By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough – On July 9, 1913, St. Mary's Credit Union opened its first office in the basement of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marlborough as a way to service the city's French-Canadian shoe workers. In fact, all business was conducted in French. Its motto was “La Caisse Populaire,” or “The Bank of the People.”
100 years later to the day, the credit union opened its sixth and newest branch at 96 Turnpike Rd. in Westborough. As officials from St. Mary's and the town of Westborough gathered with other community business leaders to celebrate the grand opening, Gerard P. Richer, the chairman of the board of directors, noted that it had been “quite a journey” over the past 100 years.
“This new building is beautiful but it's really the people that make it work,” he said. “We look forward to being here for another 100 years.”
Jim Petkewich, vice president of retail service, thanked the many people and contractors who had worked on the project since its inception in late 2011. He also praised the cooperative efforts of the various Westborough officials and boards that had helped to expedite the project. The reaction of the community had also been positive, he said.
“We had our “soft” opening on June 18,” he noted, “and have already opened 50 new accounts so far.”
James Garvey has only been the CEO since February but since that time, he said, he has been impressed by the commitment of the credit union's staff to its customers.
“Our value proposition is “value, integrity, and convenience,”” he said, pointing to the motto that was painted on one of the walls. “All three are traits that we feel are very important.”
Ian Johnson, the chair of the Westborough Board of Selectmen, joked that he and others were upset when the Friendly's Restaurant, that was previously located at the site, closed down when the company shuttered a number of restaurants in the fall of 2011.
“But we are very pleased to have you here,” he said to the credit union's officials.
“Congratulations on your first 100 years. We hope you'sl be here for the next 100.”
The new Westborough branch, which is approximately 3,000 square feet, is located at the intersection of Routes 9 and 30. Amenities include a drive-up service window, a drive-up ATM, and a night deposit box. For more information visit https://www.stmaryscu.org