But your influence in the cooperative credit union movement has been greater than could be measured by your financials, as impressive as these are. Eastern’s main contribution has been as an innovator; stretching the boundaries of the cooperative movement, in an effort to better serve its membership.
Eastern was the first to move away from the traditional model of share savings and consumer credit to provide a range of product offerings more associated with commercial banks. Eastern’s innovative loan programmes have helped its members construct homes, create and sustain small businesses, purchase land, and pay for advanced level education.