MADISON, Wis. – Nominations are being sought for the CUNA Operations, Sales and Service (OpSS) Council’s Best Practices Awards, recognizing innovative solutions that optimize credit union performance.

One winning CUNA-affiliated credit union will be chosen without regard to asset size, based on strategy, process, application, and results in each of the following four categories:

• Sales and service management – Includes innovative approaches to create and cultivate a sales culture, unique sales coaching or incentive programs, or staff sales tools designed for selling and customer relationship management.
• Branch design – Looks at the non-traditional elements used in the development of new/remodeled branch facilities that will enhance member service.
• Call/contact center – Seeks outstanding performance and excellence in call center operations.
• Operational efficiency and productivity – Highlights tactics to increase expense control, improve productivity, and to provide measurable member benefits.

Entries for these awards must be received no later than July 30. Descriptions and entry forms are available online at www.cunaopsscouncil.org; select the “Best Practices Awards” link contained in the “Events” pull down menu.

Winners will be officially announced during the council’s 12^th annual conference, Sept. 27-30, in San Diego. The winners are required to be present and deliver a short PowerPoint presentation summarizing their entries and will receive a complimentary conference registration.

For more information on entry procedures, contact CUNA’s Bobbi Bischke, at (800) 356-9655, ext. 4018, or by e-mail at bbischke@cuna.coop.

General questions pertaining to the Best Practices awards should be directed to Keith Kauffeld, vice president of operations for Air Academy FCU in Colorado Springs, Colo., at (719) 592-1006, or by e-mail at keith@aafcu.com.