For more information:      
Rick Uhlmann 608/231-8940 rick.uhlmann@cunamutual.com
Phil Tschudy 608/231-7188 philip.tschudy@cunamutual.com
                                                                                                                                                           June 21, 2008
 
 
Altura Credit Union Wins 2008 Roy F. Bergengren Award
California Credit Union Recognized at CUNA Mutual’s Discovery Conference
 
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Altura Credit Union, Riverside, Calif., is the 2008 winner of CUNA Mutual Group’s Roy F. Bergengren Award.
 
Since 1990, CUNA Mutual has bestowed the award on individuals and credit unions that exemplify credit union movement leadership, financial growth, human resource development, and innovation. The award was presented Saturday at the closing session of CUNA Mutual’s 2008 Discovery Conference.
 
Altura opened its doors 51 years ago and ended 2007 with more than $1 billion in assets, serving nearly 112,000 members. The largest credit union based in Riverside County is befitting of the award’s recognition of commitment to the self-help ideals and philosophy espoused by credit union pioneer Roy F. Bergengren. Baxter Credit Union, Vernon Hills, Ill., was the 2007 Bergengren winner.
 
“It’s an honor to be recognized as a leader in the credit union industry,” said Mark Hawkins, president and CEO of Altura. “We pride ourselves on being actively involved in the credit union movement by enhancing our employees’ professional development, educating our members on credit union advocacy issues, and being a positive influence in our community. This award validates all our hard work.”  
 
“It is our pleasure to recognize the support and contributions Altura Credit Union, its staff, and its Board of Directors have provided the credit union movement,” said Jeff Post, president and CEO of CUNA Mutual.
 
The credit union is a recognized leader in the development and training of staff in the principles and philosophy of credit unions. Hawkins provides Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) membership to each of his direct reports as a way to enhance their professional development and prepare them as leaders in the industry. Altura has been distinguished as a "Top Company to Work for in the Inland Empire" (awarded by The Business Press) three times and the "Best Company to Work For," voted by the readers of the Press Enterprise, both regional publications.
 
Altura ranks member service as the number one way it differentiates itself from the competition. The credit union offers state-of-the-art online access which includes: online banking, Web bill pay, e-statements, online banking demonstrations, investment portfolio, and eVISION online trading, to name a few. Altura also offers a full line of small business services including lending, checking, and savings options geared for business.
 
Altura supports its community through contributions of dollars (more than $300,000 annually), time, and energy. Founded as a credit union for school employees, Altura strongly supports education-related causes. In that regard, Altura looks for ways to engage the community’s youth. The support comes in the form of scholarships, teacher awards, essay contests and financial literacy projects.
 
The credit union also supports employees’ volunteer efforts. Last year, employees volunteered more than 2,000 hours in the community.

Roy Bergengren (1879-1955) led the development of credit unions by helping to pass 32 state credit union-related laws. He also led the fight to pass the federal credit union act and was the first executive officer of CUNA & Affiliates and CUNA Mutual. He helped substantially build the foundation of the national credit union organization.

Recognized as a premier hands-on professional development conference for credit union leaders, CUNA Mutual’s Discovery Conference offers more than 55 work sessions that deliver relevant content and actionable takeaways. Credit union leaders also benefit from the extraordinary networking and hands-on learning opportunities.
 
CUNA Mutual Group is a leading provider of financial services to cooperatives, credit unions, their members and valued customers worldwide. With more than 70 years of market commitment, CUNA Mutual’s vision is unwavering: to be a trusted business partner who delivers service excellence and customer-focused, best-in-class products and market-driven innovation. More information on the company is available on the company’s Web site at www.cunamutual.com.