Springfield, Massachusetts-based Arrha Credit Union has opened its first Connecticut branch in Enfield.
“We are excited to be opening a branch in Enfield and support surrounding communities as well,” Arrha Credit Union President and CEO Michael S. Ostrowski said in a statement. “We are a community-focused credit union and know our hometown banking style is what Enfield and surrounding community’s need.”
The new branch is located at 231 Hazard Ave., which was previously a United Bank branch that closed following the 2019 acquisition by People’s United Bank. The site had been a Rockville Bank branch before Rockville merged in 2014 with United Bank.
In the statement announcing the new location, Arrha Credit Union noted the site’s connection to Rockville Bank.
“Arrha Credit Union will bring hometown banking back, this location is perfect to make that happen,” the statement said. “[Rockville Bank] had the same style of hometown, superior customer service banking. We are excited to welcome these customers back and become members, part of the Arrha financial family.”
Arrha Credit Union is a community credit union that has been the official credit union of Springfield teachers since 1929. The name “Arrha” means “a pledge in earnest,” the credit union said in the statement, noting that it is one of the oldest words in the English language and reflects the credit union’s pledge to assist members in reaching their financial goals.
The $140 million-asset credit union has two Massachusetts branches in Springfield and West Springfield. The credit union expanded its field of membership in 2019 to include people who live, work or attend school in Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut, as well as their immediate family members.
Amanda Howie will be the branch manager in Enfield.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Arrha Credit Union family and serving the Enfield community and surrounding communities,” Howie said in the statement. “I look forward to greeting, welcoming and helping everyone, while providing hometown service along with the latest financial solutions and apps.”
Adam Baldwin will be the branch’s assistant vice president and regional branch and business development manager. Baldwin has over eight years of banking experience and previously worked at the Enfield location.
“I am excited to be part of the Arrha Credit Union family and serve the Enfield community and its members,” Baldwin said in the statement. “I look forward to providing caring service, offering rewarding membership benefits to existing and new members, and growing these relationships.”
Anthony “Tony” Franco will be the vice president of commercial lending in Enfield. Franco has over 25 years in the commercial lending industry. Franco said in the statement that the credit union’s commercial business will specialize in working with small businesses.
