Attending 2003 CUNA Diamond Awards: Click to see a larger image and the names of those pictured

Sixteen representatives from Georgia's own credit unions were in attendance at the Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) 10th Annual Marketing and Business Development Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 2003, "The Marketers Guide to the Credit Union Galaxy." Eleven individuals/credit unions were honored for their marketing and business development endeavors with Diamond, Awards of Merit, Best of and Best Practice Awards for excellence and achievement.

Georgia Federal Credit Union of Atlanta was the name heard repeatedly during the awards conference; earning three awards for their marketing and business development pieces. They earned a Diamond for an Audio-visual entry entitled "Strength in Tough Times," a Diamond for Outdoor Advertising and a Diamond Award of Merit for Membership Packets/Brochures or Booklets for credit unions with assets of $250 million-$499 million.

Another big winner was The Coca-Cola Company Family Federal Credit Union of Atlanta, bringing home two Diamonds for credit unions with assets less than $100 million. Dawn White accepted a Diamond for their 2001 Annual Report and a Diamond for their newsletter (three colors or less) entitled "Money Connection."

Team Marketing of Robins Federal Credit Union was awarded with a Diamond for Direct Mail (series) for credit unions with assets of $500 million and above, as well as a Diamond Award of Merit for Print Ad (single) for their piece entitled "Vacation Getaway."

In the Membership Packets/Brochures or Booklets category for credit unions with assets less than $100 million, Kimberly Ford of MidSouth Federal Credit Union in Macon received a Diamond for their series of attractive Membership Brochures.

Kelly Garmon of Lockheed Georgia Employees Credit Union in Marietta accepted a Diamond Award of Merit on behalf of the Marketing Team for their entry into the Business/SEG Development for credit unions with assets of $500 million and above. They submitted a Welcome Kit, which included a t-shirt and information regarding the credit union in a handy carrying case.

The Plastic Access Card Design category was packed with entries but Dianne S. Yost of Atlanta Postal Credit Union in Atlanta walked away with a Diamond Award of Merit for their VISA® Home Equity Line of Credit Card entry for credit unions with assets $500 million and above.

Ann Thompson of CSRA Federal Credit Union in Augusta was awarded a Diamond Award of Merit in the Television category for credit unions with less than $100 million in assets. This series of commercials kicked off their newly granted community charter.

Etowah Valley Federal Credit Union of Cartersville earned a Diamond Award of Merit for outdoor advertising designed by The Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, entitled "Your Credit Union Nestled in the Heart of Your Hometown." This category was for credit unions with assets less than $100 million.

Generation X, a major topic of conversation at this year's CUNA Marketing Council Conference, brought Janet W. Davis a Diamond Award of Merit for TIC Federal Credit Union's Segmented Marketing Entry of their Xtreme Savers account.

Each year, CUNA selects several credit unions with an award for Best Practices. These individuals are not only recognized at the final reception but are also given the opportunity to share their Best Practices with all conference participants at sessions set aside just for these practices. Phyllis Barron (left), Marketing Director for the newly named Coosa Valley Credit Union, was recognized for her credit union's Best Practices in their Name Change/Identity/Branding as they moved forward with their newly granted charter.

Congratulations to all of Georgia's Diamond Award recipients! For more information on the CUNA Marketing Council Conference or the nationwide Diamond Award winners, please visit www.cuna.org.