WASHINGTON - The National Credit Union Foundation honored two people and one organization with the CU community’s highest honor, the Herb Wegner Award. Here’s a look at a little of what each had to say.
Harriett May, CEO, GECU, El Paso. “I used to have a vendor who would say, ‘If I didn’t have a wife and children, I’d do this for free.’ And I have to admit that if I didn’t have a family, I’d probably do this for free, too. (Former CEO) R.C. Morgan (another Wegner winner) instilled in all of us a passion and a belief in what it is credit unions are all about. I was brought up on people helping people, and I still believe it.”
David King, chairman, SECU Foundation. “(CUs) are a fairly conservative crowd, and we are tight. In North Carolina we were populated years ago by Scotsman. So it goes against our grain when we talk about giving away money.” King then reviewed a number of efforts underway by the Foundation, from giving away college scholarships to helping build housing for teachers.
Bob Hoel, Filene Fellow. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I shudder when people predict with great confidence what the future holds. It seems to me it’s up to us.
“I remember when there were two of us at the Institute. People came for the tour–it was short.
“What do you really believe in? It’s not trivial. I really believe credit unions can make a difference. When I was first on a credit committee and it was an eye opening experience. It was transformational. There are not many businesses that can say they make a difference.
“You also save people money. The data is irrefutable. You generate a great deal of satisfaction. People trust you. We have gotten a little bit bigger. We’re not the cozy credit union where you know every member…But economic downturns are one of your biggest chances to grow your share of market. We have to get better at personal observation. You have to know people as a board member and you have to talk to more members. You have to talk to people who make less money than you. We have to reach beyond our own tuition and circle of friends.
“And we have to reaffirm the hallmark of credit unions and help one another.”
