CALGARY, Aug. 1 /CNW/ - Credit Union Central of Canada presented its annual National Credit Union Awards for outstanding achievement during a ceremony today that was part of the 2007 World Credit Union Conference.

Canadian Central's chairman Mike Tarr presented awards for community economic development, innovation and leadership by young credit union professionals.

The Community Economic Development Award was won by FirstSask Credit Union of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The award highlights the exemplary efforts of credit unions in the development of their communities. FirstSask Credit Union received the award for a program that provides disadvantaged youth with tools and incentives to learn critical financial and
life skills, while saving for future goals.  The judges said FirstSask leverages its contributions to attract
additional financial and human resources, while also securing policy changes that remove barriers preventing low income youth from saving for their future. The project exemplifies good community development by taking a longer term approach that focuses on youth's potential - a most important and precious community asset.

The National Credit Union Innovation Award is presented to a credit union that leads the way with innovations that strengthen the system.  The 2007 award winner is Vancity Credit Union of Vancouver, which was recognized for its Carbon Neutral Program, which will invest in Canadian initiatives to address climate change.

This program integrates product innovation through the Clean Air Auto Loan, Cash-Back energy efficiency program, Climate Change Mortgage and Circadian Mutual Funds. It extends into the community with the innovative Green Building Grant, the Carbon Offset program and many "green" community investments.  The judges said the program also builds on and encourages member enthusiasm to do their part, and kindles "green" lifestyle disciplines in management and staff.

Five credit union professionals were recognized as National Young Leaders to mark their exceptional efforts:

- Lisa Bolton, Director of Small Business at Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, Surrey, B.C.

- George Greenwood, General Manager of Beaubear Credit Union, Miramichi, N.B.

- Cory Munden, General Manager of Codroy Valley Credit Union, Doyles, NL.

- Beverly Somers, Human Resources Manager for OMISTA Credit Union, Moncton, N.B.

- Malcolm Stoffman, Manager of Marketing and Business Development, Healthcare and Municipal Employees Credit Union, Hamilton, ON.

Somers also received the National Young Leaders Award, which provides a $10,000 scholarship to cover tuition and travel costs to attend a leadership development program at a university in Canada.