OCUF is pleased to congratulate Martin (Marty) Gillis, WFCU Credit Union Board Chair on receiving the 2021 Distinguished Service Award.

This award recognizes the outstanding service to the Credit Union movement in Ontario beyond the level of the individual credit union. Candidates are nominated based on their commitment and demonstration of the extensive criterion, including Leadership, Advocacy, Accomplishments, Practical Experience and Meritorious Service.

Marty has been involved in the credit union system for nearly 50 years, and continues to exhibit outstanding leadership and professional standards that enhance the credit union movement. These various leadership positions in the cooperative system and his tremendous commitment, over the years, to local community organizations attests to this most deserving honour.

Marty is a long-time proponent for Board Governance having structured and negotiated numerous mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances within the credit union system. Marty’s ability to think strategically and to implement change without eliminating important credit union values and philosophies has proven extremely valuable for WFCU Credit Union and the system overall.

“Marty is a tremendous asset to WFCU Credit Union. His passion, knowledge and thirst for learning has proven instrumental as an advocate for the credit union system but more importantly his ever-mindful concern for our members, their families, and their collective wellbeing is what makes Marty an inspiring and deserving choice,” said Eddie Francis, President and CEO, WFCU Credit Union. “We are all very proud to have Marty as the Chair of our Board of directors, all of us are better because of his leadership and passion for our organization.”

Marty recognizes unique opportunities which continue to bring awareness and credibility not only to WFCU Credit Union, but also to the entire credit union system. Such opportunities demonstrate the financial strength and commitment credit unions bring to their communities. Marty has been a champion for numerous initiatives that have expanded visibility of the credit union brand and increased confidence in the financial services credit unions offer.

“OCUF is absolutely delighted to recognize Marty Gillis with the Distinguished Service Award. He joins a list of credit union legends, and so he should. For five decades, Marty has passionately promoted co-operative values. He is an icon in our sector, a strong ambassador, best known to walk the talk,” said Dan Coldwell, Chair Ontario Credit Union Foundation at the OCUF AGM.

The Distinguished Service Award was first introduced in 1979 by Central 1 and has been awarded to many celebrated recipients over the years. Marty now joins these exemplary figures in the credit union system and will be remembered for the difference he has sought out to make in the financial services industry.

We are very excited to announce Your Neighbourhood Credit Union was the winner of the 2021 Corporate Achievement Award!

To say 2020 was a memorable year would be an understatement.

One year ago, we were a couple of months into the pandemic. Everyone was worried. Over the last year, credit unions have stepped up in their communities in extraordinary ways. This was evident as we reviewed this year’s OCAA submissions. At our recent AGM, Kevin Connolly who presented the award commented, “I can say on behalf of the adjudication panel, it made us very proud to be part of the credit union sector! The quality of submissions we received clearly showed credit unions concern for your staff, for your members and for your communities.” The quality and number of submissions received was fantastic. We thank all of those who put time and energy into sharing your story.

One submission was the unanimous choice of our adjudication panelists. YNCU was invited to submit a short video explaining their initiative, what it took to make it happen, and what the outcome was.

Click on the image to the left to see the video prepared by YNCU that outlines the program they created to help small business in the communities they serve.

I hope you were as impressed as we were with the outstanding impact YNCU had on their communities in 2020 and will have in the years ahead.

Former Board Chair Dan Coldwell, in a press release commented, “Adjudicating the Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award was more difficult this year. With COVID, so many credit unions in Ontario stepped up to help the communities they serve. The many submissions we received were shining examples of how credit unions looked after their staff, their members and the many in the community who struggled during the pandemic.  Your Neighbourhood Credit Union outdid themselves in the eyes of our panelists. A significant investment was made to help small businesses stay afloat during these very challenging times. The idea of establishing websites by geographic area focused on promoting small businesses, many of whom had never considered online retailing, was not only creative, but it was also brilliant. It was a lifeline. The fact this is a sustainable project is a bonus. Well done YNCU! You have made us all proud.”

YNCU provided a statement to be shared at the Annual General Meeting that read:

Your Neighbourhood Credit Union is honoured to receive this award. We are inspired by the community initiatives led by so many credit unions in the system. And we are thankful to have such a dedicated team of employees that want to work with our members to help our communities thrive. We hope you enjoy this glimpse of Shop Your Neighborhood.

Congratulations YNCU for your achievement.