Minnesota Credit Union Network Presents Awards

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) has announced the winners of the Outstanding Credit Union Professional of the Year and Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer of the Year awards, which honors two individuals for demonstrated excellence in the credit union movement. The Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer of the Year Award is given to recognize the noble service of one outstanding credit union volunteer who best exemplifies the credit union spirit through dedication to, and belief in, the credit union Movement. Grounds for nomination include involvement at local and state levels and participation in other activities to further the organized Movement. This year's winner is Ron Nevala of Anoka Hennepin Credit Union, six-year Board Chairman and Board member since 1996. Nevala has played an instrumental leadership role in the dramatic and continued growth of his credit union, and is dedicated to supporting credit unions on the local, state and national levels. He spearheaded the development of his credit union's youth group, has attended past Hike the Hill visits to Washington, D.C., was a member of the grassroots army during HR 1151 and the Minnesota Credit Union Protection Act, and is an annual participant in Minnesota's Credit Union Day at the Capitol and the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference. "Credit unions are truly special. They exist for one reason, and for one reason only – for their members. We're all about service, and that's why we're in business," said Nevala. "I am dedicated to communicating that message to our elected officials in government. The credit union philosophy and principles should always be protected and promoted. I pledge to continue to be an advocate for the movement, always." The Outstanding Credit Union Professional of the Year Award is given to recognize the noble service of one outstanding credit union professional who has selflessly given time, effort and talent to the support and promotion of the credit union ideal and the betterment of credit unions in Minnesota. Steve Ahlness of Greater Minnesota Credit Union received this year's award. Ahlness is well-known throughout the credit union movement and has an impressive track record of credit union and community involvement. He has been a credit union member since 1975 and was hired as the General Manager of his credit union in 1977. At that time, GMCU had one office and $1.4 million in assets. Under 27 years of his leadership, GMCU now has five branch offices and assets have grown to exceed 138 million dollars. "We all have an opportunity to make a difference in our community, our place of work, and in the lives of the people we interact with each day," Ahlness said. "By seizing this opportunity, we join with others who are also committed to building something that is greater than the sum of its parts. We have the opportunity to build community."