AWARDS

Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Anchorage, has named Natalie Slaymaker the 2005 Employee of the Year and John Combs the 2005 Manager of the Year. Slaymaker began her Alaska USA career in 2001 as a receptionist in the Special Credits department. Since then her self-motivation, desire to learn, and enthusiastic attitude has led her to roles of greater responsibility and she was recently promoted to enforcement officer. As Alaska USA’s Facilities and Administrative Services Manager over the last nine years, Combs has been responsible for coordinating over 30 branch openings and several branch moves, in addition to day-to-day facilities management for all Alaska USA locations. Award recipients are chosen based on their proficiency, professionalism, dedication, consistency of performance, initiative, and their contribution to the credit union’s member service and financial goals. Numerica Credit Union, Spokane, has named Allison Milne its First Class School Champion. The First Class School Champion Award is given every month through May. Students can nominate their favorite school employee who works within the North Central Washington area. Milne received a recognition plaque, a bag of goodies, and $100 for her school or department. Third grader Kiana Wilson, who nominated Milne received $25, a bag of goodies, and was entered into a drawing for an Apple iPod. The drawing will be held at the end of the school year. Both received media recognition on local radio stations and in the newspaper. Defense Credit Union Council, Washington, has inducted the late James M. Bright, former Scott Credit Union President/CEO into the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor. His many years of service are evidence of his dedication to the advancement of Scott CU, its members, the credit union movement and the U.S. military. Under Bright’s leadership, Scott CU exceeded the traditional role of a defense credit union to offer added support for our nation’s military. One of his proudest moments took place in 2004 when Scott CU sponsored the James S. McDonnell USO Salute to Heroes at Scott AFB to honor local military men and women who have offered extraordinary service to their country. The DCUC Hall of Honor was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the DCUC and the credit union movement. Bright died suddenly in January 2005. MSU Federal Credit Union, East Lansing, Mich., has announced the 2005 Crystal Award winners. This year’s recipients comprised of Helpdesk Specialist Cicely Merrell, Senior Loan Officer Deanna Robbins and Senior Marketing Specialist Sarah McCarthy. Each year, the MSUFCU Crystal Awards are awarded to three deserving employees who embody all or many of the following characteristics of a model MSUFCU employee: exhibits pride in working for MSUFCU; has a positive attitude toward job, members and other employees; exemplifies professionalism in appearance and conduct; provides outstanding service to members and staff; is dependable; and is a team player. UVA Community Credit Union, Charlottesville, Va., has awarded Laura Galloway a Dell Notebook computer and printer. Galloway was the winner of the credit union’s E-statement contest. Missoula Federal Credit Union, Mont., has received the Community Business Partner Award for its partnership efforts. The Community Business Partner Award is presented by A.W.A.R.E. Inc, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides services to people with disabilities, including assistance in the purchase of a home. MFCU was instrumental in refinancing several properties into a low rate Fannie Mae project, saving A.W.A.R.E. Inc. money. MFCU also helped the project by refinancing a few auto loans, as well as a commercial property in Butte, Montana.