AWARDS

First Bristol Federal Credit Union, Bristol, Conn., earned a five-star superior rating from BauerFinancial Inc. The rating is the highest rating for financial strength and stability and is based on the overall financial picture of the credit union. This is the 67th consecutive quarter that First Bristol earned the five-star rating, which gives the credit union the distinction of being an “exceptional performance credit union.”Sunmark Federal Credit Union, Schenectady, N.Y., was presented with the “best of the best” award from the Mount Laurel, N.J.-based PHH Mortgage. The award recognizes the top 25% of PHH Mortgage clients nationwide for outstanding mortgage service and loan quality. As a result of winning the award, Sunmark will receive a reduction of underwriting fees and will given preferred-client access for quicker loan decisions for its members.Pen Air Federal Credit Union, Pensacola, Fla., announced that Covenant Hospice has dedicated a new generator to board Vice Chair Betty Petree and her family. Petree and her husband started a campaign to get a generator installed at the hospice back in 2002 when her husband was a resident there during a storm. Pen Air donated $10,000 to Covenant to purchase the generator. A plaque honoring Petree’s late husband is displayed on the fence surrounding the generator.Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver, Wash., won a community pride design award for its Washougal branch. The award recognizes Clark County building projects that enhance the livability of the community and demonstrate quality development. The Washougal branch is the first financial building the meets the LEED green building standards in Clark County. Project nominations for the award were evaluated based on aesthetics, pedestrian friendliness, community involvement/enhancement, environmental sensitivity, historic character and sustainability.