FARMERS BRANCH, Texas – What does it mean to be uncommon? The dictionary lists the following synonyms: unusual, remarkable, and exceptional. Author Michael York writes, "I have found that there is a difference between a manager and leader, Between work and a job, Between just showing up and getting the most out of every day, A difference between the status quo and the value that comes with life change, I call it `becoming uncommon!'" With banks today demanding taxation of credit unions, it is becoming increasingly important for credit unions to spotlight their uniqueness, or "uncommonness" in the financial services arena. With this in mind, Texas Credit Union League is hoping to honor extraordinary efforts put forth by credit union staff members or volunteers with a "What is your UN-Common Story?" contest. Credit unions are asked to submit a 500-word essay about a remarkable staff member or volunteer, along with a photo of the individual doing his or her "amazing hobby, unusual vocation, exceptional talent or any extraordinary deed." Contest deadline is Feb. 15. Judging will be conducted by a committee comprised of representatives from TCUL Training Resources and the Texas Credit Union Foundation. An internal committee selected "Uncommon" for TCUL's 2006 Annual Meeting theme. "The idea was spurred by a speaker I have had the privilege of working with in the past and whom I was lucky enough to land as our closing general session speaker this year – Michael York," said Tonya Farmer, TCUL's vice president of Training Resources. " He wrote a very interesting book about becoming uncommon, which parallels ways in which credit unions distinguish themselves from banks." A brainstorm session generated the contest idea. Twenty-five contest entries will be selected for recognition at the league's 2006 Annual Meeting in Galveston April 18-21. Winners will receive a copy of York's new book, entitled, " Becoming Uncommon: Developing Your Success at the Speed of Life." One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 cash prize and $1,000 in educational dollars toward TCUL 2006 education and training courses. The 25 stories and pictures of uncommon contest winners are going to be used as "Hall of Fame-type" story boards for decoration at the annual meeting and will be featured in the convention program. "We all felt like it was a wonderful opportunity to highlight our members and the credit union difference," Farmer said. "I'll even take recommendations and follow up on them myself if need be, as I would imagine some folks are too humble to submit entries on their own." -

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