificate in that field. “We are so proud of Lisa,” said Justin. “She is the first industry represen-tative in the State of Maine

to receive this prestigious designation – a designation that is recognized throughout the United States.”

Continuing education and research are criti-cally important to the members of The Hart-ford Agency staff. The knowledge and expertise that each agent at Hartford is able to use to best serve the customer is gained through time and commitment. “An average agent spends approximately 12-15 hours each week doing research,” comments Justin. “When someone purchases insurance they basically purchase a legal document containing many important details. Our people are dedicated to keeping up with the numerous changes that occur in the insurance industry on practically a daily basis. The State says that licensed agents must have 30 credit hours of continuing education every two years. We don’t think that’s enough. Our staff continually takes specialty courses that far exceed that 30 hours.”

Though everyone knows that insurance pric-es have risen, it’s interesting to note that prices today are about the same as they were 7 – 10 years ago. “There has been a direct correlation between insurance prices and the stock mar-ket,” says Justin. “For years, insurance carri-

ers have made the majority of their money by investing, not from premium payments. When the market was booming, insurers were able to lower their rates. Now that the market is weak, the rates have gone up but really only back to where they were a number of years ago.”

Now more than ever, it’s important for in-dividuals and businesses to work with a com-pany that is knowledgeable about the current insurance environment. The staff at The Hart-ford Agency has spent weeks pouring over the information being disseminated about terror-ism insurance and how that can affect a busi-ness so they will be able to advise customers of the pros and cons of adding this insurance.

Today, this third generation of Hartfords continues the tradition started by their grand-father years ago. “We have a very high rate of referral business,” says Justin. “New custom-ers come with us because they like what our

company offers, they like and trust the agent with whom they work and they appreciate our reputation for outstanding professional ser-vice. My grandfather still comes into the office once or twice a week just to check this out. I think he’s pretty proud of what we’re doing.”

The Hartford Agency is a full service insur-ance agency offering Commercial Property and Liability Insurance, Employee Benefits, Workers Compensation, Payroll Deduction Products for Employees, Investment, Bond-ing, Keyperson Life and Funding of Buy/Sell Agreements, Professional Liability and Group Health Insurance.

The Hartford Agency655 Main Street,

Lewiston1-800-482-0754 or 784-4566www.hartfordagency.com

The Hartford AgencyAn established company with young ideas

Ann Crocker and Betsey Pratt, the lead team for The Hartford Agency newly created small business uint.

Lisa Bussiere

Documents

Sun Journal Profile 2003 section D