CUDAHY, Wis. -- There were plenty of "tears and applause" at the May 16 annual meeting of the $200 million Prime Financial Credit Union in an extraordinary celebration of the CU "family."

That's because two employees surprised their fellow workers, the CU board, and more than 100 members by announcing their engagement.

"It was quite a happy occasion for us all and a big surprise to everyone including our president, Rich Koenig," declared Debra L. Tomich, director of marketing/public relations.

Wearing a white suit he got just for the occasion, the groom-to-be, Joseph Ware, a branch supervisor, arranged for his bride-to-be, a stunned Joslyn Moran to come up to the podium.

"Joslyn thought she might have been in trouble when her name was called out," said Tomich. And then the announcement was made. No date has been set for the wedding. Joslyn is a member service representative.

Ware had quietly arranged with staffers in the CU's executive branch to make the surprise announcement at the end of business at the annual meeting held in a Cudahy restaurant.

In a statement, Koenig, the CEO, said "these are the occasions that signify why we're so unique and the reason that sets us apart from other financial institutions." It was simply natural, he said, to make their announcement, adding, "it's one of the key principles of our existence, making members, as well as employees, feel like family."