"The students' final projects displayed impressive talent and we sincerely hope the awards encourage each student to continue their quest for excellence," said USFCU President/CEO Bill Raker. "US Federal values the arts in our community and seeks to support them in unique ways such as this."

The MCTC Film and Video Division is dedicated to offering courses the combine the liberal arts tradition with a strong technical and/or occupational component.

Desert Schools FCU Hosts Car Show

PHOENIX — Thousands of Desert Schools Federal Credit Union members were recently treated to refreshments and a free car show in honor of International Credit Union Day.

The festivities extended across the credit union's 61 branch locations in three counties.

Susan Frank, president and CEO for the $3 billion financial institution said, "At the root of the credit union difference is our members. They own us. We don't answer to stockholders, which in turn makes credit unions very friendly and service oriented. We extend a hand into the community and make people feel welcome."

United Teletech Financial Displays Environmental Conscience

TINTON FALLS, N.J. — Recently nearly 30 United Teletech Financial employees, family, and members participated in Clean Ocean Action's Annual Spring Beach Sweep at Sandy Hook.

As a gesture of its commitment to the community, the company provided over 200 pairs of work gloves to the participants picking up trash.

"United Teletech Financial is proud to sponsor activities that not only beautify our local area, but also preserve them for generations to come," said United Teletech Financial CEO Leo Ardine. "Supporting this cause is yet another way we can live our philosophy of 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors'."

At the event, over 300 volunteers threw away more than 4,000 pieces of litter in an on-going effort to keep the beaches clean. Items included plastic food and candy wrappers, plastic shopping bags and beverage bottles, fishing line, balloons, syringes and some stranger items including a car bumper, an Easter basket and a kazoo.

"COA's Sweeps re-move harmful litter from the environment and, most importantly, collect evidence of pollution problems," said COA Executive Director Cindy Zipf. "Our goal is to reduce sources of litter and to eliminate the need for Beach Sweeps in the future."

Volunteers also completed data cards, which were reviewed and entered in a computer database analyzed by COA. Data collected from the beach cleanups is used to identify and monitor pollution trends. The information helps find solutions to keep New Jersey beaches clean and healthy for citizens and marine life.

TPRB Advertising Wins 14 Awards in 2007

HOUSTON — TPRB Advertising's work on behalf of Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union of Houston, Texas was recently recognized with five 2007 Texas Credit Union League Lone Star Awards.

This past year TPRB Advertising won a variety of other marketing awards for its credit union clients, including CUNA Diamond, CUES Golden Mirror and MAC Awards, bringing to 14 the 2007 advertising awards tally.

The awards recognize the firm's creativity and ability to build the credit union brand while generating sales and membership growth.

TPRB Advertising is a full-service agency providing strategic branding, marketing and advertising, image research and public relations as well as MCIF and member segmentation analytics.

Navy Federal Makes Youth Connection With Podcasts, YouTube

VIENNA, Va. — Navy Federal Credit Union has found a new way to connect with its younger members.

To better serve its more "mobile" members, the over $30 billion credit union has expanded its communication efforts to include podcasts and YouTube.

From a car buying podcast about loan options and what to look for before and during a visit to the car dealer, to posting its "Preventing ID Theft" and "Managing Your Credit" videos on YouTube, the move is designed to help Navy Federal reach out and educate its younger members.

Earlier this year, the credit union launched a car buying podcast that educates members about their auto loan options and what to look for before and during a visit to the car dealer. The podcast is highlighted as, "The most valuable three and a half minutes you've ever spent with your iPod or MP3 player."

Navy Federal has also posted its popular videos, "Preventing ID Theft", "Managing Your Credit" and "Home Buying Made Easy" on YouTube as another way to reach and educate its younger members.

"Members located around the world can access the information that we provide on the internet," said Shawn Walters, vice president marketing/advertising. The credit union also added Really Simply Syndication to its Website so members can have specific web content sent directly to their personal Web pages, iPods, and RSS readers.