Q: Who was Louise Herring and why is the award named for her?

A: Louise Herring was an active supporter, organizer and champion of credit unions. She was the Ohio delegate to the 1934 national credit union conference in Estes Park, Colorado, where she signed the original constitution for a national credit union association. Louise Herring believed that credit unions should work in a practical manner to better people's lives. She saw the credit union as more than just a financial institution. In her own words, "The purpose of the credit union is to reform the financial system, so that everyone can have his place in the sun."

Q: What time period do the award entries cover?

A: In general, entries should cover the previous year's activities, but there are no exact deadlines prescribed.

Q: What's the difference between the Louise Herring Award and the Dora Maxwell Award?

A: The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award is given to a credit union or chapter/multiple credit union group for its social responsibility projects within the community. The award is given for external activities. The Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award is given to a credit union for its practical application of credit union philosophy within the actual operation of the credit union. It is awarded for internal programs and services that benefit membership.

Q: Can a credit union enter both competitions?

A: Yes. Just be sure to clearly define which program the credit union is entering and how the activities submitted meet the program guidelines.

Q: Can a credit union enter the same entry in both competitions?

A: No. Because each program has different objectives and requirements, entries should be tailored to match the defined goals of the particular competition.

Q: Can a credit union submit the same entry to more than one league for state-level judging?

A: No. A credit union’s entry may only be submitted to one league, even if the credit union pays dues in more than one state.

Q: Can a credit union submit more than one entry in either competition?

A. A credit union should submit only one entry per competition. Each entry can list the number of projects conducted in the timeframe established by the league, but the credit union must select one project that best exemplifies the criteria for each award. The questions on the entry form must be completed detailing the one project that was selected.

Q: Why must a credit union supply financial information with its entry in the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award?

A: A credit union must be in solid financial condition in order to provide the highest level of service to its members. Sound financial management ensures a credit union's ability to continue to provide that service, as well. Therefore, the entry must include current and previous year’s (2 years total) balance sheets and income statements and/or NCUA’s Financial Performance Report (FPR). Entries received without the financial information will be disqualified.