MADISON, Wis.- Nominations are now being accepted for the 15th Annual Herb Wegner Memorial Awards, which recognize individual, organizational and lifetime achievement by credit unionists dedicated to the National Credit Union Foundation's mission of promoting consumer financial independence through credit unions. Established in 1988, the awards honor the memory of Herb Wegner who served as CUNA/ CUNA Service Group CEO from 1971 to 1978. Wegner's legacy of innovation, activism and involvement established the criteria of traits sought in Wegner Award winners. Nominations can come from individuals and/or organizations and must be submitted to the NCUF by Friday, July 26, 2002. Once a nomination form is received, NCUF will send the nominee a Nomination Questionnaire. The Nomination Questionnaire requests information on which the selection committee will judge each nominee. The completed Nomination Questionnaire, a letter of acceptance plus other support materials must be received at NCUF by Friday, September 6, 2002. The Individual Achievement Award honors an individual for their ongoing innovative concepts and accomplishments, as well as current contributions to the credit union community. The Award recognizes accomplishments that may or may not have been recognized on a national scale, but nonetheless have made a significant contribution to the nominee's community and the progress of the credit union movement within the past 10 years. The Outstanding Organization/ Program Award honors an organization or business for their innovative concepts or product/services that have had a significant impact on the national or international credit union movement with measured results. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual that has dedicated their life to promoting the credit union philosophy, created innovative concepts, and provided leadership that has had a significant and lasting impact on the national and international credit union movement. Awards will be presented at the 15th Annual Herb Wegner Memorial Awards Dinner on Sunday, February 23, 2003 in Washington, D.C. For more information, or to obtain nomination forms, contact Kris Hoffman, Donor & Public Relations Specialist, at 608-231-4397.