PENSACOLA, FL ( March 23, 2015) -- Pen Air Federal Credit Union earned the Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) Louise Herring Award for “Philosophy-in-Action” for its efforts to assist the community and members in need in the aftermath of the April 2014 Flash Flood that swept through Pensacola, Florida and outlining areas.
The Louise Herring Award, named for one of the original signers of the 1934 constitution that created CUNA, recognizes credit unions that do an extraordinary job incorporating the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” into daily operations. Louise Herring started numerous credit unions and believed strongly in applying philosophy into action.
On April 30, 2014, a flash flood wiped out many homes, businesses, and roads throughout Pensacola, Florida and outlining areas. In response, Pen Air Federal Credit Union initiated an American Red Cross fund raising account, a short-term, interest-free loans to members to assist with emergency repairs and necessities, and an internal employee assistance plan. Plus, Pen Air FCU staff offered to volunteer to help with cleanup projects and fundraise to help replace needed supplies at area schools.
These efforts were first recognized by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions with a First Place Louise Herring Award on a regional level. The entry was so exceptional that it went on to the National level with the Credit Union National Association and was proudly awarded second place for credit union over one billion dollars in assets. This award was presented during the CUNA Awards Winners’ Reception in Washington DC as part of the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference.
“Pen Air Federal Credit Union believes in giving back to the community we serve. We were all affected by the flash flood in some way, and we all pulled together to make a difference in the community and our members’ lives,” said Stu Ramsey, president/CEO of Pen Air Federal Credit Union.
About CUNA:
The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is the largest national trade association in the United States serving America's credit unions. The not-for-profit trade group is governed by volunteer directors who are elected by their credit union peers from across the nation. With its network of affiliated state credit union associations, CUNA serves America's nearly 7,000 credit unions, which are owned by more than 100 million consumer members. For more information, visit www.cuna.org.
About Pen Air Federal Credit Union:
Established in 1936, Pen Air Federal Credit Union is the oldest and largest local credit union headquartered in Pensacola, FL. Several full service offices, ATMs, shared branching network, plus student run high school credit unions, combined with Online Banking and Mobile Banking provide worldwide reach. Pen Air FCU has over $1.2 billion in assets, serving over 1,100 employee groups. Visit www.penair.org for more information about Pen Air Federal Credit Union.