AWARDS Pen Air Federal Credit Union, San Antonio, recently won the Defense Credit Union Council's Navy Defense Credit Union of the Year Award for the second consecutive year and for the third time in a six year period. Pen Air FCU was selected over several credit unions nationwide to be the recipient of the award for its immediate response after Hurricane Katrina devastated much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and for their initiative in the Military Saves Program. Pen Air's Mobile Service Center was used by Keesler Federal Credit Union to help get funds to its military members and the CU raised over $35,000 to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Much of that donation went to help families affected by the hurricane. BRANCHING OUT Sabine Federal Credit Union, Orange, Texas, recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for it's expansion project. Speakers included John Read, chairman; Lyndell Bray, president/CEO; and Jerry Hussey, mayor of Pinehurst. The contract was awarded to HBE Corporation and local trades will be subcontracted for all phases of the construction. The program will create 12,000 additional square feet for the Strickland Drive location. BestSource Credit Union, Pontiac, Mich., recently broke ground on its first community branch in Waterford. BestSource CU has served the complete financial needs of Marshall Fields/Macy's employees and family members for more than 50 years. Their membership charter recently expanded to serve those who live, work or worship in areas of Oakland County. There are currently two branches in Oakland County Macy's stores and the first community branch is set to open its doors in Spring 2007. In other news from BestSource CU, the CU recently sponsored the Heart of the Hills 10K and 5K race, which raised a total of $12,000 for The Children's Miracle Network, The Bloomfield Optimists and Bloomfield Hills Schools Recreation and Community Service. Shell Federal Credit Union, La Porte, Texas, recently announced its plans to build a new branch office in La Porte. The new full-service branch is scheduled to open in early 2007. Increased new member activity in the Deer Park and Pasadena offices and member interest from those living and working in the La Porte area prompted the Board of Directors to move forward with plans for the new branch. SLC Management Group, Inc. was selected to oversee the planning, development and construction of the La Porte branch. AmeriCU Credit Union, Rome, N.Y., recently held the grand opening celebration of its newest branch in Rome. The CU hosted a Grand Opening Reception and Business After Hours at the new Griffiss Park office to welcome the business community to AmeriCU's newest location. Credit union staff and members of the Rome Chamber of Commerce attended the event. DONATIONS E1 Financial Credit Union, Alhambra, Calif., has honored seven winners of the 2006 E1 Finanical Scholarship Awards. One $1,000 and six $500 scholarships have been awarded to students attending 4-year public or private colleges or universities, community colleges or pursuing trade certification in a vocational or technical area. The recipients of the scholarships are: Jasmine Horton, Daniel Bellers, Tizita Mammo, Stephanie Bliss, Nicole Dew, Kyle King and Arlene Perez.