News | CFTEA | Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance

A promotional graphic titled Managing Emotionally Charged Situations with Confidence. On the left, text reads Calming Upset Customers, Virtual Classroom with Jessica, with a red Sale badge nearby. A dark figure with raised arms faces a speech bubble showing symbols for swearing. On the right is a smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a black blazer over a burgundy top. A gold bar along the bottom displays cftea.org.

Sale: Calming Upset Customers Virtual Classroom

August 26, 2025

Let’s face it—people’s fuses are shorter than ever these days. One wrong word and suddenly you’re face-to-face with a customer who sounds like they’ve been rehearsing for a reality TV meltdown. That’s where Jessica’s Calming Upset Customers course comes in. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just practical tools to turn tension into trust and “I want to speak to your manager” into “thank you for helping me.” ✨ Here’s the deal: Dates: September 10 or October 7 (6–8 PM ET, live

A cheerful cartoon version of CFTEA Executive Director Andrew Lederer appears dressed as a friendly chef, holding an apple in one hand and a plate of fruit in the other. He has short brown hair, a beard, and a warm smile. The background is navy with gold accents and text that reads “CFTEA Snacks” and “Bite-Sized News,” suggesting quick, easy-to-enjoy updates from CFTEA.

Live Learning is BACK!

August 25, 2025

You asked, we listened. Live options are here! CFTEA’s Virtual Classrooms are filling up fast and when you enroll, you help ensure these sessions run with our dedicated, talented instructors leading the way. Coming soon: • September: Calming Upset Customers (at a big discount!) • October: Principles of Banking and Written Communication with AI Live. Relevant. Interactive. The training you wanted—delivered. Why it matters: Because while AI can write a passable haiku about customer service, it’s not going to de-escalate

When things go wrong, Tammy’s got your back

August 22, 2025

Most training companies: “Here’s your course. Good luck!” CFTEA: “Uh oh, hit a snag? Don’t worry—we got you!” Textbook shipped to the wrong location? Tammy’s already tracking it down. ️ Signed up for a course that disappeared? We’ll get you into the right one. Locked out with a password issue? A real person is just a call or email away. That’s the CFTEA difference. Behind every course is a team (hi Tammy ) that actually cares if you succeed. We

Throwback Thursday to our time at the Pineland Campus

August 21, 2025

For years, CFTEA made its home at Auburn Hall on the Pineland Campus. The conference center there was a hub of activity—students gathered for live classes, community banks sent employees for professional development, and the energy of in-person learning filled every corner. Tammy and Andrew worked out of Auburn Hall right up until just before the pandemic. When COVID hit, it shifted everything—not just for them, but for financial institutions everywhere. Professional development went virtual, and CFTEA was already ahead

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