Between 1.6 and 2.8 million young people run away each year in America. To help spotlight this national epidemic and to show support for these youth and their families in crisis, Enterprise Car Sales recently contributed $2,500 through the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation to the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) on behalf of Matteson, IL-based USA One Credit Union. In this photo, NRS Outreach Coordinator Lashawnda Carter (center) receives the $2,500 check from Enterprise Car Sales of Chicago’s Group Marketing Manager Sandy Lufrano (left) and Jerry Haley, CEO of USA One Credit Union.

The South Division Credit Union's (SDCU) Kids’ Club's “Wanna Bee” mascot created quite a buzz when it walked in the Evergreen Park 4th of July parade with (from left) Cynthia (Evergreen Park), Taylor Philippi (Beverly), Lavon (EV Park) and Sydney (EV Park), who carried South Division’s “Works for Me” theme banner in the parade.

Earlier this summer, SIU CU completed a BizKid$ Bash promotion with WSIU and University Mall in Carbondale. This was a highly successful event saw more 30 kids, ranging in age from 9-15, to participate in a competition. They were charged with developing a business plan, setting a organizational chart, developing a name and logo and securing financing. The credit union had 8 volunteers working the event. Since this event, SIU CU has received other requests to hold similar competitions in other market areas. Biz Kid$ is a television series underwritten by America's Credit Unions and aired on PBS stations that teaches kids how to make and manage money.

Dominic Randazzo, Legislative Forum Representative for the Kankakee Valley Chapter of Credit Unions (at right), recently received a surprise award at a legislative forum sponsored by the Kankakee River Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Farm Bureau. Bill Houlihan (left), representing the office of Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), presented Randazzo with a speech read on the Senate floor in his honor. The award recognized Dominic's many community activities and the recognition he and his wife, Brenda, have received, including being named Servant Leaders by the Provena St. Mary's Hospital Foundation earlier this year. Servant Leader is the highest honor given by the hospital for charitable work.

Community Trust Credit Union (CTCU) showed its members and friends just how much it appreciates their support by hosting its annual “Member Appreciation Day” on Saturday, July 19th. However, even the rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm at the event. Pictured (from left) are: CTCU Board Chairman Ed Clark, Ron Culen, ICUL Vice President of Regional Management, CTCU President/ CEO Madeline Lipka, and CTCU Board Vice Chairman Shawn Depke.  The credit union was presented with a plaque at the event commemorating its 75th Anniversary.

Earthmover Credit Union (ECU) recently broke ground for a new branch in Montgomery. The 3,900 square foot facility will feature four teller stations, five personal banking offices, three drive-up lanes, and a drive-up ATM. Those in attendance at the ground breaking event from ECU included (from left to right) Vice President Richard Kish, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors James Burkiewicz, President and CEO Libby Calderone, Marketing Director Nick Mores, Chairperson of the Board of Directors Connie Busby, Branch Manager Doug Williams, & Vice President Todd Westmoreland.