The East Baton Rouge Parish school system announced the 2008-2009 Teachers of the Year on Tuesday, honoring a special-needs pre-school teacher, a 33-year teaching veteran and a high school Spanish teacher. The winners were announced at a banquet sponsored by the nonprofit group Volunteers In Public Schools and Neighbors Federal Credit Union. This year’s Teachers of the Year are Southdowns Elementary School pre-kindergarten teacher Carla T. Theriot, Valley Park Alternative School math teacher Cecelia Pelichet Perkins and Capitol High School Pre-college Academy for Girls Spanish teacher Sarah Harris.
 

In background, from left, are Kathi Gill, CEO/president of Neighbors FCU, Joni Herrmann, Neighbors FCU Public Relations officer and Mayor-President Kip Holden.

Neighbors Federal Credit Union was proud to continue our support of the Boy Scouts Champions program in Baton Rouge. This special needs program teaches youth with mental disabilities/challenges the life skills they need to achieve self-sufficiency. Students enjoyed fishing, fire safety drills, team games and other social events at Camp Waddell.
 

Darlene Shingleur, Neighbors FCU Business Development officer, stands with Belinda Fluker of the Istrouma Area Boy Scouts and Mrs. Boozer, a dedicated camp volunteer.

Employees pose for a quick photo before walking the 5K March for Babies in Livingston Parish.

Neighbors FCU employees were on hand to participate in the Baton Rouge March of Dimes March for Babies event. Staff members arrived early to help set up for the event, hand out drinks and distribute shirts to the thousands of participants! Neighbors branches have also been raising funds for this important cause all year long. The proceeds will support lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy that help babies get a healthy start.
 

Employees pose for a quick photo before walking the 5K March for Babies in Baton Rouge.

The Management and Board of Directors of Neighbors FCU were proud to honor the Denham Springs Branch staff for achieving Branch of the Year status for 2007! “As a team, we accomplished many of our goals and it took team effort to get there,” commented Jean Floyd, SVP – Branch Administration. The winner was chosen based on goals met, community service and involvement and training events attended. A trophy will be housed at the branch during the year while all branches compete for it in 2008. The Denham staff was also treated to a limo ride to dinner at their restaurant of choice.
 

Kathi Gill, CEO, and Jean Floyd, SVP-Branch Administration stand
 with the management and staff of the Denham Springs Branch and their trophy.

In appreciation for the years of service to the American Cancer Society and unyielding participation in their fundraising efforts, Neighbors FCU was presented an award at their recent Recognition Banquet. “Truly going above and beyond and willing to get involved is a great way to describe the employees of our next honorees. They are sponsors, teams and committee members for several Relay for Life events in our market area. In addition, they were partners on our first annual Jamaica Me Crazy event last year. Always good neighbors to ACS!” commented the emcee at the banquet.
 

In continuation of our Annual Meeting theme of “Growing Green,” Neighbors FCU presented Baton Rouge Green with more than 100 long-leaf pine tree saplings. The saplings will be planted in a nursery until they are strong enough to join the thousands of other trees and shrubs in and around Baton Rouge, as part of Baton Rouge Green’s commitment to help Baton Rouge area citizens better understand, preserve, plant & maintain trees & forests as an important community resource.
 

Neighbors FCU held its 54th Annual Business Meeting on March 18th at Christian Life Academy. With a theme of “Growing Green,” this year’s Annual Meeting was a big success.

Boar incumbents Dr. Jacqueline Lewis, Andrew Redmond and Bill Robbins were re-elected to the Neighbors Board of Directors by acclamation. Mr. Norman Thompson was honored for his many years of service to the credit union and Mrs. Kathi Gill was welcomed as our new President and CEO.
 

Baton Rouge Area Credit Unions recently hosted the 5th Annual Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament. Neighbors Federal Credit Union, Campus Federal and Pelican State Credit Unions sponsored the 2008 tournament at the Greystone Golf Course. Proceeds from this tournament benefit Habitat for Humanity, which helps build homes for needy and deserving families.

The 2008 5th Annual Baton Rouge Area Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament was a huge success. The Credit Unions appreciate everyone’s participation and look forward to planning next year’s event benefiting area charities.

Kathi Gill, Neighbors President and CEO, and Charlotte Placide, Superintendent of East Baton Rouge Parish School System, congratulate the winners of the 2007 Student of the Year Awards. Neighbors FCU is a proud sponsor of the Student of the Year Awards.

Kathi Gill, President and CEO, Joni Herrmann, Public Relations Officer, and Bishop Robert Muench recently presented the winners of the Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year and Diocesan Priest of the Year. Neighbors FCU has been a strong supporter of the Catholic Diocese and School System for years in the Baton Rouge area, and are proud to award these deserving recipients.
 

Neighbors FCU employees were on hand at Kenilworth Middle School’s Career Day to educate our youth about career paths in finance and other fields. In addition to talking to the students about the importance of education, we informed them about scholarship opportunities from the CU, part-time jobs we offer to students while in school and much more.

Hope Outdoors is a non-profit Christian outdoor ministry that grants wishes to the physically challenged to go on the hunting trip of a lifetime. This year’s hunt was held at Blackhawk Plantation and included five hunters as well as their families. Neighbors FCU was proud to help make their dreams come true.

Neighbors Federal Credit Union and WAFB recently teamed up for an amazing Getaway Giveaway to send one lucky winner and a guest (2 tickets) to see the Tigers in action at the Superdome. The Championship Sized Prize Package included Limousine Service from Baton Rouge to the big game, Dinner for Two at Riche’s Restaurant in New Orleans and $250 in spending cash! The total value was over $5,000. Neighbors randomly pulled an entry from over 20,000 online and paper entry forms. Mrs. Kathi Gill, Executive Vice President for Neighbors FCU drew the name of Mr. Kevin Vidrine of Baton Rouge as the grand-prize winner! Along with his girlfriend, they were presented the winnings in a presentation at Neighbors’ Perkins Road branch on January 4.

On December 8, approximately 150 families came to our Denham Springs branch to take pictures with Santa Claus and enjoy jambalaya and Coke prior to the Denham Springs Christmas Parade. The event was enjoyed by all, especially the children in attendance. As part of the festivities, we enjoyed Christmas music, balloons and gave away a $100 gift card. We hope you will make it out next year!

Neighbors recently sponsored the Livingston Drug Free Program and provided t-shirts to all the students and faculty in attendance. The top 300 students from Livingston Parish high and middle schools were invited to be educated on identifying drug abuse and peer pressure. They will use what they learned to train and mentor their fellow students upon returning to their individual schools. A national speaker was brought in to give a personal testament of peer pressure and drug abuse that really hit home with the students.

Again this year, Neighbors Federal Credit Union was proud to sponsor the Boy Scouts Champions program in Baton Rouge. This special needs program teaches youth with mental disabilities/challenges the life skills they need to achieve self-sufficiency. On this particular day, the group went out to Camp Waddell to learn to fish and practice other outdoor skills.

Escorted by hundreds of motorcycles, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall arrived in Central, LA. Etched with the names of more than 58,000 service-members who died or are listed as missing, the wall honors all veterans and is dedicated to Vietnam veterans. The wall, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., travels to communities throughout the nation to give those unable to visit the original wall an opportunity to experience it. Neighbors was on hand in Central to provide jambalaya dinners for the over 500 participants of the Central Vietnam Memorial Wall at Zoar Baptist Church. The participants included Freedom rider motorcyclists, Vietnam Veterans, dignitaries and their families.

Neighbors recently joined other business partners in the Livingston area for the Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Greystone Country Club. Event proceeds will assist the Chamber in implementing their community activities for the coming year.

Neighbors was on hand to lend support to the Zachary Community March of Dimes WalkAmerica. Neighbors employees from the Zachary branch and main office participated to raise funds for this important cause. This year’s Walk raised over $37,000! The proceeds will support lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy that help babies get a healthy start.

Neighbors recently joined our fellow business partners in the town of Central for the Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the event benefit the city of Central.

Neighbors was proud to nominate Kathi Gill as our 24K Lady. Kathi works tirelessly not only encouraging involvement from the Neighbors staff in our many worthwhile events, she motivates through her own participation. She is truly a believer in leading through example and that’s why Neighbors is proud to nominate her for our “24 Karat Lady”. Thank You Mrs. Gill from all of us!

Neighbors employees participated in the Alzheimer’s Services Walk to Remember. This year, the Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area raised $120,000 from walker sponsorships. The total combined with corporate partners came to $240,000. This is a $30,000 increase over 2006 walk numbers. The money raised will provide education and support services to memory impaired individuals, as well as caregivers and professionals in the local area. Alzheimer’s Services also works to enhance community awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Neighbors was proud to participate in The Salvation Army Golf Tournament.

Proceeds will benefit the construction of the new Community Center & Women’s Shelter in Baton Rouge .

The tournament raised $30,000 and all monies will remain in the Baton Rouge community.

West Baton Rouge, Teacher of the Year 2007
September 2007
 
Neighbors Federal Credit Union sponsored the West Baton Rouge Parish 2007 Teachers of the Year Reception on Tuesday, September 26, 2007.  It was held at Brian’s Furniture in downtown Port Allen.  Each winner was presented a monetary gift card from Neighbors.  They also received a bag full of gifts and coupons from area businesses as a gesture of their support to them for all they do for the students in West Baton Rouge Parish.  This event was held in conjunction with the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce.  

Pictured left to right are: Teacher of the Year: Gale Jones (Port Allen Middle), Sharon Nettles (Cohn Elementary) Renita Harrison (Brusly High School) and Joni Hermann, Neighbors FCU. 

Kathi Gill, Executive Vice President of Neighbors Federal Credit Union, was named the 2007 Southwest CUNA Management School Alumnus of the Year.  Originally recognized in Dallas , Texas , she received further recognition at the Louisiana Credit Union League Convention recently held in New Orleans , LA.   This leadership award recognizes an alumnus who has remained actively involved in the organization and the credit union movement on a local and national level.  Kathi graduated from the Management School in 1984 and has been employed with Neighbors for over 26 years.  “We appreciate Kathi’s efforts not only at our Credit Union, but her continued commitment and dedication to the credit union industry ”, states Norman Thompson , President and CEO of Neighbors Federal  “ Credit unions were formed as people helping people organizations.  Ms. Gill represents us well and has been a wealth of knowledge and support to up and coming credit union executives.”
  

Darlene Shingleur, Business Development Officer for Neighbors FCU was named Outstanding Coordinator of 2006 for the United Way .  She was presented this award by Jennifer Sentilles of the Capital United Way at a recent Board Meeting at Neighbors Federal Credit Union.  Darlene coordinated the Membership Campaign for Neighbors Federal Credit and received this honor out of 198 other financial institutions.  “This was Darlene’s first year to coordinate our United Way ”, states Norman Thompson , President and CEO of Neighbors Federal.  “We are proud of our employees’ participation and for Ms. Shingleur’s work in making the campaign a success.”   Neighbors Federal supports the United Way in their efforts to serve those in need in the Greater Baton Rouge Area.
  

In partnership with Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS), Neighbors Federal Credit Union was proud to sponsor the 2007 East Baton Rouge Teachers of the Year Recognition Ceremony.  This was held recently at the Instructional Resource Center next to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board office.  Over 300 people were in attendance. 

All teachers nominated for Teacher of the Year were invited to attend.  The eleven finalists were presented and the three winners were announced by Norman Thompson , President and CEO of Neighbors Federal.  “It is with pride that our Credit Union has served the educational community since 1954.  We salute all teachers for their commitment and dedication to education”, states Mr. Thompson. “Our children deserve the very best and so do our teachers.  They work hard to prepare their students to be our future, our workforce for tomorrow.” 

The Credit Union presented monetary appreciation gifts to the Elementary Teacher of the Year: Joy Hammatt, Westdale Academic Magnet; Middle School Teacher of the Year: Emily Compton, Park Forest Middle School ; and High School Teacher of the Year: Susan Snowbarger, Northdale Academy . 
 

Team Neighbors was there to lend a hand to the newly-formed Central School District by freshening up Bellingrath Hills Elementary School . Employees shared a day of fun and hard work to give back to a wonderful community.
  

Neighbors FCU was proud to present the American Cancer Society with a check for $5,500. The money will be used for the First Annual “ Jamaica Me Crazy” event to benefit the Relay for Life events of Baton Rouge . The money will be used to eliminate cancer through research, education, advocacy and service programs.

Neighbors FCU was honored to be able to present the McMains Children’s Developmental Center with a $1,000. sponsorship of “Red Nose Day”. Red Nose Day has raised over $37,000 for services provided to children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays and disabilities.

Neighbors FCU was awarded 3 honors at the March of Dimes Sponsor Appreciation Banquet. The Horizon Award was presented by Darien Chustz, the March of Dimes Board Chair, for the highest dollar amount raised by a new team.

Peace Officer of the Year
May 2007  

Neighbors FCU was proud to be a sponsor of the Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament as well as a participant in the Kiwanis Peace Officer of the Year Presentation held in honor of Livingston Parish police and deputies.

Neighbors FCU celebrated National Youth Savings Week with the live appearance of Hollywood Hal and Rhinestone Al on Saturday, April 28^th.  Hollywood Hal and Rhinestone Al are the latest children’s attraction that promotes the values of sharing, love, manners, kindness, responsibility, obedience to parents and consideration of others.  Hollywood Hal and Rhinestone Al along with the “Wannabes” helped to reinforce basic character building blocks in children’s lives to encourage them not to ever give up on their dreams. Hal and Al’s purpose is not only to entertain, but to inspire and encourage children to learn.  This event celebrated the week long awareness campaign that stresses the importance of youth financial literacy and savings.  Hollywood Hal and Rhinestone Al celebrated with over 300 participants.  Many of the children opened their first youth savings account using coins they had collected.  This was made simple through the use of the automated coin counter at the Neighbors Perkins Branch in Baton Rouge .  The grand event featured a giant 80 foot rock climbing wall, space walks, dunking booth, train rides and action packed games with a great time being had by all.  There was also free pizza, jambalaya, hot dogs, pop corn and plenty of cokes and other refreshments.  All participants received a free Hal and Al t-shirt that they could color using special t-shirt markers.  Each child also received a Hal and Al $5 bill to open their new savings account.  In addition, each child that opened a youth savings account also received a free Hal and Al CD, a $20 value. Neighbors FCU has teamed up with Hollywood Hal and Rhinestone Al to help teach kids the importance of saving and managing money.  Our goal is to teach kids skills at an early age, hopefully preventing common financial traps facing teenagers and adults. 

Baton Rouge Area Credit Unions recently hosted the 4^th Annual Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament.  Campus Federal, Pelican State and Neighbors Federal Credit Unions sponsored the 2007 tournament at the Pelican Point Golf Course.  Proceeds from this tournament benefit the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes and Senior Rx.  Participants were able to enjoy a premier golf course while networking with community members, friends and clients.  Over $16,500 was raised.  Each of the co-sponsoring credit unions were able to donate over $5,500 to their favorite charity. 

The 2007 4^th Annual Baton Rouge Area Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament was a huge success. The Credit Unions appreciate everyone’s participation and look forward to planning next year’s event benefiting area charities.

Photo: from left to right:  Jeff Conrad, president and CEO of Pelican State 
Credit Union; Kathi Gill, Executive Vice President – Neighbors FCU, Leslie 
Keen, people choice, Duz Hamilton, Executive Vice President, Campus FCU

Howard Drury of Walker, Louisiana was the Big Winner of Neighbors FCU Big Return Sweepstake on Channel 9.  Howard was one of over 2,500 entries that registered online at wafb.com for a chance to win the grand prize, a fully loaded Toyota Tundra  or Hybrid car from Team Toyota.  Neighbors Federal Credit Union was the title sponsor of  WAFB’s Big Return Sweepstakes in which anyone could go online to wafb.com and register to win one of  the vehicles as well as many other prizes. The month long Big Return Sweepstakes featured several ways in which contestants could win.  The Grand Prize would be awarded if the opening kickoff of the Super Bowl  XLI between the Bears and the Colts was returned for a touchdown. The odds of this were several million to one, and this was the first time in the 41 year Super Bowl history that an opening kickoff was returned   for a touchdown.  The other prizes were based on a fumbled being returned for a touchdown as well and any scoring drive.   Prizes that were  also  given away were a big screen TV from Olindes, $100 gas card from US Agencies and fitness memberships from Bally’s as well as many others prizes.  Mr. Thompson, President and CEO of Neighbors stated “I am very excited that Mr. Drury won the Toyota Truck.  It’s one of the many ways Neighbors is giving back to the community that has been so good to us.”  Howard’s wife LaNette and their 12 year old son Austin were on hand as the truck was awarded. Howard Drury picked up his new Toyota Tundra on Valentines Day and stated, “I couldn’t have gotten a greater gift.  I never in my wildest dreams believed I would have won”.  “My family and I want to thank Neighbors Federal Credit Union, WAFB and Team Toyota!”

Photo:  From Left to Right
Norman Thompson , President and CEO of Neighbors FCU 
Howard Drury of Walker - Grand Prize Winner of the $30,000 Toyota Tundra
Robert Smith, Sales Manager – Team Toyota

The staff of Neighbors Federal Credit Union answered the request of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank by collecting non-perishable items. The food bank was in dire need of meeting the need in our community. The staff wanted to reach as many needy members of the community as possible this holiday season. All seven locations filled the barrels and more with canned goods, pasta, and other necessary food items. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank provides food to more than 100 charitable agencies operating food pantries, shelters and the like, while serving eleven parishes in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Thanks to the generosity of its staff and donations from members, Neighbors was able to contribute over 4000 pounds of food items! " We feel it is our duty to give back to the community. Participating in this food drive really exemplified the true meaning of the holiday season. We salute our staff and members for their generosity and support throughout the year and especially during this time when the need was so great", expressed Norman Thompson, President and CEO.

There is a new enthusiasm in north Baton Rouge and Neighbors Federal Credit Union is proud to be a part of it.  Neighbors opened its newest branch at Howell Place, a new business park development off Harding Boulevard near the Baton Rouge Metropolitan airport.  Neighbors is located at 7800 Howell Place Boulevard, across from the Greater Baton Rouge Surgical Hospital. “We are proud to be a part of the bright future of this

Community,” said Norman Thompson, President and CEO, Neighbors Federal Credit union.  “We already serve thousands of members in this area, and are most pleased to bring them the added convenience of this full-service branch, “he added.  This new facility features more than 5,300 square feet of service area, including four drive-through lanes and an additional drive-through ATM.  Safe deposit boxes, coin-Counting machine, children’s play area, private loan and new account offices and on-line banking stations are also available to accommodate members’ needs.

Crump and Wilson architects designed the branch with Grand Construction completing the construction process.  As healthy growth continues, Neighbors anticipates opening its next branch in Ascension Parish. Providing financial services to the Baton Rouge area since 1954, neighbors serves over 46,000 members and has over $300 million in assets.

Councilman Ulysses Addison joined Norman Thompson, officials and staff for the ribbon cutting ceremony of this seventh location.  Mr. Thompson addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for their support of neighbors and for their commitment to the north Baton Rouge community.  The ribbon was officially cut by Mr. Thompson; Melanie Brunson, Board Chair; and Joni Holaway, Branch Manager.  Mr. Edgar Jackson was the first member served at the Howell Place Branch.

Pictured left to right: Mike Wilson, crump and Wilson architects; Stephen Mathews, Chief Financial Officer, Neighbors FCU; Roslyn Hawkins, Assistant Branch Manager; Joni Holaway, Branch Manager;  Norman Thompson, President and CEO, Neighbors FCU; Melanie Brunson, Neighbors Board Chair; Kathi Gill, Executive Vice President, Neighbors FCU; Councilman Ulysses Addison; Richard Preis, Developer; Mike Grand, Grand Construction Company.

Baton Rouge area credit unions unite for donations
December 2006

Following the “people helping people” Philosophy, Baton Rouge area credit unions united to make area children’s holidays a bit merrier.  At their annual Christmas social at Drusilla seafood restaurant, they cover 100 toys to be distributed through the “Toys for Tots” program.  “’tis the season for giving and what better way than to help our marines bring joy to needy children in our community,” said Kathi Gill, Executive Vice President.  Area credit unions and the marines….a winning combination for this holiday season. 

Pictured left to right: Steve Webb and Kathi Gill, Neighbors FCU, Cora Pania, SAIF FCU And Eldridge Ettienne, Southern Teachers and Parents FCU.
 

Neighbor Employees Biggest Contributor to United Way Fund Drive
December 2006

The capital area united way serves the ten parish area and Joins donors and volunteers to make a difference in our community.  Neighbor’s Federal Credit union is proud to join this worthy effort and announce its staff raised $6,700.  This donation was the top one received over all the credit unions in the ten parish area.  A check was presented to Mr. Pete Stickney, capital area united way at a recent staff meeting. 

Pictured left to right:  Norman Thompson, President and CEO; Darlene Shingleur, Business Development Officer; Kathi Gill, Executive Vice President; and Pete Stickney, Campaign Vice President, Capital Area United Way.