Credit union member appreciation meetings way of giving back

AUSTIN, Texas - To show members they are valued, United Heritage Credit Union decided to host a dinner Texan style -big, bold and most of all fun. Forget the traditional meetings at a fancy hotel, United Heritage and about 480 members partied at the outdoor pavilion of Manchaca Fire Hall, a local restaurant. "Years ago, when we served only the airforce base we used to always throw these huge dinners," said United Heritage CU Vice President of Marketing Susie Davison. "When our field of membership diversified we just stopped doing it but a lot of our members kept telling us they missed it so we decided to bring it back and we all had a great time." Going back to its roots meant holding this first dinner in South Austin where a vast majority of United Heritage CU's older/retired members reside. According to Davison the member appreciation dinner was a unique, fun way for the credit union to give something back to the members while thanking them. "Many of the members have been with us for over 20 years," said May Lofgreen, United Heritage board Chairperson. "Without their loyal support, United Heritage would not have achieved the success we enjoy today." The celebration included a barbeque dinner, a live country western band, a putting contest, family portraits, face painters, door prizes and a grand prize vacation for two to Las Vegas, Nevada. All members received United Heritage t-shirts, bandanas, picture frames and mugs filled with ice tea. Other prizes included a television and a DVD player. In addition to the fun and games, the first Leroy Hiller Memorial Scholarship sponsored by United Heritage CU was awarded to 18 year old Heather Arnold. The $1,500 college scholarship was created in honor of Leroy Hiller, a United Heritage board member and active community supporter who passed away in October of 1998. With a maximum limit of 500, tickets were sold for reservation purposes. All proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the ongoing maintenance of the Bergstrom Air Force Base Memorial in honor of the credit union's military roots. According to Davison the approximately $10,000 price tag which covered food, music, prizes, tickets, and promotional materials such as posters, flyers and newsletters was worth the good time enjoyed by everyone. Plans are in the works to find a possible location for next year's event. "We point proudly to the number of members who remain with us despite times of inflation, recession and base closure. This trust is how we measure our success," said Lofgreen. United Heritage CU has more than $230 million in assets and serves 59,000 members. -mbourjolly@cutimes.com