LANCASTER, S.C. — A happy New Year will begin early for the more than 147,000 members of Founders Federal Credit Union. Founders will return $6 million to its members as a bonus dividend–the largest in the credit union's history. It will be distributed among borrowers and savers on December 31.

Members are no strangers to bonus dividends. Over the last six years, the over-$1 billion Founders FCU has returned more than $8 million dollars to its members. The credit union distributed a $4 million bonus dividend in 2003 and $2 million bonus dividends in 2000 and 2001.

"Once again, the incredible support we have received from our members has allowed us to declare a bonus dividend," said Bruce Brumfield, president/CEO of Founders. "We are extremely grateful to our employees and members for an exceptional 2006 and we look forward to another successful year. This is just one of the ways we share our success with the members who made it possible."