Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — NorState Federal Credit Union held a ground-breaking ceremony May 20 at the 738 Main St. location that will serve as the site for the new branch. The property, directly across U.S. Route 1 from Tang’s Courtyard, was home to Hedrich’s Motel for many years.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
Attending the official ground-breaking ceremony for NorState Federal Credit Union’s 3,000 sq. ft. sixth branch office in Presque Isle are, from left: Stephen Gagne, vice president, administration; Sandra SanAntonio, board vice chair; Muriel Dechaine, board secretary; Don Whipkey, loan officer at the new branch; June Gallant, Presque Isle branch manager; Ray Marquis, board chair; David Rossignol, president and CEO; Tom Ellis, Ellis Commercial Development; Planning and Development Director Ken Arndt, city of Presque Isle; City Manager Tom Stevens; Roger Vaillancourt, board member; and Dale Danie, board treasurer.
“NorState Federal Credit Union, a full-service financial institution with offices in Madawaska, Van Buren, Ashland, Eagle Lake and Fort Kent, is in the process of constructing a new 3,000 sq. ft. full-service credit union in Presque Isle,” said Denise Cote, marketing director for the financial institution.
According to NorState CEO David Rossignol, the facility will be staffed by seven employees, have three drive-thru lanes and offer NorState members with the best financial services and products that are renowned to Aroostook’s biggest credit union.
Rossignol indicated the decision to open a new branch was made to better serve clientele.
“We are growing by leaps and bounds. In order to effectively serve and better our members’ financial lives, we need to grow with them,” said Rossignol.
“Thanks to our hard-working staff, dedicated volunteers and growing membership who want the services of today’s conveniences, it’s important to step forward and be the leader in such a competitive environment. It’s our duty to make sure that this institution is available to each individual member, and that the products and services we offer are second to none. We look forward and continue to grow along with our membership. This new facility will allow us to do this and continue to be the key to our member’s financial well-being,” added Rossignol.
It’s NorState’s mission to work together to improve members’ financial lives, according to Rossignol.
“Our vision is to be the most valued, respected and progressive provider of financial services to all residents in Aroostook and northern Penobscot counties,” he explained.
Such thinking has served the business well over the years.
“This ideology has been our foundation and has served us well. It has ensured continued growth and benefits for our members. We look ahead to identify the needs of our members. Based on positive results, we’ll continually expand to achieve greater stability,” said Raymond Marquis, chairperson of NorState’s board of directors.
“We’re pleased NorState decided to locate in Presque Isle. We’re excited to see economic development continuing in the city, especially in these recessionary times,” said City Manager Tom Stevens.
