AWARDS

Insight Financial Credit Union, Orlando, Fla. has been awarded the Dora Maxwell Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Responsibility by the Florida Credit Union League. The credit union received this year’s second place honor for their efforts during the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” fundraising campaign to benefit the American Cancer Society. The Dora Maxwell Award recognizes credit unions for outstanding efforts which support the credit union philosophy of “people helping people”. Insight Financial FCU staffers and members raised $20,000 for the American Cancer Society during the four-month fundraising campaign. Western Division Federal Credit Union, Buffalo, N.Y. has received an Exceptional Performance Award for continuously earning a five-star/superior rating for the last forty-one reporting periods analyzed by BauerFinancial Inc. The rating denotes the highest level of credit union operation in terms of financial safety, strength and performance. America First Credit Union, Salt Lake City, has been awarded the Best of State 2005 medal in the Credit Union Category. America First CU credits its success to member satisfaction and community involvement. Security Service Federal Credit Union, San Antonio, has received first place honors as the winner of the Texas Credit Union League’s Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award. This award is only given to credit unions that exemplify a true commitment to the financial education of young people. Security Service was cited for its exceptional financial literacy programs and activities among the local schools and communities that it serves. Marion and Polk Schools Credit Union, Salem, Ore., has been named the 2005 Business of the Year by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. The credit union was singled out for its business leadership and dedication to creating positive community growth. Business of the Year competitors were judged in the areas of business excellence, including marketing and promotion of business ethics, promotion of employee growth and development, contribution to the business’ industry, and research and development; customer relations; community service; recognition of achievement from peers, organizations, and the community, and employee achievements; and innovation of products or services. Colorado Credit Union League, Arvada, has presented its 2005 state Desjardins Awards to three Colorado credit unions. In the $80 to $200 million asset category, Jeffco CU won first place for its financial literacy program, Making Sense. In the over $200 million asset category, U of C FCU was awarded first place, recognizing its efforts in two areas- an interactive banking exhibit at WOW! Children’s Museum and RealityBites, a Web site targeted to older teens and young adults. In addition, Air Academy FCU was awarded second place for its commitment to developing youth financial education programs through its Elbert High School branch. Military and Civilian Federal Credit Union, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, President/CEO Billie Blanchard has been honored with the 2005 Messer Award during the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce’s 37th Annual Military Appreciation Banquet. The award, named for the late Jim Messer, recognizes a civilian member of the Fairbanks community for outstanding service to the military. During the award’s 11 year history other notables include Senator Ted Stevens and Dr. William Wood.