Awards

We're proud to be your award-winning credit union! 
Our employees work hard every day to do the best they can for our members.

OUCU Financial Awarded National Certificate of Excellence

OUCU Financial was recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Innovation in Learning. Vice President of Human Resources Debbie Wayland and Learning and Development Specialist Whitney Thoene accepted the award at the Experience Learning Live! National Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Through this credit union-focused program, trainers of all levels have the opportunity to learn and network with credit union professionals and be recognized for their work.

The national award was based on a submission regarding OUCU's new employee onboarding program. This onboarding program was modified from a technical, process-based program to one that focuses on the Values and Culture that is OUCU. Employees are introduced from day one that our Values are critical to the organization's success and are more than words on a page. The revised onboarding program has reduced turnover, improved net promoter scores from our members, and enhanced employee engagement.

Additionally, Debbie and Whitney presented “Value Your Onboarding: Incorporating Values and Culture into the First Few Days” at the conference.

Experience Learning Live! is sponsored by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Educational Alliance.

Garner Earns 2022 Gold Pacesetter Award

OUCU Financial Investment Services, available through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS*), announced that Romney Garner, CFP® and Wealth Advisor and Program Manager affiliated with broker-dealer CUSO Financial Services, LP (CFS), earned the 2022 Gold Pacesetter Award+. The award honors the top-producing registered representatives among hundreds of CFS and SPF credit union and bank programs across the country. She ranked 42 of 700 advisors.

Garner was credited with providing holistic and high-quality investment and retirement planning services to OUCU Financial Investment Services clients, including high net worth individuals. She has worked in the financial services industry for over 13 years.

“I am honored to receive this award and appreciate the recognition,” said Garner. “My success is really due to the support from the OUCU team and the continued business and confidence from our clients.”

The annual awards are presented by CFS as a way to recognize advisors for their production, dedication to high standards, and commitment to delivering superior investment services to clients.

Romney and her team offer numerous services to help clients achieve their financial goals including retirement planning, wealth management, estate planning, business services, college savings, 401(k), 403(b) , 457 rollovers and insurance services.

For an appointment or more information, contact Romney Garner at 597-2859 or romney.garner@oucu.org.

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and Registered Investment Advisor.  Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. +Pacesetter awards recognize the top revenue-producing advisors among hundreds of credit union and bank programs.

Brittni Downs Receives 2022 Rising Star Award

OUCU Accounting Manager Brittni Downs has received the 2022 Rising Star Award from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Finance Council. This award honors up-and-coming talent in the ranks of credit union finance leadership.She accepted the award at the council’s annual conference in Las Vegas.

In addition to overseeing the accounting department, Downs is responsible for board reports, asset/liability management data, budget analysis, and input.

Downs started at OUCU as an Ohio University student intern in the tax department in 2009. After graduating, she worked at another credit union as an accountant and then progressed to controller.

She is a founding member of the Ohio Credit Union League’s GRID (Grow, Retain, Inspire, and Develop) program for younger Ohio credit union professionals. She is a also member of the CUNA Finance Council’s Member Resource Committee.

"I think the Finance Council named me Rising Star because I drank the credit union Kool-Aid and I have goals to eventually become a chief financial officer (CFO) or CEO one day. Those goals and love for the credit union come across in the interactions I have with people, said Downs.

Downs holds a Bachelor of Administration degree from Ohio University, with majors in Accounting, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Business Pre-Law. She received her Master’s in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University in 2021.

Romney Garner Earns 2021 Gold Pacesetter Award

OUCU Financial Investment Services, available through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS*), announced that Romney Garner, CFP® and Wealth Advisor and Program Manager affiliated with broker-dealer CUSO Financial Services, LP (CFS), earned the 2021 Gold Pacesetter Award. The award honors the top producing registered representatives among hundreds of CFS and SPF credit union and bank programs across the country. She ranked 61 of 700 advisors.

Garner was credited with providing holistic and high quality investment and retirement planning services to OUCU Financial Investment Services clients, including high net worth individuals. She has worked in the financial services industry for over 12 years.

“I am honored to receive this award and appreciate the recognition,” said Garner. “My success is really due to the support from the OUCU team and the continued business and confidence from our clients.”

The annual awards are presented by CFS as a way to recognize advisors for their production, dedication to high standards, and commitment to delivering superior investment services to clients.

Romney and her team offer numerous services to help clients achieve their financial goals including retirement planning, wealth management, estate planning, business services, college savings, 401(k), 403(b) and 457 rollovers and insurance services.

For an appointment or more information, contact Romney Garner at 597-2859 or romney.garner@oucu.org.

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and Registered Investment Advisor.  Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

About CUSO Financial Services, LP and Sorrento Pacific Financial LLC
Full-service, sister broker dealers CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS) and Sorrento Pacific Financial LLC (SPF) (Members FINRA/SIPC) provide customized investment and insurance solutions to nearly 200 credit unions and banks throughout the country.  Headquartered in San Diego, with branch offices and licensed representatives nationwide, both broker dealers are SEC Registered Investment Advisors, with expertise in key areas including retirement services, wealth management, and fee-based and insurance products for both individuals and business customers.  For more information, see www.cusonet.com.
 

OUCU Honored with September Compass Award

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has recognized OUCU's dedication to financial education in our region's schools with the September Compass Award.

The school-based financial education program serves six districts, dozens of teachers, and more than a thousand students each year.

“OUCU recognizes the significance of financial education to prepare students for success in adulthood. We’re proud to provide engaging experiences that bring these key concepts to life,” says CEO, Cory Corrigan. 

Although teachers and students faced many disruptions the pandemic, OUCU continued our support through an interactive online platform. As the school environment and personal finance evolve, OUCU will continue to create innovative ways to help students learn the skills needed for financial success. 

Read the full news release

Romney Garner Earns 2020 Silver Pacesetter Award

OUCU Financial Services announces that Romney Garner, CFP® and Wealth Advisor and Program Manager affiliated with broker-dealer CUSO Financial Services, LP (CFS), earned the 2020 Silver Pacesetter Award. The award honors the top producing registered representatives among hundreds of CFS and SPF credit union and bank programs across the country. She ranked 62 of 700 advisors.

Garner was credited with providing holistic and high quality investment and retirement planning services to OUCU Financial Services clients, including high net worth individuals. She has worked in the financial services industry for over 11 years.

“I am honored to receive this award and appreciate the recognition,” said Garner. “My success is really due to the support from the OUCU team and the continued business and confidence from our clients.”

The annual awards are presented by CFS as a way to recognize advisors for their production, dedication to high standards, and commitment to delivering superior investment services to clients. Romney and her team offer numerous services to help clients achieve their financial goals including retirement planning, wealth management, estate planning, business services, college savings, 401(k), 403(b) and 457 rollovers and insurance services. For an appointment or more information, contact her at 740-597-2859 or romney.garner@oucu.org.

Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

OUCU Financial Wins Web Award for Outstanding Achievement

December 2019

OUCU Financial website received a 2019 Webaward for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development frm the Web Marketing Association.

The website was a collaboration between our agency CU Solutions Group and the OUCU Marketing Department. 

Best Financial Services websites are selected by judges who review the entered websites using the seven criteria: design, ease of use, copywriting, interactivity, use of technology, innovation, and content.

Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association's annual WebAward Competition has been setting the standard of excellence for Website development. Independent expert judges from around the world review sites in 96 industries. The best are recognized with a WebAward which helps interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. The WebAward Competition is the premier award recognition program for Web developers and advertising agencies.

CU Solutions Group is a credit union service organization offering leading edge products and services in the areas of technology, marketing, HR performance and strategic advisory. They are majority-owned by the Michigan Credit Union League.

OUCU Financial Marketing Department pictured L to R: Morgan Reeb, Laura Pratt, Kory Kasler, Dani Underhill, Eva Bloom

Ohio Credit Union League Cutting Edge Marketing Brilliance Award

April 2018

OUCU Financial received a Cutting Edge Marketing Brilliance Award in the Non Agency Category, which recognizes fresh efforts by a credit union to reach their membership through the use of new techniques. The signature marketing award was presented to the OUCU Marketing team by the Ohio Credit Union League, the state trade and advocacy association for Ohio’s credit unions.

OUCU Financial was recognized in the "Non Agency" category for the CU Save Member Program. The CU Save Program is a local merchant advertising and social media program that offers special local and national deals for OUCU members. As part of the program, the credit union developed its own CU Save mobile app.

Credit Union National Association Diamond Marketing Awards

March 2018

OUCU Financial was recently honored with two Diamond Awards, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry.

The awards were presented to Marketing Manager Laura Pratt by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing & Business Development Council, a national network comprised of over 1,300 credit union marketing and business development professionals. Awards are given in each of 35 categories ranging from advertising to community events and beyond.

OUCU Financial won “Category’s Best” in the Multifaceted category for its CU Save Member Program. The CU Save Program is a local merchant advertising and social media program, as well as offers special local and national deals for OUCU members. As part of the program, the credit union developed its own CU Save mobile app.

OUCU Financial also won the Credit Union Service Organization category for its tax preparation campaign entry.

“These credit unions represent the best and brightest in marketing and business development,” said Amber Scott, Chair of the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council’s Diamond Awards Committee and VP Marketing & Communications at 1st MidAmerica CU. “Their inventive, passionate and exciting initiatives inspire us to take chances, be bold and try new and untested approaches.”

Award winners were recognized at the council’s 25th annual conference in San Francisco.

OUCU Marketing Department employees pictured L to R: Morgan Reeb, Kory Kasler, Laura Pratt, Heidi Sochia and Dani Underhill.

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Awards

March 2018

Congratulations to our CEO, Phil Meyer, recipient of a 2017 Distinguished Service Award from the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Board Member and OUCU Vice President Cory Corrigan, presented the award and described Phil as a goal-oriented “man with a plan” and outlined the tremendous growth the Credit Union has experienced since his leadership began in 1999.

Congratulations to Eva Bloom, Mortgage Originator at OUCU, who received a Special Recognition Award from the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Eva was recognized for her tremendous service, dedication, and commitment to the Chamber as an Ambassador. Chamber President Michelle Oestrike presented Eva with this award.

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year

January 2017

Congratulations to Donna Russell, Manager of Member Business Services at OUCU, on being awarded the 2016 Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year award! Donna has been a champion of the Chamber's "Keep It Local" mission for many years. This is the second time she has received the Ambassador of the Year award.

The Ambassador Team facilitates connections between the Chamber and member businesses by attending networking events, ribbon cuttings and other Chamber events. They also help with fundraising, new member recruitment and member retention. For large events, like the Annual Dinner, Golf Outing and Steak Fry, Ambassadors help with set-up, registration and clean-up.

Donna's hard work helps the business community see the credit union difference in action!

Credit Union National Association Diamond Marketing Awards

May 2016

OUCU Financial was recently honored with two Diamond Awards, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry.

The awards were presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing & Business Development Council, a national network comprised of over 1,200 credit union marketing and business development professionals. Awards are given in each of 30 categories ranging from advertising to community events and beyond.

OUCU Financial won the Miscellaneous category for its entry, entitled Guiding Principles Calendar. This monthly wall calendar features the works of local Passion Works Studio artists coupled with OUCU Guiding Principle concepts. The calendar was introduced to the community with a special artists’ signing event at the credit union. OUCU Financial also won in the Internal Marketing Incentive/Recognition category for its Guiding Principles program entry. This internal program includes several components including an employee recognition and an employee volunteer program. Credit union employees have volunteered 222 hours for local Athens organizations.

OUCU Marketing Department employees in the photo L to R: Marketing Manager Laura Pratt, Marketing & Event Assistant Kory Kasler, Marketing & Education Specialist Heidi Sochia, Marketing & Design Specialist Morgan Reeb, Member Development Specialist Eva Bloom.

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce 'Exceptional Community Support Award

February 2016

OUCU Financial received the 2015 Exceptional Community Support Award from the Athens Chamber of Commerce.

Outgoing Chamber Executive Board Member Libby Villavincencio presented the award to OUCU CEO Phil Meyer at the Chamber annual meeting and dinner on Thursday night.

• OUCU was recognized for the many contributions it has made to the Athens community including:

• Donation of over $12,000 through our "Give and Grow" campaign to Athens County Humane Society, Big Brother Big Sisters, Passion Works Studio, Good Works, Athens County Food Pantry, and Harry B. Crewson Foundation

• Guiding Principles Volunteer Program where OUCU donated 178 employee volunteer hours to United Seniors of Athens County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Good Works, OhioHealth Home Care, Athens County Food Pantry, Salvation Army and Athens County Dog Shelter

• Premier sponsor of ACEnet 's30th Anniversary Campaign

• Numerous community organization donations

• Gave three $3,000 scholarships to high school seniors to attend Ohio University

• Supported Childrens Services with $1,000 PBJ program donation, PBJ member collection and Warm Up Athens County Coat Drive

And more!