RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues' recently took top honors in national and international communications competitions.

The leagues received a first-place award in the American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership's gold circle award and awards of distinction from the communicators awards, an international competition, for the July 2007 Credit Union Digest feature article, “The Next Big Thing.” The article was written by Jenny Boyle.

In its first-ever entry to the videographers award, an international competition, the leagues received an award of distinction for a video produced by graphic designer Danielle Price of credit union members affected by the California wildfires who received grants from the NCUF. In the four-minute video, the recipients emotionally recount the devastating losses they incurred as well as thank those who donated to help them.

“I'm proud the leagues' communications and marketing department has been recognized on a national and international level for the great work they do–individually and collectively–on behalf of credit unions in California and Nevada,” Carol Payne, Leagues' vice president of communications and marketing said.

As if that wasn't enough, the leagues received four first-place pro and blockbuster awards, sponsored by CUNA. In the pro awards, the creditunionswork.org site won in the best worldwide Web site category while Credit Union Digest took the top prize in the most improved publication category.

As part of the 2007 public advocacy program, www.creditunionsworks.org was launched to increase the effectiveness in building awareness and support for credit unions. The site contains information educating consumers about credit unions, provides a link to the findacreditunion.com Web site for those interested in locating a credit union they are eligible to join, and includes a consumer financial tips section and a comprehensive new grassroots advocacy section.

In the blockbuster award, the “Famous” radio ad from the 2007 public advocacy program came in first in the best credit union radio spot category; the big valley conference campaign was honored as best campaign with a budget of under $10,000.

“Famous,” as well as the two other ads used for the 2007 campaign, used a tongue-in-cheek approach to attract quick attention on what credit unions can do for consumers. “Famous” used the story of “Jane” and how credit unions helped her become a successful business owner and brought benefit to her community as well.

The pro awards honor the best in public relations and publications, while the blockbuster awards pay tribute to excellence in marketing and advertising.

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