What is the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award?

The award is given to a credit union for its practical application of credit union philosophy within the actual operation of the credit union.  It is awarded for internal programs and services that benefit membership.

Eligible Activities 

Credit unions could receive the award for programs or policies that demonstrate their commitment to the practical application of the "People-Helping-People" philosophy.

Examples Include

• Provisions for the small saver or borrower
• Member programs for groups that are often economically challenged
• Internal programs or services that help to differentiate the credit union from other financial services' providers
• Programs that do an extraordinary job of encouraging thrift and provide a source of unbiased money management and consumer information, which would be difficult or impossible to obtain elsewhere.
• Evidence of an exceptional degree of service to members

Who was Louise Herring?

Louise Herring was an active supporter, organizer, and champion of credit unions.  She was the Ohio delegate to the 1934 national credit union conference in Estes Park, CO where she signed the original constitution for a national credit union association.  Louise believed that credit unions should work in a practical manner to better people's lives.  She saw the credit union as more than just a financial institution.  In her own words, "the purpose of the credit union is to reform the financial system, so that everyone can have his place in the sun."