HARAHAN, La.–Luminate, the new name and brand for the Louisiana Credit Union League, recognized numerous individuals and credit unions for their accomplishments during its recent awards ceremony.
Among the awards presented:
Excellence in Marketing Awards
- Annual Report: UNO FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), BRECO FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Pelican State CU ($150+ million in assets)
- Community Outreach: University of Louisiana FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), First Pioneers FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Southwest Louisiana CU ($150+ million in assets)
- Integrated Campaign: University of Louisiana FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), Ascension CU ($50-$150 million in assets), and OnPath FCU ($150+ million in assets)
- Social Media: Post Office Employees CU ($0-$50 million in assets), First Pioneers FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and La Capitol FCU ($150+ million in assets)
Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award went to Kara Hornosky of Instep FCU.
“As marketing officer at Instep FCU and vice president of the East Orleans Chapter, Hornosky has led a significant rebrand, managed major conversion projects, and improved internal processes,” Luminate said.
Hornosky was selected from three finalists, and as the overall winner she will receive a full scholarship to America's Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference.
Path to Progress Award
The Path to Progress Award was presented to Lee Melancon of Ascension CU.
“Melancon, founder and executive director of the Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension (MBECA), has been a champion for DEI initiatives since 2003, offering crucial support to underserved communities through various empowerment programs,” Luminate said.
Milestone Anniversaries
Milestone anniversaries were celebrated for the following credit unions:
- 50 years: Ascension CU and PHI FCU
- 75 years: Baton Rouge City Parish Employees FCU, First Pioneers FCU, Shreveport Police FCU, and Valex FCU
- 100 years: Post Office Employees CU
Hall of Fame Inductees
The ceremony concluded with the induction of eleven distinguished individuals into the Luminate Hall of Fame, a “prestigious program co-sponsored by Luminate and the Luminate Foundation.”
The 2024 inductees are:
- Peggy Aime, Ascension CU
- LeRoy Bourque, Ascension CU
- Bonita "Bonnie" Brown, La Capitol FCU
- Mary Ginn, La Capitol FCU
- Rhonda Hotard, Louisiana FCU
- Patricia "Pat" Landry, La Capitol FCU
- Louis "Bo" Leporati, Monroe Telco FCU
- Laura Melancon, Southwest Louisiana CU
- Joel Meredith, Ascension CU
- John Oubre, Ascension CU
- James "Jimmy" Thibodeaux, La Capitol FCU