If you have been in the credit union space in Ontario for any lenght of time, you likely know the name Dorothy Watson! Well Dorothy retired this past Friday after dedicating 37 years to the credit union sector, the last 30 of which was with Central 1.
It was by serendipitous chance for the credit union movement, that a temp agency placed Dorothy at Co-operative Trust Company of Canada (now Concentra) and lit up a career path leading change for the system.
Over the course of nearly four decades, Dorothy led change in the system from all angles including at the helm of Ottawa Women’s Credit Union as the General Manager before she was recruited to Credit Union Central of Ontario. After successfully overseeing several departments including Human Resources, Credit Union Training, and Marketing, Dorothy found a focus that would grow to fuel her drive for the duration of her career: fostering a service excellence culture. With Dorothy leading consultation with credit unions and managing this change journey across CUCO, they more than doubled member approval ratings in just two years.
Ever since, she elevated the member voice, sought to understand their diverse perspectives, and championed new collaborative opportunities for the system in a member relations role. Dorothy built a high level of trust with credit unions across Ontario. No matter the role or conversation, she was always guided by the cooperative principles and values that keep us all rooted and connected to a deeper purpose.
Dorothy has always so generously shared her insightful perspectives gathered through a career dedicated to furthering the impact and reach of the credit union movement.
To ensure the enduring impact that is Dorothy’s career legacy, Central 1 created a bursary fund in her name. The Dorothy Watson CYL Bursary fund supports the emerging leaders that are advancing the cooperative system. If you wish to make a contribution to this fund click on the link below.
Dorothy, the staff and Board of the Ontario Credit Union Foundation join others in Ontario in wishing you a fulfilling and well deserved retirement!
If you wish to donate by cheque, please make it payable to “Ontario Credit Union Foundation” (include on the memo line – Dorothy Watson CYL Bursary Fund) and mail to OCUF 418 Willis Drive, Oakville, ON L6L 4V4. To do an online donation, click on the “Donate” button below.
The 2019 Outstanding Corporation Achievement Award nominations opened today. Deadline is 4 pm on March 7, 2019. The award will be presented at our AGM on March 28th.
The award is presented annually by OCUF to a member credit union in recognition of their contribution to their community.
We recognize those whose invest in the community is above normal expectations in one or more of the following ways:
A single project or program supported financially or otherwise during the preceding year,
An ongoing pattern or record of community investment continuing over an extended period through to and including the preceding calendar year,
A major new activity, program or commitment started during the preceding calendar year.
Ontario Credit Union Foundation is delighted to announce our 42 Youth Bursary recipients for 2016.
Applicants were selected based on financial need as well as their contribution back to their communities. As our inaugural year we we delighted that 117 individuals registered for the youth bursary. The award was open to any Ontario student who was 25 or under as of the submission close date and is or will be attending a post-secondary institution with a program of study that is academic, vocational, technical, or technological.
Students were assessed across four categories; community involvement, personal circumstances, letters of reference, and their compelling essay. Once reviewed they were ranked numerically with top of the list individuals receiving bursaries of $2,500, the other candidates received amounts of $2,000, and $1,000.
While students did not have to be credit union members, we were delighted to see recipients who are members of YNCU, Community First, WFCU, CommTech Fire Services, DUCA, Meridian, Frontline, Kawartha, Thamesville, Motor City Community, Northern, FirstOntario, Sudbury, and Heath Care.
We trust this financial assistance will help in the upcoming school year. Ontario Credit Union Foundation is grateful to our member credit unions and event sponsors who make these awards possible.
We are excited to announce Stephanie Herrera is bringing her “Improv (e) Your Business Skills” workshop to Lionhead on June 13th.
What you can expect:
Stephanie’s main focus is on how improv can enhance your personal skills in business. There will be an opportunity to get on your feet, release your inhibitions and have fun. Participants will be taken through games, similar to “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” to hone their communication/listening skills, while also learning how to be more effective team players. Improv has been shown to build self-confidence and awareness of situations and people. It helps develop creativity, better instincts, and the ability to think faster on your feet.
Stephanie Herrera is a professional actor on stage, screen, and as a voice over artist. She has shared the stage with some iconic Canadian comedians including Colin Mochrie, Patrick McKenna, Peter Widman and Linda Kash. She has traveled North America teaching the art of improvisation, from schools in Goosebay, Newfoundland, to being the Improv and Interaction Director at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire for two years. She rounds out her skills with an extensive background in corporate sales. Her workshops are renown to be challenging and packed full of valuable tools that enhance interpersonal skills. Laughs are guaranteed!
We were delighted Meridian Credit Union hosted the Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) December Board of Directors meeting at their new Bloor Street office. Thank you Scott Windsor for making the arrangements, for lunch, and for the tour of your new facility.
The OCUF Board members made some big decisions today as they set a course for change for the Foundation. “As the Credit Union landscape in Ontario changes, the Foundation must change as well” said Chairman Dan Coldwell. Details of the changes will be communicated formally early in January 2016.
Pictured left to right (standing), Liisa Woolley (Community First), Scott Windsor (Meridian), Deanna Basso (Marketing Consultant), George De La Rosa (Luminus Financial), Dave Schurman (FirstOntario), Mark Ventry (ON Co-op), Elizabeth van der Pol (Windsor Family), Joel Lalonde (Your Credit Union), Dan Coldwell (Pace), (seated) Devon Rowan (Administrator OCUF) and Clayton Shold (Executive Director OCUF).
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