5Q: George Charette | President and CEO, Pawtucket Credit Union
1. Has the operations center been completed and have employees moved into the building yet? And how will the facility help the company’s operations? We anticipate completing and beginning to occupy our new operations center in mid-February. The credit union has grown significantly since we moved into our present offices at 1200 Central Ave. in 2000. This new facility will allow for continued expansion to serve more members and communities.
2. Did the company meet its targets of $140 million in loan growth and $120 million in deposit growth in 2018? In 2018 Pawtucket Credit Union grew by $152 million in loans and $156 million in deposits, exceeding both growth goals.
3. Has the company’s community investment fund progressed since it was announced last fall? Improving the lives of families and individuals in the communities we serve has been a key component of the credit union’s mission and is the motivation behind our community-investment fund, now in its third year. In 2017, we saw a steady increase in community requests focused on housing and economic security. This past year, organizations focused on workforce development were the beneficiaries of our giving efforts.
In funding programs that serve vulnerable populations, we hope to assist these individuals and mitigate some of the stress on our local communities. [In] 2019, our focus will be on issues involving children and youth.
4. How would you describe employee participation levels in the company’s wellness program? PCU’s award-winning wellness program is based on the results of annual personal health assessments completed by our staff. Participation levels continue to grow as we expand the program. Our Lunch and Learn seminars are always at full capacity, and various on-site programs such as kickboxing, yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes remain extremely popular.
5. What would you say to potential customers about the pluses of using a credit union instead of a bank? In addition to providing many of the best rates and products, PCU is still a place where members and staff are treated as people.
With 16 branches throughout Rhode Island offering traditional banking services, we also have an array of online products and services.
Scott Blake is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Blake@PBN.com.
