BrightStar Credit Union Receives Business Recognition Award From Florida Education Commissioner

Sunrise, FL – June 5, 2007 – BrightStar Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in South Florida with more than 36,000 members, has received the ‘Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award’ from Florida Education Commissioner Jeanine Blomberg for its partnership with Broward County Public Schools. The award, which recognizes companies for their commitment to improving academic performance in Florida, is presented in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation.

“This award is especially important to us because it celebrates our long history with Broward County Schools,” said Raffael Crockett, President and CEO of BrightStar Credit Union.  Founded originally as Broward Schools Credit Union, BrightStar Credit Union has strong ties to Broward County Schools, their teachers and students.

In 2006, BrightStar Credit Union was named the 2006 District Partner of the Year by Broward County Public Schools for its numerous partnerships with Broward’s school system. Middle school students in 44 schools have participated in a series of eight Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Fieldtrips funded by the credit union.  The program brings history alive for thousands of students and gives schools lifetime taping rights to videos, so they can build their own American History library.

Helping Broward Schools recognize excellence in school administrators, teachers, students, mentors and volunteers is BrightStar Credit Union’s mission.  The credit union provides financial and in-kind support for many of the District’s recognition activities. BrightStar Credit Union also assists the Broward Education Foundation attain its goals of providing resources for students and teachers – including support for Impact II teacher grants, BRACE scholarships and the end of the year School Employee Appreciation event.

Working with Broward Schools, BrightStar Credit Union provides instructional support by offering National Endowment for Financial Education High School Financial Planning Program materials and financial literacy seminars for both students and faculty.  In addition, BrightStar Credit Union partners with several schools throughout the District, participates in about 20 career days per year, and hosts an annual International Credit Union Week Art Contest with cash prizes going to winning entries and their schools.  They also include articles about Broward County Public Schools in their member newsletter and maintain special sections for teachers and students on its website.

BrightStar Credit Union is a non-profit, member-owned cooperative with more than 36,000 members in South Florida.  With a total of six branch locations in Broward County, BrightStar Receives Commissioners Business Recognition Award
BrightStar offers a variety of financial services including checking and savings accounts, personal, home equity and mortgage loans and investments and insurance. For more information, visit www.bscu.org.