The finest in life can sometimes be security of peace and mind. 360 Federal Credit Union is located at 191 Ella Grasso Turnpike. In the ’80s, it had once been the site of Finast supermarket before consolidating to Edwards Super Food Store. After that, the store and lot remained empty until 1995, when Hamilton Standard Federal Credit Union took over and provided a need in service that remains strong to this day. Hamilton Standard Federal Union was renamed 360 Federal Credit Union to better represent their changing membership composition and to position themselves for future growth. The “360” is in reference to a full circle. They are all-inclusive to their customers. Hamilton Standard Federal Credit Union opened its business on July 1, 1952.

Aaron Simons is the Business Development Officer at the Windsor Locks branch. He was born and bred in Enfield and attended (the now-defunct) Fermi High School until his graduation in 2006. Aaron went on to the Connecticut Central State University (CCSU), graduating in 2010 as a communications major in public relations. He minored in journalism. Directly from there, he went to work for radio station WPLR 99.1 FM in Milford as Marketing Sales as his first job. Afterwards, he moved upwards in the state. “I’ve had a few different positions. I’ve never found something I was really excited about or happy to be at until I landed this position at 360 Federal Credit Union.” He has held the position for two and half years. Aaron’s job consists of doing a lot of financial wellness for the workplace. “There’s a lot of stress on financial wellness for the mind and body. People forget about financial wellness. That’s been a big program I’ve started running.”

360 Federal Credit Union has branches in both Windsor Locks and Enfield, including Enfield High School. They have recently won four CUNA Awards in 2017 at the state level, including the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award. 360 opened its first high school branch at Enfield High School in 2006, to help teach students about fiscal responsibility. After twelve years, it continues to thrive. The credit union serves its customers with banking for life. They deal with savings accounts for you, family, pets, checking accounts, auto and motorcycle loans, personal loans, home loans, 401K planning, and Social Security. It’s about anything to help guide someone to financial independence. What’s better is 360 is a non-profit cooperative owned by its members.

Aaron is not only a member of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, but as a member of the board as well. He was the first president to start the Young Professionals of Windsor group. He remains active with them, although not in the same capacity, as they rotate members. Aaron says about the town itself, “Windsor is great! There are a lot of businesses. Not only here, but down Day Hill Rd., International Drive, and that area. You see the interaction. People who work in this town or those that live here, they care about it. They care about it deeply. I love being involved.” His involvement with the town includes the program Go Baby Go! “I love the town of Windsor.” He notes he and a couple of buddies lived on Amaryllis Drive for two years. Aaron admits he loves going to Bart’s for a cheeseburger with curly fries.

Aaron, his wife, Valerie, and 2 year-old daughter, Grace sometimes go to various events in town. They also have two pugs, Stella and Chip. Aaron’s hobbies include, hockey (he’s been a fan since the age of three), a Red Wings fan, softball, golf, a big football fan who’s favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys. Plus he loves fishing, particularly for stripers.

Three words that describe Aaron and 360: Customer-oriented. Financial independence. Outgoing.