ARLINGTON, Va. – NAFCU has selected the recipients of its 2008Cornerstone Awards. Stacey Walker, a director at XCEL FederalCredit Union, and Noma Carter, a director at Securityplus FederalCredit Union, have been named the recipients of NAFCU's 2008Cornerstone Award.

NAFCU established the awards in 2005 to provide members of theAfrican-American Credit Union Coalition with the opportunity toattend, free of charge, one of three association conferences(Volunteers Conference, CEOs Conference, or Strategic Growth &Lending, or the NAFCU Regulatory Compliance School.

AACUC and NAFCU officials selected the winners on the basis of awritten essay on how attendance at the meeting will benefit them.Judges also took into consideration the financial status of anapplicant's credit union, meaning judges look at whether the creditunion lacks the funds–because of budget constraints, or size–tosend the applicant to the conference or school.

Walker has chosen to attend the Strategic Growth & LendingConference, which will be held March 11-14 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“This news means a lot to me; this just made my day,” Walkersaid. “The timing of this award could not have been better! Ireally appreciate this.”

Carter will be attending NAFCU's 27th Annual VolunteersConference, which will be held May 22-24 on Marco Island inFlorida. Carter said that her selection will provide her with the“opportunity to network with other credit union volunteers anddiscuss better ways to give our members at the Securityplus FederalCredit Union a more efficient service culture they deserve.”

Both award winners will also receive a free, one-yearsubscription to The Federal Credit Union, NAFCU's bimonthlymagazine.

“We believe that education is the cornerstone of continuedsuccess in the credit union industry,” said NAFCU President FredBecker. “We are pleased to provide these deserving individuals witha learning opportunity that stands to benefit their professionaldevelopment and the members they serve.”