Greylock Federal Credit Union held its 84th Annual Meeting on March 26th at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield. Over 120 community members attended the 4:00 p.m. event which began with refreshments in the Garage before assembling in the Theater for the formal presentation at 5:00 p.m.
The annual meeting was called to order by Board Chair Stan Walczyk, a retired long-time Dalton pharmacist and member of the board since 2011. “Over the last eight years, my commitment to Greylock’s mission and vision has grown,” said Walczyk. “The Credit Union’s philosophy is one of compassion and stewardship. It is built around the core value of building and strengthening our community – or as Greylock puts it: Opportunity Grows Here.”
One of the primary agenda items was an election to fill six openings on the board of directors. All nominated candidates were current board members seeking re-election. There were no new nominations offered for consideration. The successful candidates were: Stan Walczyk, current chair and retired pharmacist, Anthony Rinaldi, Jr, executive vice president at Fairview Hospital; Ty Allan Jackson, founder of Big Head Books and co-founder of Read or Else; Krystle Gallo, project leader for General Dynamics Mission Systems; Colleen White Holmes, president and chief executive officer for Berkshire Children and Families; and John Bissell, president and chief executive officer for Greylock Federal Credit Union.
The meeting included a presentation on the state of the Credit Union by Chief Financial Officer Michael Stoddard. “One of the more impressive results from 2018 is our loan growth.
Greylock has surpassed the $1 billion mark on total loans outstanding representing a year over year increase of 8%, our best since 2009,” reported Stoddard. “Clearly our members’ demand for loans is strong, which is a great sign for our local economy. This level of lending activity allowed us to remain the leading originator of auto and residential mortgage loans in Berkshire County.”
The highlight of the afternoon was a presentation by President and CEO John Bissell spotlighting the success of a number of Greylock members and introducing Greylock’s newest initiative, the Community Empowerment Center. “The multi-million dollar renovation of our original Kellogg Street branch in the heart of Pittsfield’s Morningside Neighborhood includes a space devoted to financial wellness. Visitors to the Center will be able to work with our coaches and get the advice they need to succeed,” announced Bissell. “The Greylock story began right here and this is the perfect location for the Credit Union to open pathways to financial inclusion and opportunity for everyone.”