News | CFTEA | Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance

Board Spotlight: Brea Hatch, Bangor Savings

August 20, 2025

Boards Spotlight – Empowered by Education: My Path with CFTEA by Brea Hatch, Bangor Savings Bank “A Story of Growth, Mentorship, and Achievement” In 2008, as a new manager at a small community bank, I found myself at a crossroads. I knew I needed to deepen my understanding of the banking industry, but I wasn’t sure where to start. That’s when I discovered the Center for Financial Training and Education Alliance (CFTEA). Little did I know, this decision would set

A cozy autumn workspace scene with a white coffee cup, open laptop showing a calendar, and scattered fall leaves on a wooden desk. In the foreground, an open spiral notebook displays the words: "PLAN YOUR FALL COURSES" and "What do I want to learn more about?" with a checkmark box. A warm beige sweater is partially visible, and a yellow banner at the bottom reads "cftea.org".

What Are You Doing For YOU This Fall?

August 18, 2025

Still soaking up the last days of summer? We are too. Whether you’re catching sunsets, spending time with family, or squeezing in one more weekend getaway—we get it. But here’s a gentle nudge What are you doing for YOU this fall? Whether you’re ready to: • Take one course • Enroll in a cost-saving bundle • Or finally work toward that certificate, diploma, or certification… CFTEA has your back. ✅ Affordable ✅ Flexible ✅ Easy to sign up ✅ Built

A smiling young woman in business casual attire stands confidently beside a staircase made of wooden blocks. Each step features a course title like "Principles of Banking" and "Legal Foundations in Banking," with the top block labeled "and More!" A graduation cap sits atop the highest step. A bold circular graphic states, "Up to 90 of your 120 college credits from CFTEA courses." The headline reads, "Build Your Bachelor's Degree Without Breaking the Bank." At the bottom, it notes, "Toward ANY Degree or Specialize with a Banking Major!" and displays the CFTEA website: cftea.org.

Dreaming of a college degree without the college debt?

August 17, 2025

Here’s a smarter way to make it happen. Through CFTEA’s partnership with Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, you can apply up to 90 out of 120 credits from CFTEA courses toward any degree or your Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—with a Banking Major. That means… Fewer college courses. A fraction of the cost. A faster path to your degree. CFTEA courses are not only flexible and career-focused—they’re recognized by Saint Joseph’s College for college credit. Whether you’re just starting

How Do You Approach Career Growth?

August 15, 2025

Two ways to ride your career growth with CFTEA… which one are you? Tammy’s got her hands in the air—embracing every twist, turn, and leap forward that comes with building new skills. Andrew? Let’s just say he’s holding on for dear life… and maybe screaming a little. No matter your style—fearless and ready for anything or cautious but determined—CFTEA is right there with you on the ride. Every certificate, diploma, and course is another climb toward confidence and opportunity in

A Tribute to CFTEA Board Member, Mary Swift

August 13, 2025

It is with great sadness that CFTEA has prematurely lost a beautiful light in our community and the world. Mary Swift, a long-time student, tireless supporter, and cherished board member was more than a colleague. She was a constant source of kindness, energy, and purpose. Mary had a gift for helping others in every way imaginable. Whether it was sharing her deep knowledge, drawing from years of experience, or offering practical ways to weave professional development into daily work, she

See How Your Feedback Brings Action

August 8, 2025

After hearing from a student that had some challenges with the new edition of the Written Communication textbook, Andrew didn’t just say “thank you.” He rolled up his sleeves. Over the course of a single week, Andrew cleared his schedule and personally went through the entire textbook—sentence by sentence, chapter by chapter. He located and corrected punctuation errors, and refined unclear sections. That’s what sets CFTEA apart. We don’t wait for “the next edition.” We don’t push feedback aside. Within

Not Everyone’s Path Starts With College and That’s Okay.

August 7, 2025

I’ve talked with so many people over the years who wanted to build a career in banking but felt like they were on the outside looking in because college wasn’t an option for them right now… or maybe not at all. Life happens. Bills, family, other priorities. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to take on student debt to build a meaningful, successful career in this industry. Community financial institutions all around us are incredible employers. They invest in

Board Spotlight: Casey Dillingham, Mascoma Bank

August 6, 2025

Fueled by my commitment to continuous learning, I am dedicated to not only expanding my own horizons, but also to helping others grow in their careers. CFTEA has played a significant role in supporting my team members and myself in reaching our learning and development goals. I began my career in banking while still in college and with little understanding of the business of banking. The knowledge that I gained by participating in CFTEA courses felt relevant and not only

Have You Explored CFTEA Cost-Saving Bundles?

August 5, 2025

What if you could build your career skills without breaking the bank? CFTEA’s cost‑saving bundles were designed with you in mind. Real career development. Real savings. Instead of paying for individual courses one by one, these bundles bring them together in powerful packages, many of which lead straight to a CFTEA certificate. From sharpening your leadership skills to boosting your financial literacy, from mastering communication to embracing the modern workforce mindset, there’s a bundle built to move you forward. Think

How Strong Is Your Writing?

August 4, 2025

… and how is it shaping the way people see you? Your words tell a story about you long before you walk into a room. A poorly written email, unclear instructions, or a tone that misses the mark can quietly chip away at how others perceive your credibility and professionalism. That’s why we’re excited to share that all eight chapters of CFTEA’s Written Communication textbook have been fully reviewed and updated. Every page was carefully revised to make sure you