The Ohio Credit UnionLeague unveiled this week what it called a distinctive andinnovative fund-raising approach to its foundation–formation of theWilliam A. Herring Society to recognize CU directors, CEOs andother employees.

Nine CU leaders including the society's namesake—thepresident/CEO of Cincinnati Central CU and the son of a pioneeringOhio founder of the movement, the late Louise Herring–were inductedinto the society at a moving and emotional ceremony heldduring the league's annual convention last week in Columbus.

“I can't think of a better way in launching the Herring Societythan by honoring a credit union stalwart who brings so much prideto this industry and who has contributed so much to his owncommunity in social responsibility,” Tom Furrey, chairman of theOhio Credit Union Foundation and president/CEO of the $60 millionWestern CU of Columbus, said of Herring, a former chairman of theOhio League and a former longtime CUNA board member.

Under the new society format, individual CUs through a $1,000donation can honor deserving volunteers or CU employees both pastand present who have contributed “their passion, integrity andleadership” in ways not previously recognized.

League officials explained that the Herring Society, whichalready has $50,000 in its treasury, provides the foundation a newsource of revenue during a period when CU giving to the foundationsand charities has declined as the industry grapples with higherassessments, corporate expenses and a struggling economy.

“We did fall $20,000 short of our foundation goal last year butwe are hopeful that Ohio credit unions can find the society aunique way to honor those individuals who have contributed so muchof their talent toward strengthening the industry,” said BeckyHart, executive director of the foundation.

Nominations to the society accompanied by the $1,000 check canbe made by any Ohio CU or one of its leaders “that wishes toacknowledge a peer, employee, colleague or volunteer for his or herdedication to the credit union philosophy of “People HelpingPeople,” the league said.

In addition to Herring, inaugural members of the societyincluded Willard Hopkins, CEO, First Miami University Student &Alumni FCU; Tim Mislansky, senior vice president, Wright-Patt CU;Rose Bartolomucci, CEO of TeleCommunity CU, and Kathy Kanipe, CEOof Parish FCU.

Directors named were Richard English, MidWest Community CU;Bruce Campbell, Superior FCU; Robert Hallier, CSE FCU, and HowardSmith, Western CU.