ARLINGTON, Va. - NAFCU recently announced the winners of its2004 "Beyond Expectations" Awards Competition. Categories includeProfessional of the Year, Federal Credit Union of the Year, andVolunteer of the Year broken down into two size categories forcredit unions below $150 million in assets and credit unions over$150 million. Federal Credit Union of the Year was awarded to DowLouisiana Federal Credit Union (below $150 million in assets) andVons Employees Federal Credit Union (more than $150 million inassets). DLFCU opened its first branch outside the Dow plant lastyear, was one of the first credit unions in the state addingunderserved parishes, and became the first Baton Rouge credit unionto begin indirect lending with auto and boat dealerships. Bysupporting its core membership base and strategically investing inthe local community, Vons Employees FCU took the biggest challengein its history-the largest, longest, most costly retail strike-andconverted it to its most successful year ever with an 11.1% shareincrease. Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union CEO James H. McDaniel(under $150 million) and Barksdale Federal Credit Union Presidentand CEO Arno Easterly (over $150 million in assets) were honored asProfessional of the Year. Under McDaniel's watch, Carolina Trustmade numerous improvements and additions including the SymitarComputer System, E-Z Access Home Banking online, the E-Z PAY BillPayment Service online, a free financial education service, anddiscounted medical prescription services for members through athird party vendor. At Barksdale, Easterly has managed to help thecredit union maintain its 1.45% ROA while experiencingunprecedented growth and stability in 2003. Chris Yarnell of YOURFederal Credit Union was named Volunteer of the Year (under $150million in assets), as was T.S. Jones of Hudson Valley FederalCredit Union for credit unions over $150 million. Yarnell hasserved as Treasurer of YOUR Federal Credit Union for the last 25years and is ready and able to analyze market data, view potential,and considers service to members with an eye toward the future. Inhis 40th year of service as a volunteer for Hudson Valley, Jonescurrently serves as chair and places member service above all elsewhile emphasizing that with employees as well. All winners will berecognized in a special ceremony at NAFCU's 37th Annual Conferenceand Exhibition, July 14-17, 2004, in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. NAFCUalso selected 14 credit unions in seven different categories formarketing awards out of 200 entries.