First Bristol Federal Credit Union, Bristol, Conn., earned a five-star superior rating from BauerFinancial Inc. The rating is the highest rating for financial strength and stability and is based on the overall financial picture of the credit union. This is the 67th consecutive quarter that First Bristol earned the five-star rating, which gives the credit union the distinction of being an "exceptional performance credit union."Sunmark Federal Credit Union, Schenectady, N.Y., was presented with the "best of the best" award from the Mount Laurel, N.J.-based PHH Mortgage. The award recognizes the top 25% of PHH Mortgage clients nationwide for outstanding mortgage service and loan quality. As a result of winning the award, Sunmark will receive a reduction of underwriting fees and will given preferred-client access for quicker loan decisions for its members.Pen Air Federal Credit Union, Pensacola, Fla., announced that Covenant Hospice has dedicated a new generator to board Vice Chair Betty Petree and her family. Petree and her husband started a campaign to get a generator installed at the hospice back in 2002 when her husband was a resident there during a storm. Pen Air donated $10,000 to Covenant to purchase the generator. A plaque honoring Petree's late husband is displayed on the fence surrounding the generator.Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver, Wash., won a community pride design award for its Washougal branch. The award recognizes Clark County building projects that enhance the livability of the community and demonstrate quality development. The Washougal branch is the first financial building the meets the LEED green building standards in Clark County. Project nominations for the award were evaluated based on aesthetics, pedestrian friendliness, community involvement/enhancement, environmental sensitivity, historic character and sustainability.

Quorum Federal Credit Union, Purchase, N.Y., announced that it was honored with the gold ECHO award together with digital direct marketing agency True North Inc. for its "Spread the Wealth" membership drive campaign. Quorum beat out other high-profile companies, such as American Express and Citibank, to win the award for the financial products and services category. Over 1,000 campaigns were submitted by companies across the globe.Nevada Federal Credit Union, Las Vegas, was the first-place winner in the best place to work awards nonprofit category by Southern Nevada Human Resources Association. Nevada FCU was the first ever recipient and overall winner of the annual work-life balance award. This was the first year, SNHRA recognized an employer that provides an abundance of resources allowing employees to sustain a healthy balance between their work and personal and family lives.Community Resource Federal Credit Union, Latham, N.Y., announced that its CEO Betsy Kindlon celebrated 20 years at the credit union. Employees held a party in her honor and presented her with flowers and gifts. The board of directors also awarded her with a gift certificate to a local shopping center. Kindlon has been in the credit union industry for 32 years.Numerica Credit Union, Spokane, Wash., was presented with the Inland Northwest philanthropy day award in the large corporation category at the Spokane City Council meeting. Numerica was nominated by Camp Fire USA. Recipients of the award were chosen based on their philanthropic endeavors as well as the positive impact they have had on the Inland Northwest community. Numerica's nomination was due to work the credit union did for Camp Fire USA as well as work with other charities and organizations such as BizKid$, Children's Miracle Network and Santa Express.1st United Services Credit Union, Pleasanton, Calif., was named one of the 10 best companies for employee financial security. An independent panel of benefits experts reviewed 300 entries for the award. Every company was scored on scope, measurement and level of commitment of the financial benefits offered.Bayport Credit Union, Newport News, Va., won the donor of the year award from the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. The credit union received the award for the events that the staff has participated in throughout the past year. The credit union holds a "Tastefully Yours" event, where 20 volunteers from the credit union work a fundraising event along with other local companies. They also hold a Mayflower marathon event, which is a food drive during Thanksgiving, and a Thanksgiving lunch for children of the Peninsula Foodbank's Kids Caf? program. More than 25 members of the staff participated in the lunch program by preparing the meal, serving the food and assisting with the clean up. Bayport's City Center Branch Manager Maria Owens was personally recognized for her involvement with the Foodbank of Virginia Peninsula for serving on the Tastefully Yours committee and raising funds throughout the year.