INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- A fifth credit union, in a new category,joined four others in recently receiving CUNA Mutual Group'sExcellence in Lending awards at the CUNA Lending Council's 12thannual conference.

In addition to the new Low/Modest Means award, winners werenamed in Consumer and Mortgage lending categories. CUNA MutualGroup President/CEO Jeff Post and Judy Tharp, vice president,Lending Solution Development, presented the awards to:

oLatino Community CU, Durham, N.C.--Consumer, less than $250million in assets;

oSan Antonio FCU, San Antonio--Consumer, more than $250 millionin assets;

oOhio University CU, Athens, Ohio--Mortgage, less than $250million in assets;

oEnt FCU, Colorado Springs, Colo.--Mortgage, more than $250million in assets; and

oBethex FCU, Bronx, N.Y.--Low/Modest Means category.

Among other innovative programs, the $42 million LatinoCommunity CU was recognized for its CreditBuilder loan program,which allows members to establish a credit history and move on toother loan products. More than 2,500 members have receivedCreditBuilder loans with the average loan at $800.

The judges confirmed that the $1.9 billion San Antonio FCUcontinues to develop innovative lending programs to meet members'needs including its manufactured home loan program and an indirectvehicle lending program for SACU and other credit unions to helpspread the cost of acquisition over a greater number of loans.

The judges were also impressed with $179 million Ohio UniversityCU's programs to help those of modest means including the OhioHousing Finance Agency Federal Home Loan Bank "Welcome Home" andCUNA's HLPR loan programs.

The $1.9 billion Ent FCU was recognized for its first-timehomebuyer program and partnerships with the Colorado Housing andFinance Authority among other programs.

The $11 million Bethex FCU continues to serve low- tomoderate-income families with its emergency loan programpartnership and its "gypsy-cab" loan program for drivers in theBronx area. The "freelance" drivers fulfill a void where licensedcabbies will not venture, according to the judges.

CUNA Mutual, with support and expertise from the CUNA LendingCouncil, established the Excellence in Lending Awards in 2000 torecognize credit unions that have implemented outstanding lendingprograms while demonstrating sound financial performance. The awardprovides an opportunity for credit unions to share best practicesand ideas, build networks, and recognize and celebrate lendingexcellence. [email protected]