ACU Wins National CED Award

$20 Million Support for Inner City Brings National Recognition
for Credit Union.

Assiniboine Credit Union’s reputation for ‘being profitable while making a difference’ has been recognized nationally again. Credit Union Central of Canada announced today that ACU would receive its Community Economic Development Award for its role in building homes and rebuilding lives in Winnipeg’s inner city. This is the eighth award for Community Economic Development Assiniboine has received in the past few years in addition to six national credit union marketing awards. “This award serves to focus national attention on the important leadership role credit unions play in the economic development of the communities they serve,” Assiniboine Credit Union CEO Al Morin said today. ”So to be told you’re the best of the best in the country is a great honour.”

The award recognizes that since 1997, Assiniboine has provided more than $20 million in loans to develop over 500 affordable and special-needs housing units in Winnipeg. It has built business relationships with many non-profit neighbourhood groups and with the three levels of government in the Winnipeg Housing and Homeless Initiative (WHHI). “These loans are for people in communities that mainstream banks have ignored for years. The poor condition of homes and neighbourhoods were left to non-profit groups to resolve. We were only too happy to work with them because we also believed those neighbourhoods are worth rebuilding,” said Nigel Mohammed, Community Services Manager for ACU.

The award also acknowledges ACU for opening an inner-city branch on Broadway in an area that traditional financial institutions had abandoned; developing customized savings accounts that help low-income people save; and providing basic banking services and financial literacy for people looking for alternatives to pay-day loan outlets that carry high interest charges.

Credit Union Central also recognized Michelle Manary, ACU’s Vice-President of Human Resources. She was as one of five young professionals from across the country nominated for the National Credit Union Young Leaders Award that recognizes tomorrow’s leaders in Canada’s credit union system. “I am proud to represent Assiniboine Credit Union and am honoured to have been a part of this recognition program,” she said. “Having the opportunity to connect with other young leaders in the credit union system has been the best part of being considered for this award.” 

Assiniboine’s other recent kudos include:

• Top 100 Employer in Canada – McLean’s Magazine 
• One of Canada’s top employers for recent college & university grads – The Career Directory 
• Sustainable Business Practices Award - Ethical Funds 
• Manitoba Co-operative Achievement Award – Manitoba Co-operative Council 
• One of the 50 Fastest Growing Manitoba Companies – Manitoba Magazine 
• Top 100 Manitoba Company– Manitoba Magazine 
• Community Builder Award – West Broadway Development Corporation