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Population-wise, Maine may be a small state but, when it comes to the credit union movement, it is one of the nation's strongest. It also continues to be one of the most decorated one, as well, at least in terms of national recognition. Last month, the Maine Credit Union League and Maine's credit unions received multiple awards including several Diamond Awards, a national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community-Service Award, and a national Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award.
(L-R - CUNA President Jim Nussle presents the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award to the Maine CU League in Washington, D.C. Elise Baldacci, VP of Governmental Affairs, and Todd Mason, President of the League, accepted the award.)
"It's great to not only see Maine credit unions engaged in a variety of programs and initiatives but it's also nice to see several credit unions and the League receiving some national recognition for their efforts. It certainly reinforces that Maine credit unions are doing some really creative, proactive and innovative things to promote credit unions, serve members and the community," stated Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement for the Maine CU League.
The first national awards were presented in Washington, D.C., as part of the Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) Annual Governmental Affairs Conference. The Maine Credit Union League, in cooperation with Maine credit unions, received a first-place Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award for its leadership and success in youth financial education. In 2016/17, more than 7,600 students participated in one of the Financial Fitness - Money Management Experience events held by Maine CUs, and the League and Maine CUs were very active in other youth financial education efforts. In addition to the Desjardins Award, Sabattus Regional CU received a second-place Dora Maxwell Award. Tiffiny Stewart, President/CEO of Sabattus Regional CU, remarked, "This is quite an honor for a credit union our size, and is a testament to our staff for all of their work." A Maine CU has received at least one Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring and/or Desjardins Financial Education Award in the national competition in 15 out of the past 19 years.
Fast-forward two weeks to the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Conference in San Francisco, and multiple Maine CUs had to find extra room in their bags to carry home national Diamond awards. Maine credit unions receiving first-place Diamond Awards were: Casco FCU; Evergreen CU; Seaboard FCU; and Town & Country FCU, which received two Diamond Awards. The awards for Casco FCU and Seaboard FCU were created by Synergent Marketing, a subsidiary of the League, in collaboration with the credit unions. Helping credit unions win is an immense honor and speaks to the quality, effectiveness and results driven for credit union partners – a truly inspiring and significant achievement, representing many more marketing campaigns and outstanding results and performance for credit union partners," said Doug MacDonald, Vice President of Synergent Marketing. "These awards have become a tradition – assisting in winning 25 awards since 2005! We are happy to continue to serve our credit unions, owners and users in our affiliations, with recognized award-winning caliber work, every day."