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For Immediate Release Contact: Patrick Harris Director of Media Relations Ohio Credit Union League pharris@ohiocul.org 800-486-2917

Ohio’s Own Claude Clarke Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award; Grandson Tim Clarke Bonow Accepts

Bill Burke, Jerry Gramke, Phil Buell, and
Seven Seventeen Credit Union also recognized

Columbus, Ohio (April 21, 2010) – Claude Clarke, author of the Ohio Credit Union Act of 1934, under which Ohio credit unions still operate today, was posthumously honored during the Ohio Credit Union League (OCUL) ZENITH10 awards ceremony in Cincinnati on April 15.  Clarke, who served as the initial manager of OCUL (1934 – 1936) and is a former Credit Union National Association President (1936 – 1938), was instrumental in amending the Federal Credit Union Act to exempt credit unions from taxation on real and tangible property.

Clarke passed away in 1975, but his love of credit unions was brought back to life by his grandson, Tim Clarke Bonow, who accepted the Louise McCarren Herring Lifetime Achievement award on behalf of his grandfather.  An appreciative and emotional Clarke Bonow stated, “My grandfather was a tireless enthusiast for a better world for the little man.  My family is touched and frankly amazed that you bring our ancestor’s life up to honor today.”  Most notably, Bonow discussed how unfamiliar his family was of his grandfather’s legacy, as Clarke rarely brought his work home, instead focusing on his family.

Bill Burke, CEO of Day Air Credit Union, received the 2010 Professional of the Year Award for the tremendous growth of his credit union and for his continued guidance as an OCUL board member and President of Credit Union Outreach Solutions.  Under Burke, Day Air witnessed a 7% growth in membership, an 11% growth in assets, and a 15% growth in deposits in 2009.  The credit union also increased loan services to members and strengthened the credit union’s commitment to financial education, all while Burke helped expand and grow StretchPay, a low-cost pay day loan alternative.  A humbled Burke shared the secret to his success, commenting “Empowerment, energy, and focus keep us going.  My staff is committed to our mission statement, which emphasizes helping each member reach their financial goals.”

Twenty six-year credit union credit union volunteer Jerry Gramke received the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication and service to the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union.  Accompanied by his wife, Betty, of 53 years and his three sons, all fellow police offices, and daughter, Gramke was recognized for his dedication to the credit union and forward-thinking direction.  “When I began, we had just hired our second employee and offered only auto loans and savings accounts,” recalled Gramke.  “Today, I am proud to say, we are a full-time financial institution and growing.”

The 2010 Claude Clarke Political Inspiration Awards are presented to both an individual and a credit union for their strong advocacy on behalf of the Credit Union Movement.  Phil Buell, CEO of Superior Federal Credit Union, received the award for his tireless relationship building with local, state, and federal political leaders.  Buell travels to Washington routinely to lobby on behalf of Ohio credit unions, believing that without advocacy credit unions will not be able to properly serve members.  “I am on a first name basis with all of our representatives and I feel comfortable picking up the phone, calling them, and sharing my views.  All credit unions should participate in politics if we are to have a bright future.”

Political action and involvement is an organization-wide priority of Seven Seventeen Credit Union. The credit union regularly hosts legislators at its offices to explain the value of credit unions and discuss issues impacting the Credit Union Movement.  Seven Seventeen employees have become very active in supporting the Movement through the PACs.  Accepting on behalf of the credit union was Gary Soukenik, CEO, who echoed that advocacy must be a priority.  “Don’t let the banks set our agenda.  All credit unions must maintain and increase their advocacy efforts, and we must all work collectively to educate legislators to make the right choices.”

The Desjardins Youth Financial Education, Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility, Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action, and the Cutting-Edge Marketing Brilliance Awards were presented on April 16 during the ZENITH10 Friday Grand Session.  The winners were:

Desjardins – Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union and Day Air Credit Union
Dora Maxwell – Community Star Credit Union, Directions Credit Union, and Central Ohio Chapter
Louise Herring – Toledo Police Federal Credit Union and Wright-Patt Credit Union
Marketing Brilliance – Members First Credit Union and Wright-Patt Credit Union

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The Ohio Credit Union League, with offices in Columbus, is a state trade association representing 393 credit unions. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions owned and democratically-controlled by their members. Ohio credit unions provide savings, loans, and other consumer financial services to their 2.65 million members. To learn more, visit www.OhioCreditUnions.org.