TULLAHOMA, Tenn. — Recycling has its rewards and for AscendFederal Credit Union that translated to earning an environmentalaward from Cintas Document Management.

“Ascend is recycling roughly a ton-and-a-half of paper a week,”Cintas Operations Manger Mark Rose said. “That's impressive. Inpast years, that would have gone straight to a landfill.”

Cintas performs secure document shredding services for thecredit union. Once the documents are shredded, they are taken to asecure recycling facility and converted into recycled products.According to Rose, Ascend's recycling efforts have saved 1,258trees, 28,120 gallons of oil and 518,000 gallons of water.

According to Ascend FCU President/CEO Caren Gabriel, recyclingis just one way the credit union works to help the environment andits members.

“For many years, we have encouraged members to take advantage offree and secure online bill payment and online statements offeredby Ascend,” she said. “According to a recent study by JavelinStrategy and Research, if every U.S. household stopped receivingpaper bills and statements, they would save 687,000 tons of paperevery year.”

Gabriel adds that plans are underway to offer members afinancial incentive to go green with an auto loan promotionbeginning July 1.

“We are incorporating a new auto loan policy that allows membersto get a quarter-point rate discount when they purchase aqualifying new or used environmentally friendly vehicle,” she said.“This is an easy way people can help the environment and save moneyat the same time.”

–[email protected]

CUs a Hit With Young Professionals
BISMARCK, N.D. — Mid-American Credit Union Association and CapitalCredit Union have quite the reputation among Gen Yprofessionals.

Both were recently recognized as one of the top ten places foryoung professionals to work in Bismarck/Mandan.

The list was started by the Bismarck-Mandan Young ProfessionalsNetwork in 2006, with standards based on what young individuals arelooking for in places they work. The YP Network surveyed over 400network members (ages 21-39) inquiring what they look for in anemployer and what they think makes for a great workenvironment.

The survey found that the most important aspects young peopleconsider when looking at employers are competitive pay, flexiblehours, continuing education and training, opportunities foradvancement, and a positive and supportive work environment.Recognition, employee participation, work-life balance and overallcompany mission are also important factors.

This is the second consecutive year Capital CU has been citedand was recognized for encouraging employees to act like an ownerand be their best. Mid-America CUA's mix of generous benefit andvacation packages and challenging opportunities helped theorganization make this year's top 10 cut.

To be eligible, the employer must have employees under the ageof 40. A selection committee composed of individuals from diversebackgrounds reviewed the applications and collaborated to createthe network's second annual listing of the top 10 places to work.All entries were anonymously evaluated based on the followingcriteria:

Innovation–Active development and execution of strategies thatadvance the employment of young professionals in theBismarck-Mandan community.

Benefits–Quality and type of benefits offered to employees.

Inclusion–Active development and execution of strategies thatresult in the inclusion of young professionals in theworkplace.

Other businesses receiving the award included Aetna, AppliedEngineering Inc., Clearwater Communications, Cloverdale Foods Co.,Eide Bailly LLP, National Information Solution Cooperative, NorthDakota Department of Transportation and Odney CommunicationsGroup.

–[email protected]

Cougar CU Members Dance Night Away
BATON ROUGE, La. — Capitol Middle School students had lots tocelebrate during the Pastel Polo Dance sponsored by LA DOTD FederalCredit Union's in-school branch, Cougar Credit Union.

During the school day, students, administration, faculty andstaff dressed in pastel polo shirts to show off their Cougar CreditUnion spirit and 500 students were ready to dance at the end of theschool day.

To attend the creative membership drive event, credit unionmembers paid $1 and nonmembers $6 ($5 of which went toward settingup a new student savings account). Helping in this effort was BatonRouge attorney Dedrick Moore, who sponsored the initial deposits of310 new student accounts.

“This is such an important financial education program–it laysthe groundwork for establishing smart money habits for life,” saidMoore. “I am honored to play a role in helping our youth.”

Cougar Credit Union–where you can “save cash in aflash”–operates as a branch of LA DOTD FCU. It is the secondstudent-run credit union operated by LA DOTD FCU in the East BatonRouge Parish School System. LA DOTD FCU runs a similar program atStaring Education Center. Open each Tuesday during the school year,the credit union is staffed by specially trained eighth-gradestudents, who work under the supervision of a LA DOTD FCU employee.The credit union is designed to help Capitol Middle School studentsset realistic savings goals and age-appropriate savingsprograms.

“We want to create a new generation of savers and introduce themto the importance of building a relationship with a financialinstitution,” said Danielle Scott, LA DOTD FCU's financialeducation leader, who oversees the in-school branch program. Scottpreviously taught in the district for six years.

Cougar Credit Union has its own marketing staff, led by studentswho plan various marketing and educational activities to supportthe credit union throughout the year. The Pastel Polo Dance–thefinal marketing event of this school year–was a huge success,resulting in 378 new Cougar Credit Union members opening savingsaccounts. Since first opening in January 2008, Cougar Credit Unionhas opened 529 accounts–a 77% school-wide participation.

“At the ribbon cutting, Superintendent Placide challengedCapitol Middle School to get 100% student participation,” saidLamont Cole, principal of Capitol Middle School. “With the help ofMoore and Moore Associates, along with other community partners, weare well on our way to meeting this challenge.”

Red Canoe Staff Treated Swimmingly
LONGVIEW, Wash. — Red Canoe Credit Union was recently honored asone of the top 100 best places to work, according to Washington CEOMagazine.

Over 400 companies were considered for the list, with Red Canoelisted as the second best place to work in thenot-for-profit/government category.

“It was an honor to be recognized at this event. It's a truetestament to our staff, management and board for making every day agreat day to work at Red Canoe,” said Red Canoe CU President/CEOBob Kane.

According to Red Canoe Assistant Vice President of HumanResources Kim Divine, the “unique, fun culture here is one that ishard to duplicate and is appreciated by all who join our team.”

The final judging of the companies listed was conducted by anindependent firm who evaluated several factors of the company'sculture, including surveys completed by all levels of staffmembers.