Nationally, credit unions reached 293,035 students with 9,927 presentations. The complete NYIB report can be found on its Web site at www.nyib.org.

CFE Demonstrates CU Difference to Local Teacher of the Year

ORLANDO, Fla. — CFE Federal Credit Union is making it easier for Rick Ellenburg, the 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year and Orange County Teacher of the Year to get around.

The credit union recently awarded him a 2002 Buick LeSabre. The surprise presentation was made during Orange County Public Schools Professional Development Conference.

When CFE President/CEO Joseph A. Melbourne, Jr. learned that Ellenburg would be traveling around the state as a spokesperson for the Department of Education in a worn out truck needing many repairs, he wanted to help. With approval from the CFE Board of Directors and through collaboration with Orange County Public schools, Melbourne planned the surprise.

“We thought the Florida Teacher of the Year should travel around the state in style,” said Melbourne who was out of town during the conference. “We wanted to make sure he had a comfortable, reliable vehicle as he drove from school to school sharing his skills and experiences with teachers all over Florida.”

Ellenburg was set to begin teaching a seminar to colleagues on science education when he was surprised by Kevin Dougherty, senior vice president of CFE, Suzanne Dusch, vice president of Marketing, and Nancy Lee Whitecavage, public relations liaison, announcing the donation. In addition, Ellenburg's insurance agent Don McManus of the State Farm Don McManus Insurance Agency Inc. in Orlando paid for six months of Ellenburg's insurance premiums on the vehicle.

Through various sponsorships and activities, the credit union has been an active supporter of Teacher of the Year programs in Orange and Osceola Counties for five years, and in Seminole and Lake Counties this past year. In fact, Melbourne has been on the committee responsible for selecting the Orange County Teacher of the Year for the past three years.

Members Connect with Founders FCU Speaker's Bureau

LANCASTER, S.C. — Founders Federal Credit Union has developed an innovative way to build its reputation as a community resource through its Speaker's Bureau.

Part of Founders commitment to its communities and a free service of the credit union, the Speaker's Bureau is designed to educate the community about issues facing families today and in the future.

During the 2006–2007 school year, many local school officials and teachers tapped Founders employees to speak in their classrooms and organizations.

The Speaker's Bureau includes over 70 Founders employees who are experts on a wide variety of topics ranging from basic financial management and investment options to fraud and banking technology. The Speaker's Bureau also includes experts on topics not related to banking and finance such as, interview skills and self-motivation.

“We are extremely pleased with the response we received during the last school year,” said Bruce Brumfield, president/CEO of Founders FCU. “Our employees have been invited to speak at schools and organizations in all our communities.”

US Federal CU Sponsors Edgewood Track and Field Day

BURNSVILLE, Minn. — US Federal Credit Union has sponsored the Edgewood Track and Field Day for the second consecutive year.

The event, held at The Pond's Athletic Center in Prior Lake, facilitated a variety of track and field activities for over 300 Kindergarten aged students.

Physical Education teacher, Sue Muelken, arranged the event with the support of several parents and grandparents that volunteered their time and also cheered on the children. USFCU donated child-sized visors to each participant.

“It was really great to see the excitement the children had for the day's events and I'm thankful for the opportunity to get involved and help all ages in our community…no matter the size of the event,” said Misty Johnson, credit union employee and volunteer for the event.

The Edgewood Track and Field Day drew over 600 fans for events including Crazy Relays, Tug-a-War, Line Soccer, Frisbee Golf and Manic Kickball; everyone was a winner during the fun-filled day of activities.

Grow Financial Teaser Campaign Sprouts Up Everywhere

TAMPA, Fla. — These are just some of the ads that have been spotted around town promoting MacDill Federal Credit Union's name change to Grow Financial on September 4th.

The teaser campaign introducing members to the new brand identity includes billboards, newspaper ads and radio spots. After Labor Day, members will be able to experience the new Grow Financial brand firsthand in all 18 branches.

The credit union tapped St. Louis, Missouri-based design/build firm NewGround's brand consultancy partner, Adrenaline, Inc., of Atlanta to spearhead the reinvention effort. The creative team developed the new name, logo and colors, and all print marketing materials to support a member communication campaign, which revolves around members' life stages.