January 8, 2008 - Indiana League/ Servicecorp provides $100,000+ to support CUs
$50,000+ for CU reps to attend GAC, $50,000 to support Foundation

INDIANAPOLIS—More than $100,000 is going toward promoting political involvement and to support the Indiana Credit Union Foundation as a result of the efforts of the Indiana League and its Servicecorp.

Representatives from 19 Indiana credit unions will have the opportunity to attend CUNA’s GAC this year due to assistance from the League’s Servicecorp. Additionally, another individual will be able to benefit from the educational aspects of the GAC because of the Foundation’s Millie Cox Scholarship Award. Robert “Smokey” Stowers, board member of Allegius FCU, was the recipient of the award and will attend the conference, but he chose to redirect the scholarship award funds so that Herb Singleton, President/CEO of Union Baptist Church FCU can attend. Singleton leads Indiana’s newest credit union; Union Baptist Church FCU began operations in 2007.

Through its Servicecorp operation, the League has granted $52,600 to assist its affiliates in attending the annual conference and being part of the Hill visits, which are a major component. Selection was based on several criteria, with an emphasis on those who are politically active, those who represent small- and medium-sized credit unions, and those who are Servicecorp clients. The amount provided to each attendee should cover costs for conference registration, air fare, hotel accommodations, meals and other travel expenses.

“We are pleased once again to be able to promote and reward our affiliates’ political involvement for furthering credit union interests by helping them attend this premier conference and visit legislators on Capitol Hill,” said League President John McKenzie. “This is the third consecutive year we have been in a position to help underwrite the cost of attendance for some of our credit unions. Our League and Servicecorp had a great year in 2007 and it is important for us to share our success with those who helped make it possible.”

The Indiana Credit Union Foundation received $50,000 from Servicecorp during 2007. The Foundation, established in 2001, has recently made grants for youth and adult financial literacy programs, scholarships for Indiana credit union representatives, as well as contributing to efforts to build a Habitat House, among other projects. It has also been active in promoting the Biz Kid$ TV show, contributing at the national level to the production of the show and underwriting the cost of carrying the program on all PBS stations in Indiana.

“In its relatively short history, our Foundation has been able to successfully fulfill its mission of using its resources for the betterment of Indiana credit unions,” said League President John McKenzie. “Sharing the success of the League and Servicecorp with this organization in the form of a $50,000 donation provides additional resources for the Foundation to continue with its good work.”

McKenzie explained that Servicecorp’s strong financial results in 2007 are a result of the many Indiana credit unions that use its services, as well as the League’s partnerships with the CUNA Mutual Group and Members United Corporate FCU.