BANNOCKBURN, Ill.–Great Lakes Credit Union won a number of awards during the Access Softek, Inc. (AST) national conference.
GLCU received three special awards:
- Early Adopter Award. GLCU was recognized as being one of the first client partners to launch 24/7 chat in 2022.
- Client Partner in Excellence Award. GLCU received this award for being one of two clients to first launch their digital banking website application to members in 2009.
- Deep Target Award. GLCU was awarded first runner up for their targeted auto loans campaign, which spoke to those who are feeling the economic crunch (with gas and groceries) and looking to get the best deal on their auto financing.
Community Impact Initiatives
Another important component of GLCU’s commitment to financial empowerment is giveback to members and communities. The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) recently recognized GLCU for their dedication to the people helping people philosophy with three state-wide awards:
- 1st place winner of the Desjardins Award (Adult: $1 billion+ category), which recognizes leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of financial literacy for all ages. GLCU won this award for its HUD-Approved Housing and Financial Counseling program, through which members and the community can receive education, training, and information from HUD- certified counselors. GLCU is one of only eight credit unions in the country approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- 1st place winner of the Louise Herring Award ($1 billion+ category), which is given to a credit union for its practical application of credit union philosophy within the actual operation of the credit union. It is awarded for internal programs and services that benefit membership. GLCU was awarded this honor due to the commitment they’ve made through their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program to ensure that DEI is ingrained in their culture, both internally and externally,
- 2nd place winner of the Dora Maxwell Award ($1 billion+ category), which is given to a credit union for its social responsibility projects within the community. The award is given for external activities. GLCU received this award for their “Fun at The Zoo” project, which helped to focus on and build awareness of the Brookfield Zoo, a major contributor to the health of the local economy, helping to strengthen the structure of local communities.
GLCU was selected by CUNA as the national 1st Place Winner of the Louise Herring Award ($1B + category) in recognition of their DEI program.
“The theme for the ICUL convention was Building Bridges and certainly GLCU has built many bridges with the programs recognized by these awards,” said Steven Bugg, president and CEO. “I am very privileged to lead and be a part of an organization that continues to make a difference in the communities we serve and for our membership.”