NORTHVILLE, Mich. – The Michigan Credit Union League has come out with a new level to the league's state PAC – MCULAF – lapel pin lineup as a way to boost 2006 fund raising. The new level is a $500 chairman's Club lapel pin. Previously, the highest pin was $250. MCUL Vice President of Governmental Affairs Patrick LaPine said the league realizes that a $500 MCULAF contribution "is something that many people will find unaffordable, but even a small response at that level will generate a considerable sum for MCULAF." He said purchasers of the $500 pins will have standing invitations to attend special 2006 functions and fund-raisers featuring important political leaders. "Having a Chairman's Club pin will get you a complimentary admission to several fund-raisers and special events. So, in effect, purchasing the Chairman's Club pin will not only give a big boost to credit union political action efforts, it could actually save you money over the course of the year," said LaPine. In 2005, $223,051 was raised for MCULLAF (federal) and $106,103 for MCULAF (state). The Michigan Credit Union League recognized three credit unions with the Chairman's Award for achieving the highest percentage of their state PAC goal in their respective asset sizes – Town and Country Family CU, Iosco Community CU, and Frankenmuth CU. The three federal PAC awards went to Monroe Automotive FCU, Wy-South FCU, and Central Michigan Community FCU. In addition, the league presented the Forum Appreciation Award which recognizes achievement of 100% or more of the state or federal PAC goals, to 98 CUs for state fund-raising efforts and to 92 CUs for federal. The league's President's Award, recognizing the credit union raising the largest amount of money overall, went to Michigan Catholic FCU for the state PAC – it raised $4,510; and to Dow Chemical Employees CU for the federal PAC – $14,474.