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Summit Credit Union reaffirms commitment to small credit unions and women’s leadership with new $130,000 contribution

Summit Credit Union is proud to announce its continued  dedication to supporting small credit unions and fostering leadership in the industry by  committing another $100,000 to the Hamilton Fund for underwriting its Professional  Development Grant Program. This program is designed to support credit unions with $100  million or less in assets by providing opportunities for staff and volunteers to enhance their skills  and grow their organizations. Additionally, Summit Credit Union is contributing $30,000  ($10,000 bi-annually) to support the INSPIRE Conference, empowering female leaders in the  credit union space in the southeast.

Support for this grant comes from Summit Credit Union and the Hamilton Fund, a legacy of Sis  and Jim Hamilton. Sis Hamilton, former CEO of Summit Credit Union for over 60 years and a  board member for 70, was a trailblazer in the credit union movement, leaving a lasting impact on  the industry and the small credit unions she worked to support throughout her career. 

Sam Whitehurst, President & CEO of Summit Credit Union, expressed his enthusiasm for the  ongoing support of these programs: “The legacy of Sis and Jim Hamilton continues to inspire us  at Summit. Their commitment to the growth and sustainability of small credit unions remains at  the heart of our mission. We are proud to once again support the Hamilton Fund and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to help equip other credit unions with the resources needed to  thrive.”  

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, which administers the Hamilton Fund, is equally  committed to the success of these initiatives. Lauren Whaley, President & CEO of the  Foundation, emphasized the value these programs bring: “Through Summit Credit Union’s  generous contributions, we can continue to offer meaningful professional development grants  and support women in leadership. These opportunities strengthen not only individual credit  unions, but the entire credit union community.”  

Since its inception, the Hamilton Fund has played a pivotal role in supporting the educational  and professional development needs of small credit unions. This new commitment ensures that  credit unions across the Carolinas will continue to have access to crucial resources for years to  come. 

For more information on applying for the Professional Development Grant Program, please  contact the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation at CarolinasFoundation.org. The INSPIRE  Conference is slated for September 18-19, 2025 in Charlotte, NC with additional details to be  announced soon at CarolinasLeague.org

Check Presentation at Summit Credit Union’s All Staff Enrichment Day
(Left to Right): Sam Whitehurst, President/CEO at Summit CU; James Grenon, VP of Administration at Summit CU; Lauren Whaley, President/CEO at Carolinas Credit Union Foundation; Jack Thornton, Chairman at Summit CU

 

Summit Credit Union (NC)

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