"I've never been so proud to be a part of the credit union system than I am today. Over the past 40 years and five decades, I've had a chance to see credit unions grow and grow up. Today, over 100 million members are now being served by credit unions and I can't wait for the day when every American will be a credit union member." ~ C. Alan Peppers, former president/CEO of Westerra Credit Union in accepting the Outstanding Individual Achievement award.  

"I am proud to be part of a movement made up of so many who quietly, yet relentlessly accept the call to bring economic justice to underserved people and places. And I am honored to be here on behalf of Ms. Fannie Dotson, who on her 100th birthday opened her first checking account ever at our branch in Itta Bena, Mississippi. However, the fact that it took an entire century for a black woman from the Mississippi Delta to open a bank account is a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go in this nation on issues of equity. Across America, for hundreds of places like Itta Bena, and millions of people like Ms. Dotson, credit unions are their best hope for economic opportunity." ~ William J. Bynum, President/CEO of Hope Credit Union upon accepting the Outstanding Individual Achievement award.

"The credit union philosophy of people helping people and the commitment to cooperation are as vital today as they were at the founding of credit unions in this country over 100 years ago. We need to reinforce our philosophical values by recommitting to the ideals that made credit unions unique and empowering forces in the financial well-being of individuals and communities throughout this country and the world." ~ Daniel F. Egan, retired president/CEO of the Massachusetts Credit Union League, New Hampshire Credit Union League, and the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island (now known as Cooperative Credit Union Association) after accepting the Outstanding Individual Achievement award.

"I am honored to accept the Wegner award on behalf of the dedicated individuals who developed the program, and the credit unions, our community partners and the educators who last year helped us deliver this program in over 30 states. However the ultimate winners are the 50,000 students who last year received practical hand-on learning on the benefits of budgeting, savings, and making wise financial decisions." ~ Stephanie Smith, executive director of the America's Credit Union Museum. Mike L'Ecuyer, chairman of the museum joined Smith on stage in accepting the Outstanding Program award for CU 4 Reality.