CU Happenings – January 25, 2019

Pen Air gives $25,000 in support of Brain Bags Initiative 

On Friday, Jan. 18, Pen Air Federal Credit Union presented a gift in the amount of $25,000 to the Studer Community Institute (SCI) in support of Brain Bags, an early learning initiative. The Brain Bags program is one of the cornerstones of SCI’s efforts to become America’s first Early Learning City . This involves several initiatives, all of which work together to achieve the goal to increase kindergarten readiness scores to be the best in the state, and for SCI, that begins with early brain development.

“A great way to enhance a life is to start at birth,” said Stu Ramsey, president and CEO of Pen Air. “In the spirit of Communerosity, we are thrilled to make an investment today in our children because we understand the importance of early learning.”

Avadian Credit Union joins initiative to provide relief to furloughed employees  

Avadian Credit Union participated in an open house for furloughed government employees last week. First Baptist Church Huntsville and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) hosted the event in which Avadian Credit Union staffed a booth offering loans at 0 percent interest for 60 days and other financial services to those impacted by the shutdown. The outreach also provided an opportunity to speak about the credit union’s offerings to help those impacted on WHNT News 19, a local television station covering the community open house.

Crashers from Alabama and Florida will attend CUNA GAC  

Nearly 200 applications were submitted from all 50 states from potential GAC Crashers! According to Filene, the competition was stiff and the energy is high among those chosen to participate in the 10th annual “Crash the GAC.” This event, sponsored by CUNA and the Cooperative Trust, provides an incredible opportunity for rising credit union professionals to see and experience first-hand the power of influence and grassroots advocacy.

Among those representing Alabama and Florida are:
Anna Donaldson – America’s First Federal Credit Union (AL)
Laura Massimino – Pen Air Federal Credit Union (FL)
Kristen Pepper – Suncoast Credit Union (FL)
Michael Poucher – First Commerce Credit Union (FL)
Troy Simmons – Suncoast Credit Union (FL)