Success by Committee

Hopefully, Maine consumers have been able to realize that credit unions across the state value sharing with one another. Whether it’s an idea, a laugh or a tear, we let each other know about it. Not only do our relationships create a higher level of service and convenience to our members, they allow us to enjoy the camaraderie of being cooperative in nature. In other words, we have fun together! This is evident with the expansion of the Shared Branching and SURF (Surcharge Free ATMs) Networks.

However, these same folks may not realize that this particular concept of sharing is an important goal among credit unions. It helps us successfully develop our organizations for the future. This goal is further explained as an effort to move toward high collaboration and low competition between interdependent units.

Let me explain how credit unions are doing:

1.) High Collaboration – Like never before, credit unions are pooling together their resources to serve members at large. With Shared Branching and SURF, they can actually go into or visit different—yet participating—credit unions to conduct certain transactions or use a free ATM. We also contribute to promoting the credit union message as a whole throughout the state. I’d say we’re getting pretty good at highly collaborating!

2.) Low Competition – It is more important for a person to stay a member of A credit union rather than become a member of OUR credit union. We just feel that a credit union is a place that will benefit everyone. This thought process enables us to freely open our facilities to those in the Shared Branching Network. Need I say more?

3.) Interdependent – Basically, this term means that even though unique organizations function separately, they depend on each other for greater success. As more and more credit unions join hands, a strong and secure financial option emerges—thus becoming more appealing for a lot more Mainers. Have you ever heard that there is strength in numbers?

It sounds to me that Maine credit unions have adopted a very proactive approach to the way they do business. We want to succeed. We want to grow. We want to help more Mainers. We will partly achieve this through good, old fashioned teamwork.

Who wouldn’t want to be part of a financial group like this? GO TEAM!

-Ryan O., Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union