Archive: Business & Technology

Alternatives Federal Credit Union announced Award winners at its Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 20 at the Ithaca Farmers Market. The Volunteer of the Year is Bill Goodman; Holly Payne is the Student Credit Union Volunteer of the Year; and the Jeff Furman Award for Social Responsibility in Business went to Jillian's Drawers, a local and natural parenting store.

The Jeff Furman Award is presented annually to an Alternatives' member business that exemplifies social responsibility in business, businesses that: hire women and minorities, pay a Living Wage, have a positive impact on the environment, exemplify honest, beneficial, and healthy core values, and give back to the community in the form of product, services, cash donations, and volunteer time. Our Community Outreach and Development Committee selected Jillian's Drawers and its owner, Mandi Meidlinger.

Nominated by employee Kelly Serbonich, Jillian's Drawers is a "fantastic Certified Living Wage Employer that entirely employs women and whose slogan is 'Putting Families First'," said Serbonich. "They have given back to the community in many ways – by providing such a positive work environment, by supporting and being a resource for parents, by donating/supporting various organizations. Their customer service is excellent and they really take the time to help educate parents and provide options.” Meidlinger said, "We really appreciate all what Alternatives does and are constantly reminded how lucky we are to have our business in Ithaca! Our values are understood and appreciated and that feels good.”

Unlike banks, credit union directors serve as volunteers. Bill Goodman has been on Alternatives' Board of Directors since 2007 and was President of the Board from 2010-2012. He served on the Governance Nominating, Growth and CEO Review committees, and continues as a volunteer on the Supervisory Committee.

Alternatives' Student Credit Union Volunteer of the Year is Holly Payne. Four years ago, Caroline Elementary School opened its first Student Credit Union branch thanks to the determination of Holly Payne. After taking our money management course, MoneyWise, she became committed to helping children save money. Holly started out opening 23 new savings accounts for children at Caroline. This has grown to over 80 accounts, with more than 20 children making deposits every week during the school year.

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