Daryl Empen
Illinois Quad Cities Chapter
I-CARE Representative of the Year

Daryl Empen, CEO of Gas & Electric Credit Union, was honored as the Illinois Cooperative Reaches Everyone’s (I-CARE) Chapter Representative of the Year for 2001 at the Illinois Credit Union System’s annual chapter leaders conference in Alton March 8, 2002.

The purpose of I-CARE is to strengthen the image and public awareness of Illinois’ credit unions. Voluntarily supported by credit unions affiliated with the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL), I-CARE is also the vehicle that promotes the National Credit Union Brand Campaign. Daryl serves as the I-CARE representative for the Illinois Quad Cities Chapter of Credit Unions, which covers western Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties.

In its second year, the I-CARE Chapter Representative of the Year is an award to recognize one chapter representative who has shown exemplary volunteer commitment to I-CARE, the League’s cooperative advertising program, and the National Credit Union Brand Campaign.

Daryl was recognized for efforts made in the past year to I-CARE. Specifically, he evaluated and implemented a new way of expanding the reach and value of I-CARE. The Quad Cities Chapter recently sponsored Credit Union Night with their local minor league hockey team. Daryl recommended I-CARE participate as a sponsor of the event as a new way to reach consumers in the community with the positive credit union image.

As a regular attendee at chapter functions, Daryl is able to effectively communicate the importance of, and thus garner support for, the program by credit unions in his chapter. Support for the sponsorship, as well as a significantly expanded advertising schedule were easily accomplished last year, as I-CARE contributions raised by credit unions in the chapter during 2001 exceeded the past year’s amount by more than 200 percent, or nearly $4,100.

Daryl has also shown a long-term commitment to the program. He has served as a member of the Advisory Board, and has championed I-CARE and use of the national brand in the Illinois Quad Cities Chapter. He is also a regular participant in the I-CARE booth at the League’s annual convention. Daryl is one of I-CARE’s 27 representatives in Illinois.

Presented by: William Wille, ICUL PR Specialist/I-CARE Administrator