LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU has won the annual Innovation Award from the Michigan Credit Union League for the third time in four years.
The 2019 award is for the employee-led grassroots initiative called “LAFCU Incredibles.” The employee group became internal cheerleaders as LAFCU said it pushed the envelope in providing superior member service. LAFCU programs that previously won MCUL Innovation Awards were a partnership with the Perry community in 2018 and a marketing campaign in 2016.
“I am amazed at the dedication and creativity of the employees who took the initiative to help build a better credit union,” said LAFCU CEO Pat Spyke. “They inspire all of us.”
The mission of the LAFCU Incredibles is to cultivate a positive work environment through recognition, appreciation and team building while inspiring optimism. The group recognizes and shares success stories of individuals and departments for service to members, process improvement and for simply being incredible, as well as welcoming new employees and bringing good cheer to celebrations.
The results spoke for themselves, the credit union said.
“The Incredibles’ positive impact on LAFCU staff in our first year was extraordinary,” said Bob Picken, chairperson of the Incredibles and senior member service representative. “It is extremely rewarding to see employees recognize each other on a regular basis. I consider my work with the Incredibles to be one of the highest points of my career.”
Chrystal Murphy knew the program was working when “You are INCREDIBLE” became a catchphrase, according to LAFCU. Murphy, assistant vice president of the South Lansing Branch, founded LAFCU Incredibles with Picken and Amanda Seger, corporate trainer.
“We started with a program I learned about while taking some management courses,” Murphy said. “Working with an existing employee group and some very enthusiastic branch leaders, we designed a new program that would have the greatest impact on our coworkers and members. Together as a team, we strengthen LAFCU’s culture, one ‘Incredible’ act at a time.
“I am thankful every day for my teammates who are as dedicated as I in making a difference in the lives of others.”
The two LAFCU programs MCUL previously recognized as innovative include:
- The LAFCU-Perry community partnership – It began with the school district and led to locating an interactive teller machine (ITM) in a grocery store to fill a need for financial services.
- The marketing campaign “Down to the Letter” – Advertisements visually used the teamwork in construction of the credit union’s six-foot-tall promotional letters to exemplify LAFCU’s 80-year history of building strength and integrity.
The Michigan league annually recognizes three credit unions, based on asset size, for innovative thinking, action and community involvement. LAFCU is in the category of credit unions with assets equal to or more than $400 million.