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.
  

Neighbors Federal Salutes EBR Teachers of the Year
August 2007

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.
  

The 17th Annual Baton Rouge Parents Magazine’s “Cover Kids” Event had a special guest this year.  “Nate The Squirrel,” Neighbors FCU’s lovable mascot made his first public appearance at the Baton Rouge River Center.   

The unveiling of Nate was a resounding success as he posed for pictures with area children, distributed educational materials, and generally caused a ruckus everywhere he went.

Pictured:  Nate the Squirrel, Aundriel Potier 

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.

Pictured:  Cindy Dedeaux, Karen Thompson 

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 on April 28th
April 2007

Neighbors FCU celebrated National Youth Savings Week with the live appearance of Hollywood Hal and Rhinestone Al on Saturday, April 28th.  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 4th 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 4th 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

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.

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.
 

Neighbors FCU employees were on hand to participate in the East Baton Rouge American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. Staff members arrived early to help set up for the event, served dinner at the Survivor’s Dinner, helped to count money and stayed all night helping to raise money for this worthy cause! Proceeds will support American Cancer Society’s efforts to eradicate cancer and educate those afflicted.

 

Neighbors FCU employees take a break for a photo amidst working the ACS Relay for Life event in East Baton Rouge.

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.