FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – The Washington Credit Union League has designed a recognition program the league stated in a release, is intended “to encourage the advancement of Tomorrow's Leaders and support succession planning, from within the credit union system, for institutions in Washington.” The League said the initiative is in response to a CUNA report that shows 20% of credit union CEOs will retire in the next five years and that most credit unions are not prepared to deal with these departures. The program, WCUL President/CEO John Annaloro said, “fosters the education and retention of the next generation of credit union leaders and proactively supports the succession planning, from within, for our credit unions.” To support the launch of the new program, WCUL will automatically enroll employees designated by their credit union as a 2003-2004 Employee of the Year. CEOs can also enroll other employees who are determined to meet Tomorrow's Leaders standards. These criteria include: * “provide exemplary service to their community, co-workers and members”; * “show interest in learning more about the history and philosophy of credit unions”; * “exhibit leadership qualities including the desire to excel, honor, vision, courage, commitment and integrity”. The first group of Tomrrow's Leaders will be recognized at WCUL's annual convention in September where they will be awarded certificates. In the following year, the league will also provide specialized advocacy and compliance training.