Gov. Rick Snyder honors American 1 Credit Union for giving back to community
JACKSON, MI – Gov. Rick Snyder paid tribute to Jackson’s American 1 Credit Union for the company’s efforts in giving back to the community.
Snyder presented the Corporate Community Leader award to Terry Krieg, a member of the credit union’s board Monday, June 30, at a ceremony held at the Gem Theatre in Detroit.
The award honors businesses that demonstrate corporate citizenship by giving back to the community through corporate volunteer programs, and there has been no shortage from the credit union.
In 2013, donations and sponsorships to the community totaled more than $100,000 between corporate donations and employee fundraising contributions. In May, the credit union donated 15 automated external defibrillators to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, valuing $30,000.
“We’re thrilled and honored to be recognized by the governor with the award for Corporate Community Leader. Being a member-owned, local financial institution it’s the mission of our board of directors and the entire American 1 team to give back to the communities we serve,” said Kristi Edgar, a spokeswoman for the credit union.
The credit union hosts 12 annual events for the public, with the income from booth fees and concessions going to local nonprofits. Employees organize monthly fundraising events like bake sales, dress down days, coin wars and more; in 2013 they raised $10,000.
During the holidays, employees collect items and money to send to soldiers serving oversees and local families in the community. Employees also played Santa at gas stations, pumping free gas for customers. The credit union also offers a scholarship program for high school seniors where credit union members donate $25 to the program to skip one month’s loan payment. Last year, 15 $1,000 scholarships were awarded to local students.
“We’re proud to be Michigan and show it through our free community events, volunteerism, and donations. It’s because of the continued support from our loyal membership though, that we’ve been fortunate enough to fulfill our commitment to the community,” Edgar said.
The Governor’s Service Awards are an annual event coordinated by the Michigan Community Service Commission, the state’s lead agency on volunteerism. This year’s honorees were selected from more than 160 nominations submitted by friends, relatives and colleagues to pay tribute to individuals, organizations and businesses who exemplify the spirit of volunteer service. An objective peer review panel and the board of the Michigan Community Service Commission selected the finalists and winners.
