Virginia Beach, VA, September 30, 2008

Press Contact:
Liz McNulty
Chartway Federal Credit Union
757-552-1000 x43699
cemcnulty@chartway.com

Chartway Federal Credit Union (CFCU) recently was awarded 1st place in the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Award Program for credit unions. Sponsored by the Virginia Credit Union League and the Credit Union National Association, the Social Responsibility Recognition Award Program recognizes credit unions that have implemented outstanding projects addressing community problems and raised money on behalf of charitable organizations. 
 
The annual, statewide competition is named after Dora Maxwell, one of the founders of the credit union movement whose career was characterized by tireless work on behalf of her community and working class families in the 1930s and 1940s. More than a dozen entries are received each year for consideration.
 
“Chartway is a recognized leader among Virginia’s credit unions in community service, owed to its commitment, compassion and creativity,” said Rick Pillow, president of the Virginia Credit Union League, one of the award program’s sponsors. “Through its support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chartway is giving hope, strength and joy to local children with life-threatening medical conditions.”
 
CFCU’s 2007 community service record is enviable.  Employees logged 2,500 volunteer hours during the calendar year and raised $382,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Virginia, making Chartway the largest single donor.   The focus of this year’s entry was a series of specialty events including the “Black Tie & Bogeys” outing; the 2nd Annual Diamonds in the Sky Gala, a black-tie silent and live auction event; and the 9th Annual Charity Golf Classic which raised more than $285,000 alone.  Since 1999, Chartway Federal Credit Union and its charitable We Promise Foundation® have raised a total of more than $2 million to grant the wishes of 408 courageous children.
 
“At our credit union’s very foundation is a deeply-rooted commitment to helping, which extends well beyond simply conducting business,” says Chartway Federal Credit Union CEO Ron Burniske. "We care about the communities we serve, and we have an innate desire to translate our ‘People Helping People’ philosophy into tangible good works that showcase the credit union difference to our communities.”

CFCU’s 2008 entry placed first on the state level and will compete again this fall against credit unions from across the country. This marks Chartway’s tenth year to win a state-level award in the Dora Maxwell competition since 1992, including eight first-place finishes. All national award winners will be honored at a reception in Washington D.C. next February.

Chartway Federal Credit Union, chartered in 1959, is a not-for-profit financial institution headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., with assets of more than $1.1 billion. Founded on the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” Chartway’s fundamental goal continues to be to enhance the lives and financial stability of close to 155,000 members. The organization provides services in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia. Chartway offers financial services including checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, online banking, insurance and investment counseling to members. For more information, visit www.chartway.com.