Press
Blake Named CUES Director of the Year
For more information, contact:
Barb Kachelski, CAE, SVP/Chief Operating Officer
800.252.2664 or 608.271.2664, ext. 5318
barb@cues.org ● cues.org
MADISON, Wis.—The Credit Union Executives Society has named Ertis Blake, president, C&WJ (Communications & other Workers of Jamaica) Co-operative Credit Union Limited (C&WJCCU), Jamaica, as the 2010 CUES Director of the Year. He will be honored during an awards celebration at CUES’ Directors Conference, December 5-8, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix.
Blake is the first CUES Director of the Year from outside the United States. He has served on the C&WJCCU board since 1983.Under his leadership, the institution was transformed from an employee-based to a community-based credit union. Additionally, it was the first credit union to implement telephone banking and one of the first credit unions to introduce Internet banking in Jamaica. From 2001 to 2009, assets increased from $14.4 million to $36.0 million U.S, and membership increased from 9,059 to 17,889
Blake was a recipient of the National Union of Co-operative Societies (NUCS) 50th Anniversary Award presented to volunteers who have made significant contributions to the Co-operative Movement in Jamaica over the past 50 years.
Blake was instrumental in helping to design CUES International Leadership Academy™, an institute developed specifically for international credit union executives and volunteers. Next year’s event is scheduled for April 11-14, 2011at the Chapman Graduate School of Business, Florida International University.
Additionally, Blake has attended many CUES learning events, including the inaugural CUES International Leadership Academy in 2010. He has also attended each World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) Conference from 2001 through 2010.
The CUES Director of the Year award recognizes board members for excellence in credit union volunteerism. Judging is based on achievements of the credit union, contributions to other credit unions, credit union organizations and the community, and professional development and education. In recognition of the award, Blake will receive an engraved crystal trophy and a profile in Credit Union Management™magazine. CUES will donate $100 on his behalf to The Rotary Club of Spanish Town, Kingston, Jamaica.
The Credit Union Executives Society is a Madison, Wisconsin-based, independent, not-for-profit, international membership association for credit union executives. Its mission is to educate and develop credit union CEOs, directors and future leaders.