August 1, 2007
CALGARY – Credit Union Central of Canada presented its annual National Credit Union Awards for outstanding achievement during a ceremony today that was part of the 2007 World Credit Union Conference.
Canadian Central’s chairman Mike Tarr presented awards for community economic development, innovation and leadership by young credit union professionals.
The Community Economic Development Award was won by FirstSask Credit Union of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The award highlights the exemplary efforts of credit unions in the development of their communities.
FirstSask Credit Union received the award for a program that provides disadvantaged youth with tools and incentives to learn critical financial and life skills, while saving for future goals.
The judges said FirstSask leverages its contributions to attract additional financial and human resources, while also securing policy changes that remove barriers preventing low income youth from saving for their future. The project exemplifies good community development by taking a longer term approach that focuses on youth’s potential - a most important and precious community asset.
The National Credit Union Innovation Award is presented to a credit union that leads the way with innovations that strengthen the system.
The 2007 award winner is Vancity Credit Union of Vancouver, which was recognized for its for its Carbon Neutral Program, which will invest in Canadian initiatives to address climate change.
This program integrates product innovation through the Clean Air Auto Loan, Cash-Back energy efficiency program, Climate Change Mortgage and Circadian Mutual Funds. It extends into the community with the innovative Green Building Grant, the Carbon Offset program and many
“green” community investments.
The judges said the program also builds on and encourages member enthusiasm to do their part, and kindles “green” lifestyle disciplines in management and staff.
Five credit union professionals were recognized as National Young Leaders to mark their exceptional efforts:
• Lisa Bolton, Director of Small Business at Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, Surrey, B.C.
• George Greenwood, General Manager of Beaubear Credit Union, Miramichi, N.B.
• Cory Munden, General Manager of Codroy Valley Credit Union, Doyles, NL.
• Beverly Somers, Human Resources Manager for OMISTA Credit Union, Moncton, N.B.
• Malcolm Stoffman, Manager of Marketing and Business Development, Healthcare and Municipal Employees Credit Union, Hamilton, ON.
Somers also received the National Young Leaders Award, which provides a $10,000 scholarship to cover tuition and travel costs to attend a leadership development program at a university in Canada.
Credit Union Central of Canada is the national trade association and finance facility for Canada’s 479 credit unions that serve 4.9 million members, control $97 billion in assets and employ more than 22,000 people.
About the credit union system:
The credit union system is a three-tier structure of local, provincial and national organizations. Local credit unions operate autonomously and are controlled by their members. Credit unions are the primary shareholder members of provincial Centrals. The provincial Centrals are in turn the primary shareholder members of Credit Union Central of Canada, which functions as the system's national trade association and services provider. For more information about Canada's credit unions, check out www.cucentral.ca
For more information contact:
Art Chamberlain
Manager, Media and Public Relations
Credit Union Central of Canada
300 The East Mall
Toronto, ON M9B 6B7
416 232-3466
chamberlaina@cucentral.com