Bellwether Community Credit Union Receives NHBCA Business In The Arts Award

Online, May 24, 2011 (Newswire.com) - New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts (NHBCA) recently honored Bellwether Community Credit Union for their outstanding support and commitment to the arts in the communities they serve. The credit union was named a winner of the 2011 Business In The Arts Award, an accolade that recognizes businesses annually for donations of time, money and resources to art associations across the state. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, New Hampshire Magazine and Fin Brand Positioning also received honors.

With locations in Manchester and Nashua, Bellwether Community Credit Union places a special emphasis on supporting arts and cultural initiatives in Southern New Hampshire. The organization sponsors the Nashua Symphony, Intown Manchester Art Exhibition, Latino Festival and Currier Gallery of Art. The credit union also supports the Palace Theatre with a multi-year financial commitment to their Capital Campaign, and annual production of A Christmas Carol.

In addition to financial support, Bellwether Community Credit Union's corporate culture is deeply ingrained in the arts. Last year, employees donated over 500 hours of their time to cultural organizations in New Hampshire. Senior management applauded these efforts and financially supported the non-profit organizations where employees invested time.

"We support the arts and cultural organizations because we truly believe they make up the essence of a community, provide inspiration to others and contribute to the continued development of our history and heritage," said Michael L'Ecuyer, President/CEO of Bellwether Community Credit Union. "Our organization is truly honored to receive the Business In The Arts Award."

During his tenure, Mike L'Ecuyer has exemplified leadership with personal commitments to the arts. L'Ecuyer has served on the Palace Theatre Board of Trustees since 2003, and is currently Vice Chair of the Palace Theatre Trust. Additionally, L'Ecuyer is also a Director at America's Credit Union Museum. He is also the Chairman of the New Hampshire Credit Union League and Past Chair of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

"From his roles on various boards to his participation in fundraising events, it is clear Mike takes Bellwether's mission very seriously," explained Joan Goshgarian, Executive Director of NHBCA. "He leads by example and empowers all employees to participate in Bellwether's established corporate culture of working to better the community from which we all benefit."

NHBCA was formed to educate, motivate and recognize business support of and participation in the arts. For more information about NHBCA, visit www.nhbca.com.