Worth Noting

Matz Encourages Biz Lending

DESTIN, Fla.-NCUA Board Member Debbie Matz encouraged credit union leaders to consider offering member business loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and other services to help small businesses thrive, in remarks before the Alabama league's meeting. "Done safely, member business loans are an opportunity to serve an underserved niche, reach new members, and diversify assets," Matz said, adding that partnering with SBA is one of the best ways to minimize risk.

Mainers Donate Even More Time

WESTBROOK, Maine-Coinciding with National Volunteer Week, the Maine league said its unique volunteer program called "Credit Unions Share for ME" announced a 24% increase in volunteer hours in 2003. The two-year-old program documented 15,096 hours volunteered by CU staff and directors last year. Based on figures from the Points of Light Foundation, which calculates the value of one hour volunteered at $17.19, the value of the time volunteered by Maine's CUs equaled $259,500 in 2003. The league said that more than 1,442 staff and volunteers representing Maine's credit unions participated in the program during the past year in a wide variety of projects.

9 CU Reps In Boston Marathon

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.-Two employees of Digital Credit Union here participated in the Boston Marathon last week as part of the Credit Unions of Massachusetts Kids at Heart team. Mike Seretto and Aileen Smith were among nine credit union runners who helped raise raise funds on behalf of Children's Hospital Boston. Since 1996, Credit Unions of Massachusetts Kids at Heart program has raised more than $1 million (of which DCU alone raised in excess of 30%). The group plans to begin raising funds for a patient family lounge with play area and nourishment center.

Wean Named Biz Person of Year

TAMPA, Fla.-Gail Wean, senior VP/CFO for MacDill FCU here, has been named the 2003-2004 Business Person of the Year by the Future Business Leaders of America. Wean received the award for her participation in the Hillsborough County Schools Future Business Leaders Group along with her service in the Robinson High School Mastery Program and Curriculum Committee.

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