One credit union with local ties was among this year’s honorees.

The winners in each asset category will compete in the National Awards program in the fall. A Maine credit union has received a first or second place award in the national competition in nine out of the past twelve years, a record that is unmatched in the country. In 2010, two Maine credit unions received national awards.

Professionals from the Maine Public Relations Council judged the awards, which honor Credit Unions for community and/or member service efforts during the past year, a year that again saw the Maine Credit Union Movement accomplish significant achievements in community-service activities and special initiatives for members. The judges called the efforts of Maine’s credit unions “a demonstration of what can be accomplished when people cooperate with each other to make our communities and our state a better place. Congratulations to Maine’s credit unions on doing this so well!”

During the past year, Maine Credit Unions were again leaders in helping others. Accomplishments include: raising nearly $1.4 million for various causes, such as a record-setting $402,740.02 for the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger, $65,000 for Maine Special Olympics, $55,000 for the Children's Miracle Network, $55,000 for the Maine Children's Cancer Program, $30,000 for Haiti Relief and many more. In addition, Maine credit unions volunteered nearly 31,000 hours for community organizations and activities across Maine. As a result of this tireless commitment and dedication to the credit union philosophy of 'people helping people', Maine is one of the nation's strongest credit union movements in community-service, member education and financial education involvement.

Maine's credit unions also provided significant initiatives to members that highlight the credit union difference, such as special low or no interest loans for fuel assistance, building a community vegetable garden in a low-income neighborhood, programs for financial education and other programs to help members in difficult times.

John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League, applauded Maine’s credit unions for their “tireless energy, passion and dedication to the people of Maine. Once again, Maine’s credit unions demonstrated the difference between being located in a community and being a contributing and involved part of a community.”

The 2011 recipients of the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, established to encourage Credit Union involvement in community projects and activities, are: (listed by asset category, the location of main office and/or local branches are in bold, if applicable)

Credit unions with $20-$50 million in assets
Community Credit Union – First Place
Main Office: Lewiston; Branch Office: Auburn

Credit unions with $50-$100 million in assets
Central Maine Federal Credit Union of Lewiston – First Place

Credit unions with $100-$200 million in assets
Five County Credit Union – First Place Main Office: Bath; Branch Offices: Auburn, Augusta, Falmouth, Lewiston, Lisbon, Portland, Rockland, Scarborough, Skowhegan, Topsham, Waterville, and Windham

Midcoast Federal Credit Union – Second Place
Main Office: Bath; Branch Offices: Brunswick, Edgecomb and Thomaston

PeoplesChoice Credit Union – Honorable Mention
Main Office: Saco; Branch Offices: Biddeford, Sanford and Wells

Credit unions with $200-$500 million in assets
Town & Country Federal Credit Union – First Place Main Office: South Portland; Branch Offices: Portland, Saco and Scarborough

The 2011 recipients of the Louise Herring Philosophy In Action Member Service Award, which formally recognizes Credit Unions that demonstrate, in an extraordinary way, the practical application of the Credit Union philosophy, are: (listed by asset category, the location of main office and/or local branches are in bold, if applicable)

Credit unions with Less than $50 million in assets
Community Credit Union – First Place
Main Office: Lewiston; Branch Office: Auburn

Credit unions with $50-$250 million in assets
Central Maine Federal Credit Union of Lewiston – First Place

Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union – Second Place
Main Office: Pittsfield; Branch Offices: Corrina and Newport

Five County Credit Union – Honorable Mention
Main Office: Bath; Branch Offices: Auburn, Augusta, Falmouth, Lewiston, Lisbon, Portland, Rockland, Scarborough, Skowhegan, Topsham, Waterville, and Windham

Oxford Federal Credit Union – Honorable Mention
Main Office: Mexico; Branch Office: Norway

The 2011 recipients of the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award, which formally recognizes Credit Unions that demonstrate leadership and outreach in youth financial education initiatives, are: (listed by asset category, the location of main office and/or local branches are in bold, if applicable)

Credit unions with Less than $50 million in assets
Community Credit Union – First Place
Main Office: Lewiston; Branch Office: Auburn

Credit unions with $50-$250 million in assets
Central Maine Federal Credit Union of Lewiston – First Place

Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union – Second Place
Main Office: Dexter; Branch Offices: Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville and Guilford

The 2011 recipients of the Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award, which formally recognizes Credit Unions that demonstrate leadership and outreach in adult financial education initiatives, are: (listed by asset category, the location of main office and/or local branches are in bold, if applicable)

Credit unions with Less than $50 million in assets
Community Credit Union – First Place
Main Office: Lewiston; Branch Office: Auburn

Credit unions with $50-$250 million in assets
University Credit Union – First Place
Main Office: Orono; Branch Offices: Bangor, Farmington, Portland and Presque Isle

About the Maine Credit Union League
Founded in 1938, the Maine Credit Union League is the State Trade Association for Maine’s 64 credit unions providing a variety of services and products to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership. For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.