Credit Unions Celebrate Milestones and Awards

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions for their growth and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

Endurance FCU Awarded Community Improvement Award

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Duncan, Okla.-based Endurance Federal Credit Union was awarded the Duncan Chamber of Commerce Community Improvement Award on March 27 for its new corporate office building. The project started in 2018 and was completed in September 2024.

“The path to the completion of our corporate offices certainly had its challenges as we embarked on this transformative journey,” said CEO Chris Bower. “Each twist and turn only strengthened our resolve to create a space that embodies our commitment to our members and the community. We have built not just a new facility, but we have laid the foundation for Endurance Federal Credit Union.”

The Endurance corporate offices have a 25-foot glass tower at the front entry featuring the logo, office spaces, conference spaces, a call center, and a community room, which Bower said was a requirement for the building.

“We recognize that our success is intertwined with the well-being of the community we serve,” Bower said. “Our commitment to community engagement will remain at the forefront of our mission, ensuring that we continue to listen to and support the needs of our members as we grow together. It’s not just a building to us; it’s a commitment to the community.”

UFCU Celebrates 400,000th Member; Becomes 4th Largest CU in Texas

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University Federal Credit Union, the No. 1-ranked Austin, Texas-based credit union, has announced a significant milestone in its history, welcoming its 400,000th member. This makes UFCU the fourth largest credit union in Texas.

UFCU's growth rate was 11 times that of other Austin credit unions in 2024, highlighting its success in expanding its reach and services. Founded on May 6, 1936, with just 30 members, UFCU has grown exponentially over the past 90 years. This milestone is a testament to the credit union’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

UFCU celebrated the milestone with a digital event for UFCU employees and an in-person Member Appreciation Day for members at all 26 UFCU locations. The digital and in-person events celebrated, thanked, and created a feeling of excitement for employees and members.

“The journey to 400,000 members for UFCU is an incredible compilation of stories,” said Chris Turnley, UFCU EVP of member experience. “At the heart of these stories is a member making progress in their lives and a passionate UFCU team member walking with them each step of the way. We are excited about the future and remain committed to growing and evolving to meet the needs of our members.”

* The fourth largest credit union status according to the List of Active Federally Insured Credit Unions NCUA report; https://ncua.gov/analysis/credit-union-corporate-call-report-data

Texas Trust Wins Diamond Award for Successful Bonus Checking Marketing Campaign

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A successful new member outreach campaign earned Texas Trust Credit Union a Diamond Award from the America’s Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council’s annual competition for marketing excellence. The campaign was judged against 1,400 entries from 180 credit union organizations nationwide.

The award in the Audience-Specific category went to Texas Trust’s Bonus Checking Campaign. To encourage new members, the Arlington-based credit union offered significant bonuses for new members who opened checking accounts, with greater bonuses for higher deposits into their new accounts. Creative marketing materials were developed to support the campaign, which brought in thousands of new accounts and exceeded Texas Trust’s goals for the effort.

“Being recognized with an award on top of the success of our Bonus Checking campaign is truly appreciated,” said Terrilyn Hicks, vice president marketing and public relations for Texas Trust. “Our marketing team did great work in developing this campaign and supporting it, and definitely deserve the honor that they earned.”

Pictured: Texas Trust AVP of Public Relations Toni Nichols.

Meritrust Announces Winner of Byron G. Stout IV Spotlight on Wellness Award, Tammi Krier

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Wichita, Kan.-based Meritrust Credit Union has announced the winner of the 2025 Byron G. Stout IV Spotlight on Wellness Award: Tammi Krier, director of nutrition for Greater Wichita YMCA.

This is the tenth year Meritrust has honored a wellness advocate in the community through the Spotlight on Wellness Award in memory of Byron G. Stout IV. Stout was the Meritrust vice president of human resources when he passed away in 2015. He was passionate about wellness and championed many wellness initiatives throughout his career.

Krier spent the last 16 years working in various settings and community environments. Her efforts have consistently focused on creating and implementing policies and programs that support healthy living. In her current role, she has revitalized several nutrition and culinary programs, including the Junior Chef Academy, a hands-on 10-week kids cooking class series focused on healthier foods, and the free Cooking Matters for Parents program, which empowers parents and caregivers to shop, cook, and eat healthier on a budget.

As part of this award, Meritrust is making a $1,000 donation to a cause Krier has selected: the Aaron Snook memorial through St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School for playground, football field, and other exterior improvements.

“Tammi’s programs have made a significant impact on the community by promoting healthy eating habits and empowering individuals to take control of their nutrition,” said Meritrust President/CEO James Nastars. “We are honored to recognize Tammi’s exceptional work and commitment to wellness, which aligns perfectly with Byron’s legacy of promoting health and well-being.”