November 2, 2009 A recent episode of "Wildfire," the only Maine talk show dedicated to covering environmental and sportsman's issues, was devoted to explaining the "significant" ways in which Maine credit unions help support outdoor recreation. The half-hour show, which airs statewide on Time Warner Cable, featured Matt Walsh, President/CEO of University CU, who was representing all of Maine's credit unions, cited many examples of how credit unions help Mainers enjoy the outdoors.
Hosted by Harry Vanderweide, editor of The Maine Sportsman and George Smith, executive director of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine (SAM), Wildfire is watched by thousands each week as a place to learn more about enjoying the Maine outdoors.
Both hosts expressed how impressed they were at the "popularity of credit unions in Maine." They also noted that credit unions are an important undercurrent and compliment to the outdoors economy because they provide services that other financial institutions do not seem to be interested in providing. George Smith, Executive Director of SAM, explained, "I am impressed at the number of small loans credit unions readily make for outdoor activities. Whether it is a loan for a new fishing pole or a used snowmobile, credit unions do and are making these types of loans which is a tremendous benefit to helping people participate in the outdoors."
Walsh noted that many credit union members are also members of the Sportsman's Alliance because of the similar focus and principles of both organizations. "Our members are your members and vice-versa. We are about making the communities we serve a better place to live and help our members find a good quality of life and that mission is very similar to the Sportsman's Alliance."
In his closing comments on the show, Vanderweide, Editor of The Maine Sportsman, remarked, "I am so glad we did this show and had Matt on to talk about credit unions. I don't think people really understand what a benefit credit unions provide not only to the state's economy but also to their community. Just like Maine and the outdoors go together, credit unions and Maine also go together. We are fortunate we have both in our state."
To watch the entire episode, click here.
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