(Editor's note: the following information is provided thanks to the assistance of CUNA.)
Five NC credit unions and one chapter won recognition from CUNA as national Dora Maxwell and Louise Herring winners. Of the six NC award winners, three won first place honors in their respective categories!
"The winners of these prestigious awards embody the philosophy and ideals of our movement, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements,” commented CUNA President & CEO, Bill Cheney. “It's no wonder that so many consumers are turning to credit unions these days, which are led and guided by individuals such as these to ever higher levels of service to their members. Commitment to community involvement and member financial education remain at the core of credit union success, and these award winners have demonstrated their personal commitment to these core values for credit unions. Congratulations to them -- and to all in the movement who share and practice their values."
"We are truly proud to have NC's credit unions shine on the national stage," remarked NCCUL President/CEO John Radebaugh. "The efforts of these credit unions reflect the very essence of what credit unions are all about, and are a snapshot of the great things credit unions throughout NC are doing each day to support communities and help people help themselves."
Dora Maxwell Award Winners
Maxwell was an original signer of CUNA’s constitution and a tireless organizer of hundreds of credit unions throughout the United States. She also developed volunteer organizer clubs and worked tirelessly with organizations on behalf of the poor.
The Maxwell award is presented to credit unions in eight asset-size categories and a chapter or multiple credit union group category for outstanding social responsibility projects in their communities. Activities may include: solving core community problems, coordinating supply drives for the needy, raising money or organizing special events for charitable organizations, or mentoring students.
North Carolina first place recipients of the Dora Maxwell Award included:
- Marine FCU in Jacksonville for providing $300,000 in support to various community agencies, including Hope for the Warriors.
- State Employees' CU in Raleigh for its SECU Supports the Troops campaign, among other initiatives.
- The Western Chapter of the North Carolina Credit Union League for its playhouse raffle in support of Eblen Charities.
Two other credit unions in NC were recognized in their asset classes, including:
- Members CU in Winston-Salem, which won a second place tie for its support of the Triad Flight of Honor program.
- Carolina Postal CU in Charlotte, which won an honorable mention for its Fee for Food program.
Louise Herring Award Winners
Herring was also an original signer of CUNA’s constitution when she was an Ohio delegate to the 1934 national credit union conference in Estes Park, CO. She saw credit unions as more than just financial institutions and believed they should work to better people’s lives.
The Herring award is given to a credit union demonstrating the internal application of credit union philosophy to help better financial matters and increase financial education for its members. Examples include: exceptional member service, financial counseling for members experiencing difficulties, and educating members on the credit union difference.
State Employees' CU won second place in its asset category for its consumer-friendly efforts to combat fees.
Winning entries will be on display at CUNA’s 2012 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), March 18 - March 22, in Washington, DC. The award winners will be honored during a March 21 reception.