March 5, 2010 Community First Credit Union Honored with Multiple Trailblazer Awards at Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington DC
APPLETON, WIS –Community First Credit Union received three Credit Union Times Trailblazer Awards for Outstanding Community Service, Outstanding Political Action and Lending Officer of the Year at the 2010 Credit Union National Association’s Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), February 21-25, in Washington DC.
· Outstanding Community Service Award
Joanie Johnson, Community Relations Manager was awarded the Outstanding Community Service Award. Since joining Community First in 2006, Joanie has worked to connect the credit union with the areas it serves as the key contact between Community First and nonprofits seeking help.
“It’s a busy job, but I love it,” Joanie said. “It’s so rewarding to see the difference we can make in our communities.”
· Outstanding Political Action Award
Community First Credit Union received the Outstanding Political Action award for their victory over a lawsuit filed against the IRS for income taxes paid on the 2006 sale of credit life and credit disability insurance, and guaranteed auto protection (GAP) insurance. Additionally the Credit Union was recognized for their coordination of monthly brown bag lunches which invites credit union employees and volunteers to hear from their elected officials in a bipartisan setting with both democratic and republican views. At each meeting an overview of the political scene and issues important to the industry are highlighted as part of a question and answer format.
“It’s not just about talking at election time or when issues come up but the overall relationship. And we want to give elected officials a chance to better understand what we are all about,” commented Rick Sense, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, Government and Community Relations.
· Lending Officer of the Year Award
Vice President of Mortgage Lending Glen Ogden was presented with the Lending Officer of the Year Award for the development of the First-Time Home Buyers Stimulus Mortgage program. Since March of 2008 CFCU has helped fund 70 mortgages with this program.
“We found a way to help members who don’t have large cash reserves to purchase a home and take advantage of the home buyers tax credit. By lending them the money for a down payment interest free, they can purchase today and then pay off the 2nd mortgage when they receive their tax credit. This is a safe and secure way to help our members and the community,” said Ogden.
Community First Credit Union has over 360 employees and serves over 84,000 members-owners with 17 branches located throughout Northeastern Wisconsin. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Manitowoc, Waupaca, Brown, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Oconto, Shawano, Sheboygan and Waushara counties. The credit union has assets totaling more than $1.3 billion.
Contact Information:
Amanda Secor
SVP/Marketing and Public Relations
Community First Credit Union
(920) 968-6179
amanda.secor@communityfirstcu.org
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