Ballina Credit Union Grows and Expands with New Building Acquisition

Ballina credit Union: A Growing Force in the Community

Ballina Credit Union is experiencing a period of dynamic growth and positive change. 2024 saw the organization reach record-breaking financial performance, surpassing €110 million in assets. This remarkable achievement reflects the credit union’s unwavering commitment to serving its members and building a strong financial foundation for the future.

Outgoing chairperson Mark Winters,who steered the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,recently stepped down after a successful annual general meeting on January 29th. David Dwan took the helm as the new chair, presiding over a future brimming with possibilities.

“Mark has overseen meaningful growth for Ballina Credit Union,” said Dwan. “He led the expansion of our asset base and introduced a range of new services for our members. He also expertly guided us through the complexities of the COVID-19 period,ensuring continued access to our services for everyone who needed them.”

The year 2024 saw a particularly exciting declaration: Ballina Credit Union acquired the former Ulster Bank building on Pearse Street. This strategic move signifies a deep commitment to the local community and a vision for a brighter future.

“This acquisition of a larger, prominent landmark in the town centre will enable us to future-proof Ballina Credit Union for its members,” said Winters. “It will solidify our position as a leading financial institution and allow us to deliver the growing range of services our members expect and deserve.”

With the increased asset base comes added duty and the need for strategic growth. Winters emphasized this point, stating, “Assets of these levels bring greater accountability, a responsibility that the board of directors takes vrey seriously. We recognize that these higher assets will necessitate further adjustments in our management structure. We plan to strengthen our team with additional roles in finance, lending, and compliance. This will allow us to enhance our service delivery while maintaining the high quality of service Ballina Credit Union is known for.”

Ballina Credit Union: A Decade of Success and Growth

Ballina Credit Union is experiencing a dynamic period of expansion and innovation under the leadership of outgoing Chairperson Mark Winters.With a decade of remarkable growth under his belt, Winters reflects on the significant strides made by the credit union and outlines its vision for the future.

Winters highlights the credit union’s significant asset base growth, the introduction of new services to cater to evolving member needs, and the successful navigation of the pandemic’s unique challenges. “it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey,” Winters says,attributing the credit union’s success to the dedication of its staff and the trust placed in them by members.

A Prime Location for Growth

A pivotal moment in the credit union’s journey was the recent acquisition of the former Ulster Bank building, a strategic move underscoring their commitment to the Ballina community. This prime location in the town center, Winters explains, will allow them to enhance their service capabilities, strengthen their presence in the community, and secure a sustainable future for years to come.

Navigating Growth responsibly

Reaching an impressive asset base of over €110 million marks a significant milestone for Ballina Credit Union. Winters emphasizes their commitment to responsible management, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the complexities that come with growth. The credit union is strengthening its management team, adding crucial roles in finance, lending, and compliance to maintain the highest ethical standards while delivering exceptional service to its members.

The credit union’s financial strength is further evidenced by a surplus of €1,214,584 recorded in the financial year. Membership continues to flourish, with nearly 18,000 active members. As Winters passes the torch, he welcomes maria Padden, the credit union’s new CEO, a native of Attymass, expressing confidence in her leadership. Othre newly elected principal officers include Fionn sweeney as Secretary and Declan Naughton as Vice-Chair.

Ballina Credit Union: A Vision for the Future

Mark Winters,a leader within Ballina Credit Union,expresses unwavering optimism for the institution’s future. Citing the credit union’s dedicated staff, strong financial standing, and dedication to innovation, Winters believes Ballina Credit Union is well-positioned to make a lasting, positive impact on its community and members for generations to come.

His vision extends beyond maintaining the status quo. Winters eagerly anticipates the implementation of new initiatives that will propel Ballina Credit Union into an even brighter future.He invites the community to share their thoughts and ideas, sparking a dialogue about what the next chapter holds for this vital financial institution.

Winters’s enthusiasm reflects a commitment to growth and progress, ensuring Ballina Credit Union continues to serve its members with excellence and foresight.

What are some of the key milestones and highlights Ballina Credit Union achieved during Mark Winters’ tenure as Chairperson?

Ballina Credit Union: A Decade of Success and Growth

An Interview with Mark Winters, Outgoing Chairperson of Ballina Credit Union

Mark Winters, outgoing Chairperson of Ballina Credit union, reflects on a decade of remarkable growth and change.

Looking Back: A Journey of Growth and Innovation

Archyde: Mark, Ballina Credit Union has achieved remarkable growth over the past decade. Can you share some key milestones and highlights during your tenure?

Mark Winters: It’s been truly rewarding to witness Ballina Credit Union evolve. We’ve seen notable growth in our asset base, introduced new services to meet our members’ evolving needs, and navigated the challenges of the pandemic with resilience.

Archyde: How would you describe the credit union’s journey through the pandemic?

Mark Winters: It was undoubtedly a challenging period, but I’m immensely proud of our team’s dedication and the way we adapted. We prioritized community support by ensuring continued access to essential services, and I truly believe our agility helped us weather the storm.

A Strategic Acquisition: Securing the Future

Archyde: The acquisition of the former Ulster Bank building in ballina is a significant strategic move. Can you elaborate on it’s importance?

Mark Winters: Absolutely. This prime location will allow us to expand our services, create a more welcoming space for our members, and further solidify our position as a vital part of the Ballina community.

Navigating Growth Responsibly

Archyde: Reaching an asset base of over €110 million brings new responsibilities. How is Ballina Credit Union ensuring responsible growth?

Mark Winters: We take our responsibilities seriously. We are strengthening our management team with professionals in finance, lending, and compliance. This will ensure we maintain the highest ethical standards and continue to deliver extraordinary service to our members.

A Vision for the Future

Archyde: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Ballina Credit Union?

Mark Winters: My vision is for Ballina Credit Union to remain a beacon of financial strength, community support, and innovation for generations to come. I believe we have a vital role to play in the town’s future, and I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds.

Archyde: what message would you like to share with Ballina Credit Union members?

Mark winters: Thank you for entrusting us with your financial well-being. We are deeply committed to serving you with integrity and excellence. Your continued support is invaluable as we strive to create a brighter future for Ballina.