This letter originally appeared in the Fall 2002 issue of Financial Partner (F.P.) magazine, Farm Credit of Maine's customer publication.

Over the past four issues, I reviewed what makes Farm Credit of Maine different from other lenders and contributes to our long-term success. One letter focused on our customer elected board; another reviewed our unique partnerships throughout the Farm Credit System and Maine. Most recently, I highlighted the key role of our loan officers in cultivating and maintaining our many long-term lending relationships.

I conclude this series by focusing on employees who are often the first line of contact with our members, business associates and partners. This group is our support staff in both Presque Isle and Auburn.

Loan assistants and loan analysts play important roles in our credit process and support loan officers within each of our three lending groups. The consistent performance of this group is a critical factor in providing our efficient and personal customer service.

On any given day, Cheryl Mullen, loan assistant for the corporate lending group, works directly with customers on borrowing and payment activities, or with loan officers or attorneys in processing loan documents. As a 10-year veteran, she has also played an important role on regional work groups advising FPI on loan accounting, systems and billing statements.

Rita Lavoie and Erik Olson are analysts for the corporate lending group. They research industry trends, analyze balance sheet and income statements, monitor loan covenants or prepare important loan documents. Rita brings 22 years of Farm Credit experience to this position, which includes a unique background in credit, association finance and human resources, all of which help her analyze some of the most complex loans in our business. In less than one year on the job, Erik has been able to utilize his analytical skills and experience in the marine industry to assist lenders in this group.

Cathy Lemay and Tina Harmon are the loan assistants for the coastal and interior lending group. The four loan officers in this group manage very active portfolios of farm, fishing and forestry loans. Cathy's seven years of experience have helped her establish strong relationships over the phone with many customers and provide the level of service that she'd expect if she were a Farm Credit customer. Earlier this year, Tina came to Farm Credit from another company that worked directly with family businesses in natural resources. She has established strong relationships with her customers and the loan officers she supports in Auburn. Nick McCrum recently came on board as a credit analyst for this group.

Dixie DeLong and Susan Good have been working together with our Aroostook County customers for "many" years. In addition to working with her customers, Dixie assists loan officers in the analysis of balance sheets and income statements. Susan helps with computer software and hardware in addition to her customer and loan officer support duties. Both Susan and Dixie have built strong relationships with our Aroostook members and are invaluable to the loan officers in Presque Isle.

In addition to the support staff on our lending teams, our administrative and financial group supports our core lending and appraisal businesses (see article on page 7). These corporate support functions include: financial accounting and reporting, bank funding, human resources, facilities management, technology, quality control and audit, governance, strategic planning, member communications, and a safe, efficient and professional working environment. Pauline Dionne, Robin Downs, Jill Hodgdon, Andy Grant and Barry Gates are dedicated to providing professional services in these areas.

The front line is handled by Arlene Chamberland in Auburn and Roxane Perry in Presque Isle. Their friendly voices help make your telephone calls to either office a pleasant experience. Both Arlene and Roxane also provide valuable professional and administrative support to staff in many other ways.

A valuable tool for any business is a lender who understands your business and has the experience to work with you in all phases of your business cycles. Every Farm Credit loan officer, as well as the folks supporting them, understand these business cycles. I encourage you to take full advantage of our experience and expertise.

As you can see from the descriptions in these past four letters, our business - from our customer elected board, to our lenders and support staff and partners — is dedicated to serving family businesses in Maine's farming, forestry and fishing industries.

That's what we do!

Raymond J. Nowak
President and CEO
Farm Credit of Maine

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