AWARDS
First Choice America Credit Union, Weirton, W.V., recently presented service awards to 16 employees at the annual Employee Recognition Banquet. John R. Thayer, chairman of the Board, said the dinner at Williams Country Club symbolized the gratitude of the company for the loyal service and excellent performance of 105 employees. With the assistance of employees, the credit union achieved several ambitious goals since last year's event. One of these was adopting a new name, which ranked among the most important achievements in the 68-year history of the business. He elaborated on the outstanding qualities of the employee team, noting in particular they displayed trust, commitment and pride. Receiving awards for service anniversary milestones were: Sondra Ronshausen–35 years; Jolene Hines and Lorna Meador–30 years; Nancy Buchanan–25 years; Dorothy Ross, Karen Truax, Paula Morrison and Susan Barr–20 years; Kimberly Busana and Helen Petrovich–15 years; Margaret Bolock, JoAnn Rine, Thomas Modra, Vanessa DiGiovanni, and Scott Winwood–10 years; Nicole Loar–5 years.
BRANCHING OUT
Butte Federal Credit Union, Biggs, Calif., is proud to announce the completion of its newly remodeled and expanded building in Biggs, California. Chairman Jim Nettleton and CEO Sharon Angle cut the ribbon at a recent ceremony. City of Biggs Vice Mayor Roger Frith and Administrator Pete Carr, as well as members of the credit union staff joined them. The credit union has been based in Biggs since 1936 and has occupied several locations over the years before getting a permanent building. The original building was remodeled in 1996 to accommodate the growth of the CU. As growth continued it was necessary to again remodel and expand from 3,600 sq. ft. to 7,440 sq. ft. The building project was managed by Integrated Builders Group, Inc (IBG), Design Builders, based in El Dorado Hills, California.
DONATIONS
Unity One Federal Credit Union, Fort Worth, Texas, engaged its members and staff in a teddy bear drive in support of the Bears on Patrol charity. One hundred fifty bears or stuffed animals were donated to the Fort Worth Police Department to give to young children in stressful situations. Among the stuffed animals were miniature zebras (the credit union mascot) wearing Unity One FCU t-shirts.
MidSouth Federal Credit Union, Macon, Ga., recently donated $1,000 to Westside High School. Each year, MidSouth chooses a school to partner with, and Westside High School was chosen as the 2007 Partner in Education. Originally founded as Bibb Teachers Federal Credit Union, MidSouth continues to support education in middle Georgia through sponsorships with community school systems. This donation will provide financial assistance to Westside High School's faculty, staff and students.
Cabrillo Credit Union, San Diego, and its partners, Carlsbad City Credit Union, and Sharp Credit Union raised over $10,000 in recent fundraising activities to benefit San Diego's Rady Children's Hospital. The credit union branches sold paper balloons to members and vendors in association with the Credit Unions for Kids (CUFK) program. CUFK is a nationwide fundraising program that joins local credit unions together to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. In addition, the credit union held a very successful, company-wide silent auction that brought in over $3,000. All the items at the auction were donated and included DVD players, personal fitness training, car detail service as well as overnight stays at the Crystal Pier Hotel. The credit union branches also competed in a branch decorating contest and the nonmember departments held creative fundraising lunches and raffles to support the cause. The credit union raised $10,229 in just two weeks.
Synergy One Federal Credit Union, Manassas, Va., recently raised $18,130.97 with its March of Dimes Walk Team, otherwise known as the "SYNERGIZERS" for this year's March of Dimes Campaign. This is the twelfth consecutive year that Synergy One FCU has participated in this event. The team, made up of 36 Synergy One Federal Credit Union employees, fundraised for over 12 weeks. The fundraising consisted of selling official March of Dimes Beanie Babies, Wrist Bands, and Sneakers to their membership. Corporately, Synergy One Federal Credit Union once again supported the Walk as a Spirit Station Sponsor. In addition to selling fundraising materials, William White, President and CEO of Synergy One Federal Credit Union offered an incentive to employees to motivate them to fundraise for this event. Each employee who raised $500 or more was entered into a drawing to win a Week Off With Pay. Every $500 raised was an entry into the drawing.
Unity One Federal Credit Union, Fort Worth, Texas, recently named Cara Perkins the 2007-08 Bob Bennett Memorial Scholarship recipient. As the winner, Perkins received $1,000 to aid in her impending college expenses. Perkins is a graduating senior at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth where she is active in the National Honor Society, All Region Orchestra and student advisory committee, among many others. She is a honor roll student, Yellow Jacket Scholar, RadioShack Scholar and Ann Brannon Award recipient in math and career & technology. Scholarship eligibility requirements included that the recipient be a graduating senior accepted or attending an accredited two-year or four-year college or vocational/technical school, maintain a 2.8 grade point average (on a four-point scale) and be a member of Unity One FCU. The Bob Bennett Memorial scholarship is a tribute to the life of Robert Bennett, a tireless champion of the credit union movement. He joined Unity One FCU in 1954 and served on the Board of Directors until 2002. An advocate of growth and change, Bennett served through five name changes and three mergers. He died December 2002.
Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, Broomall, Pa., honored graduating seniors from five Delaware County high schools, along with the principal of Springfield High, at its annual "Partners in Learning" banquet at the Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center in Drexel Hill. Also commended at the event, which recognizes financial education and academic achievement, were students who manage the credit union's student-operated, in-school branches, as well as those who serve on its Youth Advisory Board. Receiving the John D. Unangst Scholarship award of $1,500 each year were DeJuana Mosley of Chester High School, Lindsay Arizona Page of Strath Haven High, Lauren A, Raikowski of Ridley High and Patrick Brady of Interboro High. The scholarship was created by FMFCU's Board of Directors in honor of President/CEO John Unangst's 25th anniversary with the credit union. Dr. Harry Jamison, serving on the credit union's board of directors and former executive director of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, presented the awards. Unangst personally funds a fourth scholarship for a graduating senior from Interboro High, from which he graduated in 1964. In 2005, Unangst was inducted into Interboro's Hall of Fame in recognition of his military record, community service and business achievement. The scholarship winners, who also received a commemorative plaque and oversized symbolic check, were chosen from more than 100 applicants who had to meet specific criteria, including writing an essay. Receiving a $500 Student Leadership Award was Philip Sabato, a graduating senior from Springfield High who is president of FMFCU's 2007 Youth Advisory Board and a student employee at his school's credit union branch. Dr. Bridget Kelly, principal of Springfield High, was honored as the 2007 Financial Literacy Advocate. Michael Magnavita. FMFCU Executive Vice President/CFO, presented the award that annually recognizes an educator who has demonstrated extraordinary support of and commitment to financial education of youth. Also recognized at the dinner were 2007 Student Branch Council members, who were introduced by Student Cluster Manager Kelly Lynn, along with this year's Volunteer Faculty Liaisons.
Founders Federal Credit Union, Lancaster, S.C., donated $5,000 to Lancaster County First Steps and Success by 6. The money will be used to provide thousands of books to children in Lancaster County through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library allows children to have books of their own, at no cost to parents. Each month a new, carefully selected book is mailed to a child's home. The child will continue to receive new books until his or her fifth birthday. Lancaster County First Steps and Success By 6 manage, promote and raise funds for the program in Lancaster County.
Numerica Credit Union, Spokane, Wash., recently sponsored the Corbin Senior Center's Senior Festival. Representatives were able to answer individual financial questions, and educate seniors on the importance of keeping their financial information safe from identity thieves. Numerica's sponsorship allowed for senior members, at one location, to access financial, health, entertainment, transportation, and other helpful information.
Robins Federal Credit Union, Warner Robins, Ga., and its employees recently placed 1st in amount of team money raised in support of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Over 120 employees and their family members participated in team fundraisers. In addition, Relay For Life footprints were sold at all branch locations. Team members collected donations individually, and a corporate sponsorship was given which helped to total a donation of over $21,000 to the American Cancer Society. Robins Federal Credit Union's theme for the Relay For Life was "Castaway Cancer." A Gilligan' s Island theme and campsite ornamented in the television shows fashion helped the Credit Union win 1st place for "Best Costume," and 2nd Place for the "Best Campsite" at the event. Money raised for Relay For Life will enable the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research, create cancer education programs in communities, and help in the grassroots efforts in shaping public policy regarding cancer related matters in the community, state, and national levels of government.
Family Trust Federal Credit Union, Rock Hill, S.C., has partnered with Rock Hill School District Three's ParentSmart program and the York Parenting Partnership program. The employees of Family Trust have devoted time and resources and recently donated $8,000 to the two organizations. ParentSmart and the York Parenting Partnership program provide leadership, educational support and resources to implement quality programs that engage and empower parents in their role as their child's first teacher. Employees of Family Trust have volunteered by participating in the "Born-To Read" program at Piedmont Medical Center and by working at events hosted by ParentSmart. Over 1,000 books were collected by employees and donated to York Parenting Partnerships, which will help them with their family literacy program. In addition, employees also conducted several financial education courses at the schools for the parents in the programs.
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