WASHINGTON-The National CU Foundation last week presented the Herb Wegner Awards to the Michigan league's Invest in America as Outstanding Program, and Alaska USA CEO Bill Eckhardt and Suncoast Schools FCU CEO Tom Dorety, both for Lifetime Achivement. A surprise Anchor Award was given to Bob Schumacher, the retiring CEO of MountainCrest CU, who has emceed the Wegner Awards program for the past 15 years. Below is what those recognized said during their remarks:
Dave Adams, President, Michigan CU League
"This program is about taking a simple concept of supporting the home team; U.S.-based companies. It means jobs and support for those brands. Credit unions line up so naturally with this, because so many started as occupation-based. In 2008 Michigan lost about one million jobs, largely due to the auto industry. I think with our help there is a renaissance going on with the domestic auto industry. We've been a part of that, and I'm proud of that. I think we are just getting started."
Bill Eckhardt, CEO, AlaskaUSA FCU
"I knew Herb Wegner. I met him early in my career when I was about 22. I was impressed by his enthusiasm and vision for the future of credit unions.
"Alaska is unique in many respects. It is one of the last frontiers on earth. It has a small population and sometimes an extreme environment. It has boom and bust economic cycles. That has created challenges and opportunities for AlaskaUSA over the years. Our success is due to longstanding dedication to member service. No one person can take credit that has been accomplished at AlasksaUSA."
Tom Dorety, CEO, Suncoast Schools FCU
"My children have been able to see their father do something for a living that he loves. And I'm really, really glad that that happened. The Suncoast employees are well represented tonight by a group of our staff members who were able to come here. They are the real reason I am able to come up here and accept this award and not working as a starter on some golf course in Tampa, Fla. today.
"Doing what's right is far more important than doing what is popular. Two people have taught me that: my father, Jim Dorety, and Jim Blaine. I have been asked how did you guys deal with the great recession; what did you do differently? I think we did what we've always done; we focused on what is best for the members.
Bob Schumacher, CEO, Mountain Crest CU; Retiring As Emcee of Wegner Awards
"I was hired by Herb Wegner in 1977 at Filene House. This is the best night each year of my credit union career. I've had the best seat in the house. It's time for me to step aside and make room for another to enjoy this treasured spot."
