ORLANDO, Fla. — Fairwinds Credit Union has been named a finalistfor the Orlando Business Journal's 2008 Best Places to Workaward.

The award, in its fourth year, is presented to companies thatcreate a positive environment through a combination of employeebenefits, working conditions and company culture. This year'swinner will be announced May 16 and each finalist will be featuredin a special issue of Orlando Business Journal.

“In an industry focused on numbers, we know the real value atFairwinds Credit Union is its people,” said President/CEO LarryTobin. The $1.7 billion Fairwinds has 145,000 members and nearly600 employees. In addition to its basic employee benefits package,the CU also provides annual employee bonuses, and since 2003, ithas conducted a Holiday Wish program. This program has reunitedemployees with distant family members, funded a school field trip,and helped an employee pay to ship toys to needy children. Lastyear, more than 50 employees donated $100 each in bonuses toward aco-worker's wish to pay down debt brought on by her parents' healthproblems.