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Winners of the NAFCU/PAC 2016 White Hat Award and Credit Union Challenge Awards were announced Friday during the association's50th Annual Conference and Solutions Expoin Honolulu.

"These winners have worked tirelessly to ensure the credit union industry maintains an effective, strong voice before Congress," said NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger. "We are delighted to recognize the achievements of these dedicated credit unions and industry professionals."

The White Hat Award is given to the NAFCU member credit union that raised the most money for NAFCU/PAC in the previous year. This year's winner is Members 1st Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa. This is the 13th time that Members 1st FCU, led by credit union president and CEO and former NAFCU Board member Bob Marquette, has won the award.

"Through exceptionally steadfast efforts and successful political fundraising efforts, Members 1st FCU and Mr. Marquette have demonstrated their extraordinary commitment to the credit union industry," said Berger. "Their accomplishments go a long way toward ensuring that the good work of credit unions is resonating through the halls of Congress."

Three credit unions won the Credit Union Challenge Award for raising the most money in direct individual contributions for NAFCU/PAC within their respective asset categories in 2016.

The winners are:

• Central Virginia Federal Credit Union in Lynchburg, Va. (less than $250 million in assets);
• Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union in Pensacola, Fla. ($250 million to $750 million in assets); and
• Visions Federal Credit Union in Endwell, N.Y. (greater than $750 million in assets).

President and CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union, Ty Muse, won the individual Challenge Award, which goes to the person who contributed the most to NAFCU/PAC in the previous year. In addition to his direct contribution, Muse helped lead his credit union to the Challenge victory through his support of Visions FCU staff and by impressing upon them the importance of participating in the political process.

Next year's Annual Conference and Solutions Expo is scheduled June 19-22 in Seattle;stay posted.