First Quarter 2008

Credit unions, Illinois CUES receive honors

Several credit unions and the Illinois Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) were recently honored with awards.

First, are the winners of ICUL’s annual statewide award competitions. These include the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award, the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Award and the Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action. The winners were as follows:

Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award (This award recognizes leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of youth financial literacy. Naming the award after Alphonse Desjardins emphasizes the movement’s long-time commitment to youth.)

Less than $35 million in assets: No entries
$35 to $75 million in assets: Prairie Trail CU, Joliet
$75 to $250 million in assets: NuMark CU, Joliet
More than $250 million in assets: CEFCU

Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Program (Named after credit union pioneer Dora Maxwell to recognizes credit unions for their outstanding efforts in community projects and activities.)

Less than $5 million in assets: No entries
$5 - $20 million: No entries
$20 - $50 million: No entries
$50 - $100 million: Streator Onized CU
$100 - $200 million: Financial Plus CU (first place)
$100 - $200 million: Community Trust CU (second place)
$200 - $500 million: Consumers Cooperative CU (first place)
$200 - $500 million: GCS FCU (second place)

Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action (Established in 1990 after another credit union champion, Louise Herring, to commend credit unions that make exceptional efforts to include credit union philosophy in their daily operations and member service.)

Less than $50 million in assets: No entries
$50 - $250 million: GCS FCU
More than $250 million: Consumers Cooperative CU

All entries were judged last fall, with first place winners moved on to the national competition administered by CUNA. There were no national honorees from Illinois this year. However, all winners will be recognized with award plaques at the chapter level and during the Keynote & Awards Ceremony at ICUL’s 78th Annual Convention (April 17 – 19, 2008).

“While no Illinois credit unions placed in nationals this year, our credit unions and their staff members should be very proud of everything they do for the community on behalf of the credit union movement,” said Dan Plauda, ICUL president/chief executive officer.

In other award news, the Illinois Council of CUES was selected as one of three Councils in its asset size (75 to 150 members) to receive the 2007 CUES Council Elmer Cinnater Award of Excellence. The award is based on the quality of professional development, networking, and the quality of events provided by the local Council. The award was given at a special luncheon during the CUES CEO Network in November. The Illinois Council was also presented with a check for $500 as part of the award.

“The Council is very gratified to receive this award to help Illinois credit union executives with development opportunities and networking. We are excited to offer these opportunities in 2008 and beyond. The award reflects the dedication and effort of all the volunteer Council board members,” said John Collins, president of Illinois CUES Council and chief administrative officer at Members United Corporate Federal Credit Union.