Award Application Process
Sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group and the CUNA Lending Council

Deadline for submitting application: Friday, August 8, 2008

The purpose of the Credit Union Excellence in Lending Award is to identify, recognize and share examples of lending excellence within the credit union movement. The award recognizes credit unions for their ability to serve their members while sustaining sound financial performance. Credit unions demonstrating an ability to “reach” their members’ needs by innovative means are excellent candidates for this award.

What is the actual award and recognition?
Credit unions who meet award criteria will receive a recognition certificate and will become eligible for one of six annual Credit Union Excellence in Lending Awards:

Consumer Lending Excellence Award:
Assets under $250M
Assets $250M or greater


Mortgage Lending Excellence Award
Assets under $250M
Assets $250M or greater


Low/Modest Means
Any asset level

Business Lending
Any asset level

Leaders will be chosen for their distinction in consumer (includes home equity) lending, mortgage lending, business lending or low/modest means for the year 2007. Throughout the year, credit unions will be highlighted for practices deemed as best practices. Recognition will come in credit union publications, a Web site dedicated to help credit unions achieve success in lending and at the CUNA Lending Council’s annual conference.

The 2008 CUNA Lending Council annual conference is scheduled for November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.

Award recipients will receive a trophy at the Lending Council annual conference. The award will pay airfare, hotel and tuition for one representative from each credit union.

The Credit Union Excellence in Lending Award provides an opportunity for credit unions to share best practices and ideas, build networks, and recognize and celebrate lending excellence.

Who is eligible?
All affiliated credit unions in the United States are eligible. Credit unions who received an award in the last three years are not eligible to receive the award.

You can nominate your credit union or others can nominate your credit union. Applications will be accepted until August 8, 2008.

How do I get an application?
Visit our Web site at www.cunalendingcouncil.org or visit www.cunamutual.com/education and look in "Announcements".

Call 1-800-356-9655, ext. 4018

Email bbischke@cuna.coop.
Please note that there are separate applications for the consumer (includes home equity), mortgage, and low/modest means awards. Credit unions wishing to apply for multiple awards must submit multiple applications.

What criteria will be used?
Credit union applications will be evaluated on the following categories:
Strategy (25 points)
Programs (50 points)
Performance (25 points)
(Please see the individual application forms for more specific details regarding criteria.)

Where do I submit my application?
August 8, 2008 is the deadline for submitting your application for the 2008 Credit Union Excellence in Lending Award.

To complete your application, please respond to each question on the application and include the question number. Two examples of marketing materials may be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Please return your completed application to CUNA Lending Council’s Administration Office in any of the following ways:

EMAIL your application as a Microsoft Word document, Adobe Acrobat PDF to Bobbi Bischke at bbischke@cuna.com.
or
MAIL five copies to:
Bobbi Bischke, Council Administration
5710 Mineral Point Road
Madison, WI 53705
Telephone: 608/231-4018
Fax: 608/231-4061

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your credit union’s innovative ways of reaching your members. Complete your Credit Union Excellence in Lending application today.