Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — NorState Federal Credit Union’s decision to open a branch in the Star City is the latest plus on the community’s economic scorecard.
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.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held May 20 at the Main St. location that will serve as the site for the new branch. The property, owned for years by the Hedrich family and which served as a motel, was purchased by Ellis Commercial Development, who subsequently worked with NorState on plans for the front portion of the land, with the remaining acreage open to future development.
“NorState Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with offices in Madawaska, Van Buren, Ashland, Eagle Lake and Fort Kent. We’re in the process of constructing a new 3,000 sq. ft. full-service credit union at 738 Main St.,” 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,” explained Rossignol.
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.
The decision to expand services to the Presque Isle area will enhance local efforts to revitalize Main St., according to city officials.
NorState joins several other projects currently under way or in the beginning stages along Route 1 in Presque Isle.
“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.
Stevens said the facility will “blend well with Hampton Inn,” whose own completion date is fast approaching, with an opening date set for later this summer.
“The Route 1 corridor continues to be one of our major draws with businesses. We have a local businessman developing a parcel on the corner of Main and Roberts streets. Tractor Supply Company is ironing out details for a parcel just south of the city, on the Houlton Rd. Those projects are very complimentary to the city’s growth,” said Stevens.
Stevens said NorState’s plans are a positive sign for the community’s financial future.
“It’s a very good project and shows a financial commitment to the community. Our long-range goal is to attract businesses. Development like this only enhances our ability to do just that,” said Stevens.
Plans for the site include the eventual demolition of the hotel. NorState expects to complete the new branch office and open its by the end of September. Ellis’ commercial development and construction company E-Con, Inc. will oversee the project from beginning to end.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MAKING IT OFFICIAL — A ground-breaking ceremony was held May 20 at 738 Main St., Presque Isle, the future home of the newest NorState Federal Credit Union branch. Pictured, from left: Don Whipkey, loan officer at the new branch; June Gallant, Presque Isle branch manager; Dale Danie, board treasurer; Ray Marquis, board chair; Roger Vaillancourt, board member; and turning the first shovel of dirt is David Rossignol, president and CEO.
