Texas Credit Union Foundation, Farmers Branch, Texas, awarded its Focus Awards in four categories: individual, project NEFE network, credit union and credit union chapter to honor commitment to financial education. Phillip Crocker, director of business development at Resource One Credit Union was given the individual focus award. A+ Federal Credit union was given the credit union focus award. The Forth Worth Chapter of Credit Unions was given the credit union chapter focus award. Larry Heitzman from Generations Federal Credit Union and Robin Garrison of Cooperative Extension Service were given special achievement awards in the project NEFE network focus award category.

Afena Federal Credit Union, Marion, Ind., was awarded the diamond award for community service/PR programs from CUNA from the second consecutive year. Afena was given the award in the category of credit unions with assets of less than $100 million. President Sheila Burkhart challenged each member of the management, staff and board of directs to get involved in as many community groups and charitable organizations as possible. Afena also enlisted the services of marketing communications agency HG Ad Group in Chicago to support its overall rebranding and community relations program.

Capital Communications Federal Credit Union, Albany, N.Y., honored three teenage members during its annual meeting recently with the making a difference award. Each member received a monetary award and Capital Communications made a $100 donation in their name to the charity of their choice. Jessica Abel received the first place award and $1,000 for her volunteer work at Albany Medical Denter Hopsital, Double H Ranch, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the Regional Food Bank, Habitat Humanity and Military Moms in Action. Margaret O'Mara received the second place award and $500 for her volunteer work at Wildwood Programs at the Capital District Flower and Garden Show, Wildwood Recreation Teen Center program, the Culinary Cornucopia to benefit Living Resources, the Regional Food Bank of Northeast New York and the Crossgates Mall Holiday Hunger appeal. Katie Dartt received the third place award and $300 for her volunteer work as an arts and crafts teacher at a summer camp for inner city children, Empty Stocking Project, Youth 2 Youth, and teaching swimming lessons for younger children.

OMNI Credit Union, Battle Creek, Mich., was selected as the 2008 winner of one of the 101 best and brightest companies to work for in Western Michigan by the Michigan Business and Professional Association. This is the third year that OMNI has received this award. OMNI was also named the elite winner for community initiatives based upon its commitment to improving the local community and employee contribution and participation.

Great Wisconsin Credit Union and Summit Credit Union, Madison, Wis., jointly earned the Dora Maxwell social responsibility recognition award from CUNA for creating STAR Credit Union. Great Wisconsin and Summit joined together to create STAR three years ago to teach members of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County the value of saving money. STAR is the only youth-chartered credit union in the world and is open to any member of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, seven years old or older who deposits one dollar or more in a savings account. STAR has 275 members. Employees of both credit unions volunteer their time at STAR and a part-time credit union manager teaches children the benefits of saving money.

Champion Credit Union, Canton, N.C., was given the 2008 Haywood County Award for outstanding volunteer service by the Haywood Volunteer Center, the Interagency Council, the Haywood County Board of Commissioners and JCPC. Champion was given the award for its staff's participation in community volunteer initiatives such as, Relay for Life, March of Dimes and Special Olympics. Champion staff and President/CEO Mike Clayton accepted the award at a special awards banquet.

Unity One Federal Credit Union, Fort Worth, Texas, was named the recipient of the Fort Worth Independent School District's golden achievement award for partnership excellence for the 2007-08 school year. This was Unity One's fifth consecutive recognition for its partnership with Washington Heights Elementary School. Unity One started its partnership with the school in 2003. Unity One's first focus was to improve attendance among the students and since then it has opened an in-school branch with deposits currently over $21,000, sponsored attendance and reading reward activities, participated in a pen-pal program, conducted tours of the credit union for students and sponsored a family math night for parents and students. Unity One's mascot also visits the school and sends birthday cards to students monthly. CEO Gary Williams also reads to the kindergarten students and spoke about his career to older students this spring.