BANFF, Alberta, May 7, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Credit Union Central of Canada (CUCC) honoured the winners of its annual National Credit Union Awards Program at a gala event this evening during its 2015 Canadian Conference for Credit Union Leaders in Banff, AB.
Daniel Burns, CUCC Board Chair presented awards to individuals and credit unions in five categories: Hall of Fame, Community Economic Development, Innovation, Social Responsibility and Leadership.
"The Canadian credit union system has long fostered a culture that encourages and promotes constructive leadership, innovation and economic development," explained Mr. Burns. "This annual awards program enables us to recognize and reward the individuals and projects that make a positive, long-lasting impact on the people and communities that they serve."
2015 Award Recipients
Hall of Fame
Leadership is a significant component of the National Awards program. This year's winners, formally recognized for their years of leadership and for their positive influence in the Canadian credit union system, are Myrna Bentley (presented posthumously), Loretta Elford and Scott Kennedy. Learn more.
National Young Leaders
In addition to long-standing leaders, five young credit union professionals were recognized as National Young Leadersto mark their exceptional efforts:
- Brian Aalbers, Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, Libro Credit Union, ON
- Leanne DeVliegere, Associate Vice President, Member Solutions, Westoba Credit Union Ltd., MB
- Ryan Gobolos, Director, Treasury, Servus Credit Union, AB
- Pamela Hillis, Human Resources Advisor, Mennonite Savings and Credit Union, ON
- Ryan McKinley, Senior Mortgage Development Manager, Vancity Credit Union, BC
Ryan Gobolos 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. Learn more.
Community Economic Development Award
For their dedication to economic equity, and generous sense of community, Affinity Credit Union, is the recipient of CUCC's 2015 Community Economic Development Award for their 'Business-for-Good' Social Venture Challenge. Learn more.
National Credit Union Innovation Award
This year's award, whichis presented to credit unions that lead the way with innovations that strengthen credit unions and that may have application for the overall credit union system, was presented to Vancity Credit Union for their Vancity Fair & Fast Loan™. Learn more.
National Credit Union Social Responsibility Award
For their continuing commitment to financial literacy and their ongoing quest for innovative solutions, Assiniboine Credit Union has been presented the 2015 National Credit Union Social Responsibility Award for their Asset Building Program. Learn more.
More detailed information about each award category and this year's winners can be found in the 'National Awards' section of CUCC's website at www.cucentral.ca
About Credit Union Central of Canada (CUCC)
Credit Union Central of Canada is the national trade association for the Canadian credit union system. Canada's credit union system is a vital competitor in the financial services industry. CUCC represents five provincial/regional Centrals and one Federation representing 313 credit unions with more than $170.96 billion in assets and serving over 5.3 million members, outside of Quebec. For more information about Canada's credit union system visit www.cucentral.ca.
For the 10th consecutive year, Canadians ranked credit unions first overall in Customer Service Excellence, among all financial institutions, surpassing all Canadian banks in Ipsos 2014 Best Banking Awards. Credit Unions also took sole honours in: Customer Service Excellence; Values my Business; and Branch Service Excellence. Credit unions tied for first among all financial institutions for Financial Planning and Advice; Automated Telephone Banking Excellence; and Live Agent Telephone Banking Excellence.
CONTACT:Veronica Feldcamp,
Director, Member Services and Communications
Tel: 416-232-3417
Email: feldcampv@cucentral.ca