press releases

Team United pose with Inspired Giving Award (L to R): Christine Birner, Community Impact Manager; Kaylee Ganus, Senior Vice President of Marketing; Terry O’Rourke, President/CEO; James Knight Chief Sales and Service Officer

St. Joseph, Michigan – United Federal Credit Union (United) is honored to have been recognized with two awards from the United Way of Southwest Michigan in its annual Celebration Awards. United received the Inspired Giving Award and Employee Chair of the Year – Large Business Award.

The Inspired Giving Award recognizes a company for exception results in a new or reestablished employee campaign. It also shows longevity in its relationship with the United Way of Southwest Michigan.

“Our culture at United Federal Credit Union promotes service, community enhancement and volunteerism,” said Jodie Kitchell, District Manager. “We are proud to do our part every year to support the United Way of Southwest Michigan, and are thrilled to be recognized for our yearly employee donation campaign.”

Christine Birner poses with Employee Campaign Chair of the Year – Large Business Award

The credit union’s Community Impact Manager, Christine Birner, was also recognized with Employee Campaign Chair of the Year – Large Business Award. The award recognizes the Employee Campaign Chair who has shown exemplary commitment to United Way in the areas of Give, Advocate, and Volunteer.

“Every year I am amazed at the generosity of my United coworkers when it comes time for our fundraising campaign for the United Way,” said Birner. “Seeing their passion for helping others in our community makes all the work that goes into organizing the campaign worth it.”

United Federal Credit Union also participates annually in several United Way initiatives. In addition to raising funds in its annual workplace campaign, employees volunteer for United’s Rake a Difference Day, and other events.

“This past year – a year full of challenges for so many – we nonetheless had another successful annual campaign. It helped fuel our ability this year to make the largest found of impact investments in the history of our organization,” said Anna Murphy, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “The ongoing strength of our campaigns, even through difficult times, is a testament to the leadership, commitment, and caring of everyone who contributes to make our community better. We are very thankful to all of them, and especially to this year’s exceptional award winners.”

United most recently won the 2020 Whirlpool Community Commitment Award from the United Way of Southwest Michigan. The award recognizes organizations and their employees whose dedication to community is unparalleled.