With more than $835 million in assets under management, serving over 42,000 members at branches from Cape Breton to Halifax, East Coast Credit Union relies heavily on the knowledge, commitment and community focus of its nearly 200 employees.

“Our people are our greatest asset. Their hard work, passion and dedication is what makes us so successful,” says Layla Khalil, Vice-President of Human Resources for East Coast Credit Union, which is one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers for 2020.

East Coast Credit Union places a strong focus on cooperative social responsibility and its staff are committed to making a difference through countless volunteer hours. That includes the annual #EastCoastCUCares Random Acts of Kindness initiative, which encourages and motivates people to be kind to one another. Through this initiative, staff volunteer their time, collect monetary and in-kind donations for various organizations and bring treats to local hospitals, schools and community groups. Staff also support the launch of exciting new partnerships and ventures, such as the East Coast Credit Union Social Enterprise Centre.

In addition, says Khalil, “Our corporate culture is based on collaboration, open communication, innovation and care for people including our staff, members, and the communities we serve. Our leaders work hard to communicate the business results and strategic objectives to their respective teams. We have regular staff, department and town hall meetings where staff can share their input and ask questions. We also have several cross-functional internal committees where our staff have an opportunity to shape our initiatives.”

“We are committed to maintaining an engaged and motivated workforce,” says Ken Shea, President and CEO. “They are the ones who make the real difference to our members and are central to East Coast Credit Union’s dedication to building stronger communities through sustainable practices.” Through its partnership with Bullfrog Power, a Canadian green energy provider, all locations and ATMs are powered by renewable energy sources.

Staff can expect paid education, professional development opportunities and promotion from within. A wellness program provides a $200 credit for each staff member annually and opportunities to be involved in many activities throughout the year to promote mental and physical well-being.

East Coast Credit Union offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package including a defined contribution plan of up to nine per cent of employment earnings.

When you join East Coast, you not only become part of the credit union family but also part of something bigger—from the way they do business to the way they help their members every day, including the way they positively impact their communities. It’s banking that goes further. •