For example, Ostrowski notes, “I do not know how businesses are getting away with poor customer service. For example, making their customers wait on hold for their questions to be answered or in line for their needs to be met for more than a half hour. To me, this is not being community focused and certainly not customer focused. I think this is why we continue to grow. People are understanding about credit unions and realizing they are locally driven while offering all of the same technology that the bigger banks provide. Credit unions are the local choice for all their financial needs without having to pay high fees or rates. Credit Unions are founded on giving back to their community, not giving money to their shareholders.”

Ostrowski, also notes, “many of us today have an interest in our ‘roots’ or family origin. Similarly, our own Credit Union has a most interesting origin. In 1929, 31 teachers from the Springfield School System began to meet at 32 Spring Street as an attempt to ensure financial security amongst its members. After several meetings, the Springfield Teacher’s Credit Union received, from the Commissioner of Banks and the Secretary of State, a Certificate of Incorporation on October 5, 1929. Phillip Fox was the first president and recorded assets of $2,160. For many years the credit union operated after school out of Room 125 at Commerce High School until property at 427 State Street was purchased in the 1960’s. The membership continued to grow over the next several decades until it became necessary to expand once again. Ground was broken on the current main office at 145 Industry Avenue in Springfield on November 4, 1988, and the credit union opened its doors on August 7, 1989. In 2015, after examining how to better serve all of our members and create an identity that truly represents who we are today, we decided to change our name to Arrha Credit Union. Arrha, meaning money in exchange for a contract, pledge, or earnest, is one of the oldest words in the English language and reflects our pledge to assist our members in reaching their financial goals by providing superior products and services in a personal manner. The credit union has continued to expand since that time and opened a branch in West Springfield at 63 Park Avenue on June 1, 2016. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown and expanded our membership to a much bigger community. We are thrilled to continue to expand and look forward to being part of the Enfield family roots and surrounding communities. We welcome all area individuals and continue to be a teachers credit union. We welcome all surrounding teachers from the districts.”

“We are fortunate to have a team that has either worked at this location before or within the Enfield community and surrounding communities. Come see familiar faces,” says Ostrowski.  Adam Baldwin will be the Assistant Vice President, Regional Branch and Business Development Manager. Adam has over 8 years of banking experience and been recognized throughout his banking industry career as a rising star with superior service awards. Adam worked at this Enfield branch location and is excited to be back. Adam is a Rotarian, on the Board of the Enfield Food Bank and actively involved in the community. “I am excited to be part of the Arrha Credit Union family and serve the Enfield community and its members. I look forward to providing caring service, offering rewarding membership benefits to existing and new members, and growing these relationships,” states Baldwin. For More Information: Adam Baldwin, [email protected], 860.698.3611.

Also, Anthony (Tony) Franco will be the Vice President of Commercial Lending. Tony has over 25 years in the financial services commercial lending industry. Tony has been helping area businesses achieve their goals and direct them to what commercial deposits and lending services work best for them. “I am happy to be able to help local businesses achieve their goals and build a roadmap for their financial goals to set them up for success. Small business is our specialty,” says Franco. For More Information: Anthony (Tony) Franco, [email protected], 413.205.2015.

The branch is now open and will host Grand Opening events beginning this month. Watch or contact for more details. Arrha Credit Union is the official credit union of Springfield teachers since 1929 and located in Springfield and West Springfield. Arrha means a pledge in earnest, is one of the oldest words in the English language and reflects our pledge to assist our members in reaching their financial goals by providing superior service and products in a personal, meaningful way. For more information about Arrha Credit Union call 413.732.9812, email [email protected], or visit www.arrhacu.com.