News

May 31, 2011

Luke Labbe, President/CEO Among Six Honored At Maine Credit Union League’s Annual Convention

The Maine Credit Union League recently honored six individuals, including one with ties to York County, for their contributions to the success of Maine's credit unions. The recipients were recognized and presented with their awards at a special ceremony held in Augusta on May 20 in conjunction with the Maine CU League's 73rd Annual Meeting & Convention.
Nominees are submitted by credit unions, with the final winners determined by the League's Awards & Convention Committee.  Here are the 2011 Maine Credit Union League Award Winners:

Maine CU League President's Award for Outstanding League Volunteer
Luke Labbe, President/CEO of PeoplesChoice CU, with locations in Biddeford, Saco, Sanford and Wells, was honored by Maine CU League President John Murphy for being “an individual who certainly understands the importance of supporting the various activities of the Maine Credit Union System.”  Labbe, who chairs the Maine Credit Union League’s Social Responsibility Committee, was recognized for being active in everything from testifying on behalf of Maine Credit Unions in Augusta to creating the Polar Bear Scramble, a benefit, virtual golf tournament that has raised $80,000 for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger and other causes in its 8-year history.

Alexander Ferguson Award for Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer
Robert “Bobby” Brewer, Board of Directors Chair for Five County CU of Bath, has been involved with the credit union for 33 years, including the past seven as board chair.  Brewer was praised for his ability to listen, engage and promote innovation and change to help credit union members. In addition to being active with the credit union, he is also involved in a number of other community organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the Cancer Foundation and the Salvation Army, for whom he plays ‘Santa’ for each year.  

James M. Gratto Award for Outstanding Credit Union Manager
Gail Richardson, President/CEO of Midcoast FCU of Bath, was recognized for “being a positive influence and mentor.”  A 29-year employee of Midcoast FCU, Richardson rose through the ranks starting as a part-time teller in 1982.  In 2000, Gail became President/CEO and, under her leadership, the credit union’s assets have doubled in size.  Richardson has served as a member of the Maine Credit Union League’s board of directors for the past 11 years, and is also active in raising funds for Special Olympics and the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.

Jeannette G. Morin Award for Outstanding Credit Union Employee
Trina Mercier, Assistant VP at Central Maine FCU in Lewiston, is described as a “Jill of all trades,” for her willingness to do “whatever it takes to help the credit union and members.”   Since joining the credit union in 1996, Mercier has held a variety of positions including teller, computer clerk, and operations specialist.  Her nomination also applauded her ability to always smile and never complain, no matter the circumstances.  “Whether it’s coming into the credit union in the middle of the night due to an alarm, participating in community events, or filling in for absent employees, Trina never complains, she just gets the job done.”

Diane L. Oceretko 'People Helping People' Award
Catie Scribner, Executive Administrator at Evergreen CU in Portland, was described in her nomination for this award “as a great and tireless advocate of helping others.”  An 18-year credit union employee, Scribner has been a part of the Committee that helps coordinate the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger for the past decade, and helped her credit union be one of the fundraising leaders in the Campaign.  In addition to helping people outside of the credit union, Scribner was noted for having “a unique ability to touch every member she works with through her caring and kindness.”

Governmental Affairs and Political Involvement Award
Roland Poirier, President/CEO of Otis FCU in Jay, was presented with this award for doing whatever he can to help keep credit unions active and involved in political and governmental affairs.  Poirier was recognized for volunteering on various political campaigns and communicating with legislators and members of Congress on a regular basis.  He represents credit unions very well and always answers the call to be involved and participate.  Roland’s involvement with political and legislative advocacy not only benefits his own credit union but all Maine credit unions.”

About the Maine Credit Union League
Founded in 1938, the Maine Credit Union League is the State Trade Association for Maine’s 64 credit unions providing a variety of services and products to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership.  For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.
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