OTIS Federal Credit Union Renews Membership in United Way of the Tri-Valley Area’s Corporate Champion Circle

For Immediate Release

December 31, 2021

OTIS Federal Credit Union Renews Membership in United Way of the Tri-Valley Area’s Corporate Champion Circle

JAY, ME—OTIS Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that it has renewed its membership in United Way of the Tri-Valley Area’s Corporate Champion Circle as a Gold Sponsor, pledging $3,000 to the organization.

“We are very proud of our ongoing and deepening partnership with United Way of the Tri-Valley Area,” said Sarah Hayes, Director of Marketing and Communications at OTIS FCU. “In light of UWTVA’s new strategic plan and goal of working to improve financial education and stability for youth and adults in Greater Franklin County, contributing as a corporate partner makes more sense than ever. We thank United Way for all that they do for our community and are thrilled to help support UWTVA’s mission and vision via our Corporate Champion Circle membership.”

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area launched its Corporate Champion Circle (CCC) program in 2018. Participating businesses join the CCC on an annual basis at the Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels by pledging $1,500, $3,000, or $5,000, respectively. UWTVA then leverages these funds to positively impact the community and, in turn, provides CCC partners with various marketing opportunities such as event sponsorship and social media promotion.

Since its inception, the Corporate Champion Circle has grown to include 18 corporate partners, almost 100% of which have chosen to renew their memberships each year.

“United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is honored to have OTIS Federal Credit Union as a Gold Member of its Corporate Champion Circle,” said Lisa Park Laflin, Executive Director of the UWTVA. “Both OTIS FCU and United Way do so much good for our communities – including addressing food insecurity – and it is a natural partnership. We appreciate their generosity and commitment to our communities.”

OTIS FCU is a long-time supporter of UWTVA and was honored with the organization’s Summit Award in 2017 for committee involvement, social media promotion, and participation in UWTVA’s Packs for Progress and Pantry Project initiatives. Individuals and organizations receiving the Summit Award “were selected because of their year-long participation; help in increasing the visibility of the United Way; and commitment to advancing the United Way’s mission and/or significant staff engagement.” Hayes, who serves on UWTVA’s Board of Directors and as the Chairperson of UWTVA’s Communications and Marketing Committee, was also recognized in 2020 with UWTVA’s “I Have the Power” Award, which honors “an outstanding member of the community that has helped United Way cultivate new audiences through media coverage and outreach.”

L to R: Nichole Ernest, Marketing and Community Impact Coordinator, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area; Sarah Hayes, Director of Marketing and Communications, OTIS FCU; Lisa Park Laflin, Executive Director, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area

Media Inquiries
Please direct all media inquiries to Sarah Hayes, Director of Marketing and Communications, at (207) 320-4985, or email SarahH@otisfcu.coop.

About United Way of the Tri-Valley Area
United Way of the Tri-Valley Area strives to unite people and resources to improve lives and build a strong and healthy community. It does this by identifying local needs and addressing their root causes, raising funds to meet those needs, and collaborating on local initiatives that create a measurable difference in Greater Franklin County.

By allocating to non-profit organizations that provide services in Greater Franklin County, building the capacity of local organizations, and coordinating or participating in local initiatives, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area invests in these community solutions: responding to emergencies and meeting basic human needs, strengthening families and children, increasing independence and financial stability, and improving health.

About OTIS Federal Credit Union
OTIS Federal Credit Union was founded in April of 1954 by eleven local millworkers. Pooling their respective deposits of $5 each, they associated themselves as charter members of OTIS under the provision of the Federal Credit Union Act. At a time in America when obtaining a loan was difficult for the average family, the founders of OTIS sought to form a cooperative, independent financial institution operated and controlled solely by its local membership.

Since its inception, OTIS has been committed not only to providing quality financial products and services to its shareholders, but to giving back to the community. Today, OTIS is a full-service financial center offering real estate, auto, and personal lending; online and mobile banking; a variety of checking, savings, and investment accounts; Visa debit and credit cards; financial planning; and much more. OTIS serves more than 11,000 members and holds over $227 million in assets, employing 30 people from Jay and the surrounding area. The Credit Union is located at 170 Main Street in Jay, Maine. For more information, please visit www.otisfcu.coop or call (207) 897-0900.