Grant Deadline. The second review for 2007 grants (Community Service, Small Credit Union Development, Marketing and Business Development, and Financial Independence & Revitalization Effort (FIRE)) is now taking place.

Grant application review deadlines are March 31, July 31, and October 31. Grant seekers are encouraged to complete and return the application form to the Foundation as early in the year as possible since grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Printable application forms are available on the ICUL Web site. Applications will be reviewed as long as grant funds are available.

If you have any questions about the grant programs, contact Vicki Ponzo or Melanie Murphy at the Foundation using the toll-free number 800-942-7124.

Lending Awards Deadline. Nominations for the eighth annual Excellence in Lending Awards, which recognizes outstanding lending results by credit unions, are now being accepted by CUNA Mutual. The Excellence in Lending Award identifies, recognizes and shares examples of lending excellence within the credit union movement by recognizing individual credit unions for their ability to serve their members while sustaining sound financial performance. Credit unions demonstrating an ability to meet their members’ needs through innovation are excellent award candidates.

Credit unions may be nominated in the following categories: Consumer Lending Excellence Award (assets under $250 million & assets greater than $250 million categories), Mortgage Lending Excellence Award (assets under $250 million & assets greater than $250 million), Low/Modest Means (any asset level), and new in 2007, Business Lending (any asset level).

Applications and more information regarding the awards are available at http://www.cunalendingcouncil.org/awards/excellencelending.html. The deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 10, 2007.

Sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group and the CUNA Lending Council, the Excellence in Lending Awards will be presented at the CUNA Lending Council annual conference Nov. 11-14, 2007, in San Antonio, Texas. Airfare, hotel and conference registration for one representative of each of the winning credit unions is included with the award.

CUs Win Awards. Kane County Teachers CU received the Annual Partnership Award from Elgin Area School District U-46 at the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Night during March "Whether they are working with administrators, teachers or students, the credit union employees always go the extra mile in supporting education and giving their time and resources to benefit the children," said Carolyn Kirk-Likou, chamber chairman.

CEFCU (Citizen's Equity First CU) was named Distinguished Company of the Year by the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce. CEFCU has represented East Peoria through progressive business activity and community involvement, and has made notable contributions to the business climate and community.

GCS CU won two national awards at the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council Conference during March. The CU was awarded with a Diamond Award for its youth savings club, the GCS Cub Club, and a Merit Award for its quarterly newsletter, the GCS Insider.

Baxter CU is the 2007 recipient of CUNA Mutual Group’s Roy F. Bergengren Award for High Achievement. The award was presented during a luncheon at CUNA Mutual Group’s 2007 Discovery Conference. The award recognizes commitment to the self-help ideals and philosophy espoused by credit union pioneer Roy F. Bergengren. The credit union's employees are actively involved in their communities and credit union organizations. They donate significant employee time and thousands of dollars to local organizations in need. The credit union recognizes charitable giving as an important initiative, which is reflected in their support of local non-profit organizations as well as food, toy and clothing drives.

Youth Financial Literacy Awards. NuMark CU won the Illinois Desjardins Youth Financial Literacy Award program and advanced to the national competition where it received an honorable mention. South Division CU received a state-level Desjardins Award and also won a best practices award from the Credit Union Journal in the Youth Outreach Category.

New CEOs. Welcome to the following new CEOs of Illinois credit unions: Argonne CU - Brian Cedergren, Bell Financial Community CU - Geneva Digregorio, Corey Steel ECU - Robert Vassar, Earthmover CU - Libby Calderone, Health Care Association FCU - Odessa Collins, Lake Street L CU - Lynder Stinnette, and Parish Members CU - Erin White.

New Name. The following credit union changed its name recently: Alton Bell CU is now Alton Bell Community CU.

Grand Openings. The following credit unions opened new facilities recently: Alton Area EFCU in Alton, Chicago Patrolmen's FCU in Chicago, MembersAlliance CU in Rockton, Niles Township Schools CU in Morton Grove, NuMark CU in Crest Hill, Olin Community CU in Jerseyville, RIA FCU in Milan, Sangamon Schools CU in Springfield, Scott CU in Belleville, and Shell Community FCU in Wood River.

New L&T Specialist. Welcome to Stefanie Demkowicz who is a new Legal & Technical Specialist in the League's Office of General Counsel. Demkowicz replaces Niall Twomey.

Retirement. Best wishes to the Dick Heath who retired from the Illinois CU League in March after his 47 year career. This included 14 years of service to the League and working at United Airlines ECU (now Alliant CU) for 33 years.

Milestone Anniversaries. ICUL President Dan Plauda celebrated 30 years of service with the league during May. Also recently celebrating 30 years are Vicki Ponzo, Senior Vice President of Member Services and Sue O'Mahoney, Director-System Finance. In addition, Carol Bertoux, Associate General Counsel, celebrates 20 years of service this month.

Passings. The credit union movement mourns the loss of Larry Belknap, former CEO of North West Illinois CU; Paul Baughman, former board member of Staley CU; Robert Gambrill, former board member of Neisler CU; Dean Hertenstein, former board member of Gale CU; Lavern Bopp, former board chairman of Illinois Central Gulf CU; and Edward J. Werner, first treasurer of CILCO CU (now Members Choice CU).

Education Calendar. Add to your knowledge or sharpen your skills by attending one of more of these outstanding educational events.