The Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union has been named the Outstanding Credit Union of the Year by the Michigan Credit Union League. The announcement was part of the announced winners of the 2018 Michigan Credit Union League Awards and the Michigan Credit Union Foundation Awards. Collectively, the MCUL and MCUF Awards recognize credit unions, credit union professionals and credit union volunteers for exemplary efforts in areas including individual and organizational leadership, operational effectiveness, community service and financial education.

“I have the deepest appreciation to my entire dynamic team who works endlessly and with passion to achieve our mission by striving to be advocates for our member-owners and exceeding their AAACU experience,” Donald Mills, AAACU president and CEO, said.

The Outstanding Credit Union of year Award honors a credit union that has been exceptionally supportive of the credit union industry on a local, chapter, and statewide level. The credit union goes above and beyond in their involvement in advocacy and demonstrates a tireless effort to affect positive change in the industry as a whole.

“Throughout 2017, Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union worked tirelessly to become an asset not only for its members and for Northern Michigan, but for the entire credit union industry. The credit union also exhibited an elevated level of involvement in many aspects of the community. They have staff members involved in nearly every local volunteer opportunity, from serving on various boards to involvement with the Chamber Ambassadors and holding internal fundraisers for numerous causes. Their tireless attention to community reinvestment, innovative products and services, financial literacy programs, legislative advocacy and financial strength make Alpena Alcona Area an ideal choice for Outstanding Credit Union of the Year,” the MCUL wrote in honoring AAACU.

Criteria for receiving this award are:

∫ History of service and volunteering that involves all levels of the credit union

∫ Chapter involvement and innovation

∫ Measurable impact of pioneering and innovative efforts across the industry

∫ Regarded as an exceptional mentor and role model by the community

∫ Consistent record of advocacy

∫ Community impact and volunteering efforts

∫ Financial strength and performance

∫ New and improved services to members

∫ New activities and programs

∫ Financial literacy efforts

∫ Community involvement

∫ Community Service

∫ Legislative advocacy

∫ Public relations marketing

“While we take the time to honor our member credit unions several times throughout the year, there’s no questions that their impact is felt every single day by the individuals, families and communities that they serve,” Ken Ross, MCUL president and COO, said. “This year’s MCUL and MCUF Award winners are the embodiment of the credit union difference. I’m thankful that they’re a part of our movement.”

MCUL and MCUF award winners will be formally honored at MCUL’s 2018 Annual Convention & Exposition in Traverse City in June.