LEW RIDENOUR IS FIRST-EVER RECIPIENT OF MILLIE COX SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
November 7, 2003

INDIANAPOLIS--The Indiana Credit Union Foundation established the Millie Cox Scholarship Award earlier this year and is pleased to announce its first recipient-Lew Ridenour, manager of South Shore Railroad EFCU in Michigan City, who was personally selected by Millie Cox.

This annual award covers expenses for the recipient to attend the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference. The conference is scheduled for Feb. 22-25, 2004 in Washington, D.C. "The award was established to honor Millie and to recognize the political involvement that is so crucial to the protection of credit union interests," said Foundation Chairman Judy James of Bar-Cons FCU in Columbus, Ind. "Millie's choice of Lew is a testament to his dedication and willingness to do whatever he was asked to do to promote credit union development initiatives and protect credit union interests."

"I'm flattered that she thought of me. I've worked with her for a lot of years," said Ridenour noting that he has "never been to a national conference in any form." He traveled with Indiana credit union representatives for Operation Grassroots in the '80s and went to the Capitol Hill rally for H.R. 1151 in 1998, but has never attended the Governmental Affairs Conference. Compared to the other two visits he made to the nation's capital, Ridenour expects, "this will probably be a lot quieter. And I'm sure it will be fun, educational and inspirational, too." He is looking forward to meeting political figures he's only heard and read about, as well as credit union people from all over the country.

The $4.9 million South Shore Railroad EFCU serves two primary SEGs-one is Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and the other is the South Shore Railroad. The credit union's office is located in one of South Shore's office buildings, about 100 feet from the tracks. The location offers close access to the members, and not as much noise as you'd think. The railroads employ about 400 employees, and the credit union has 1,100 members.

"What a great way to honor Millie and recognize Lew with an award that highlights political involvement and staying informed about legislative issues," said League President John McKenzie. "We join the Central Chapter officials, who initiated the idea, and the Foundation Board in the pride they feel that this scholarship award has been established."

About Millie Cox
Millie Cox recently retired as vice president of governmental affairs at the Indiana Credit Union League, after a 26-year career. In addition to compliments from legislators and credit union leaders too numerous to mention, Cox has recently received three special designations:

1. On April 21, 2003 she received a special resolution from the House of Representatives of the Indiana General Assembly. The resolution was presented by Jim Buck (R-Kokomo); received "further discussion" from 6 other legislators and Millie Received a standing ovation when it was presented to her.
2. She was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana's late Governor, Frank O'Bannon (D). This is the highest honor bestowed on citizens by the Governor of Indiana. This is believed to be one of the last he awarded while he held office. O'Bannon conferred the Sagamore of the Wabash on Cox just a few weeks before he passed away from complications of a massive stroke.
3. Indiana Congressman Dan Burton (R-5) recorded remarks in the Congressional Record on her behalf on Sept. 5, 2003. In the remarks, Rep. Burton commended Cox for "taking time to educate and encourage credit union leaders about the legislative process and the importance of political participation."

Cox's work at the League included lobbying at the state and national levels, managing the Indiana Credit Union Political Action Committee (ICUPAC), and providing regulatory consulting assistance to credit unions throughout the state on a variety of issues. She has also volunteered her service by serving on the board of directors of Indianapolis-based Central FCU.

According the Indiana Credit Union League President John McKenzie, "Millie has been a tireless advocate, leader, and champion of Indiana credit unions for the past twenty-six years, at the Statehouse, and in national political circles where she has had a positive impact that will benefit credit unions for years to come."

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