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

William A. Herring Society Honors
Ohio Credit Union Philosophical Leader;
Raises Initial $50,000 for Ohio Credit Union Foundation

Inaugural Society Inductee is Award Namesake, Bill Herring,
CEO of Cincinnati Central Credit Union

Columbus, Ohio (April 8, 2011) The Ohio Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) has unveiled its newest initiative, the William A. Herring Society, a planned giving opportunity that recognizes credit union employees and volunteers, past and present, who have shown a steadfast commitment to the Credit Union Movement. Announced before a 500-plus crowd during the Ohio Credit Union League’s InVest48, the Society honored its namesake, Bill Herring, CEO of Cincinnati Central Credit Union, as the inaugural inductee.

OCUF Chair and CEO of Western Credit Union, Tom Furrey, proudly announced that in just a few short months the William A. Herring Society has raised more than $50,000 for the Ohio Credit Union Foundation. All funds contributed to the William A. Herring Society will be used by the Foundation to support credit union social responsibility initiatives that reach people of modest means. “The honor of being inducted into the William A. Herring Society is bestowed upon individuals who are, or have been, key credit union leaders. Their passion, integrity, and leadership have made a lasting impact on their credit union and its members,” announced Furrey.

Furrey then passionately introduced Herring, his long-time credit union colleague.

“Bill is a charter member of the Ohio Credit Union Foundation Board of Trustees and was instrumental in its founding. He has also served in numerous state and national credit union leadership positions. His credit union outreach program in the Over the Rhine section of Cincinnati is a national and global model,” shared Furrey.

Herring was honored with a standing ovation and nearly brought to tears knowing his credit union legacy will long be recognized by his counterparts.

“This is a great honor for me,” said Herring. “Credit unions are needed now more than ever.  We must be truly motivated by what is best for the member, and give equal citizenship to the social mission of credit unions. I am overwhelmed that my family name will be forever linked to a program which has the potential to do so much good to reach out and help people of modest means.”

Furrey introduced the first inductees into the William A. Herring Society, the four former chairs of OCUF, who were all present to receive an engraved silver medallion from Herring: Willard Hopkins, CEO of First Miami University Student & Alumni Federal Credit Union; Tim Mislansky, Senior Vice President of Wright-Patt Credit Union; Rose Bartolomucci, CEO of TeleCommunity Credit Union; and Kathy Kanipe, CEO of Parish Federal Credit Union.

Four credit union-sponsored inductees into the Society were also recognized during the ceremony.  They are: 24-year MidWest Community Credit Union board member Richard English; Superior Federal Credit Union advocate and relentless community leader Bruce Campbell; 25-year CSE Federal Credit Union board member Robert Hallier; and 19-year board member and former interim CEO of Western Credit Union, Howard Smith.

Donations to the Society were made by American Share Insurance, Corporate One Federal Credit Union, the Ohio Credit Union Foundation, and the OCUL Services Corporation

Nominations to the William A. Herring Society can be made by an Ohio credit union or leader that wishes to acknowledge a peer, employee, colleague, or volunteer for his or her dedication to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” Ohio credit unions can make a $1,000 contribution to the OCUF to recognize the commitment, passion, and distinguished service of key leaders in their organization.

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The Ohio Credit Union League, with offices in Columbus, is a state trade association representing 387 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 2.68 million members. To learn more, visit www.OhioCreditUnions.org.