It's Awards entry season!

First, there were the Golden Globes, then the Grammys, and, finally, the Oscars.  Though the entertainment awards season may have come to an end, Awards season for Maine credit unions is just beginning.  "Our red carpet is just getting ready to be unfurled," joked Cheryl Lancaster, EVP of Member Services for the Maine Credit Union League.  In fact, she was only half-joking, as the Maine Credit Union League is now accepting submissions for its various Awards programs, including the Annual Awards, and the state Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring and Desjardins awards.

"Our awards, be it for individuals or for credit unions, provide an opportunity to recognize something outstanding.  Instead of wishing you had submitted an entry(ies), make this the year that you actually do," remarked Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement, who coordinates the State Awards programs for the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award for Community Service; the Louise Herring Philosophy-In-Action Member Service Award; and the Desjardins Youth and Adult Financial Education Awards.  "The process for submitting an entry is relatively easy, and the rewards are significant including an opportunity for all state, first-place winners to compete at the national level, where at least one Maine credit union has received a national award in 15 out of the past 19 years," he added.

For the Annual Awards, which began in 1973, it's about individuals who have made a difference to their credit union, the credit union system and/or their communities.  "There are so many individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed; the Annual Awards are a chance to recognize some of those unsung heroes," added Lancaster.  

Nominations for the Annual Awards are being accepted for the Alexander Ferguson Award for Outstanding CU Volunteer; the Jeannette G. Morin Award for Outstanding CU Employee; the James M. Gratto Award for Outstanding CU CEO; and the Diane L. Oceretko 'People Helping People' Award. 

For a nomination form for any of the League's Annual Awards, please click here.  Information regarding the Dora, Louise and/or Desjardins Awards can be found here.  The deadline for submissions for all awards is Friday, March 30, 2018.

All awards will be presented at the Maine Credit Union League's 80th Annual Meeting and Convention on May 18-19, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.