Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run Nurtures Cooperative Nature of Credit Union Industry

Capitol Hill Run Publicizes Industry, Draws Upon Credit Union Sponsorships for Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 4, 2008 – One of the key strengths of credit unions is their ability to work together. The annual Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run® showcases this cooperative culture as credit unions across the nation provide financial sponsorships and supply the thousands of volunteers needed for this major event.
This run through the streets of the nation’s capital is an important unifying force in the industry and has gained support from all credit union trade associations. The event’s 36-year history, high visibility and scenic beauty draws more than 12,000 runners, including hundreds of influential legislators and staffers. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run represents an important opportunity to gain awareness for this industry on Capitol HiIl, while proceeds from the event are donated to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN).

“Sponsoring this respected charitable event is an excellent way to command favorable attention for credit unions among legislators,” notes Jim Blaine, President, State Employees Credit Union, Raleigh, North Carolina. “This run is also an excellent way for credit unions to be recognized in their local communities for their charitable efforts. I would urge credit unions in all states to make a financial contribution so that we can maximize the impact of this event for our industry and help children’s hospitals across the country.”

The 2007 event included 123 credit unions and raised over $500,000 for hospitals in 19 states. The goal this year is to involve more credit unions and raise $1 million for hospitals in all 50 states through increased contributions from credit unions nationwide.
Credit unions can make donations at www.miracleday.org. A variety of marketing materials are also available at this web site.

The event’s donation to CMN hospitals earns favorable national media coverage, while simultaneously creating local publicity opportunities. This local recognition is earned because each credit union’s donations come back to benefit their community. Donations are tracked by zip codes and given to the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.

“PSCU Financial Services is helping to cover the administrative costs of the title sponsorship, so that every donation can be credited directly to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in local communities across the country,” said David J. Serlo, President and CEO, PSCU Financial Services. “Our cooperative is also working to expand participation and heighten awareness for this premier credit union industry national event.”

Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., is a partnership of credit unions and partner organizations nationwide that have joined together to support Children's Miracle Network and its affiliated children's hospitals by sponsoring the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, which will be held in Washington, D.C. on April 6.

About PSCU Financial Services

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, PSCU Financial Services is the nation's largest credit union service organization (CUSO) and serves more than 1,100 financial institutions nationwide. As a non-profit cooperative, the company is owned by more than 500 member credit unions representing over 11 million cardholder accounts and more than 470,000 online bill payment subscribers. Its Contact Center handles more than 12 million inquiries a year. PSCU Financial Services maintains an Eastern operations center in St. Petersburg, Florida, and a Western operations center based in Phoenix, Arizona. The cooperative’s wholly owned subsidiary, Digital Dialogue, operates two 24/7 call centers in Detroit, Mich., that specialize in member services, new member acquisition, cross-selling and automated lending solutions.

Established in 1977, the company provides a broad array of cost-effective, high quality financial services that include credit, debit, ATM, prepaid bill payment and contact center solutions. PSCU Financial Services uniquely offers its members a full range of processing options, any combination from full service to in-house pass through processing for credit, debit and ATM transactions. As the leader in the credit union industry, the company offers gateway access to national and regional networks. It also provides full function ATM terminal driving services. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.pscufs.com.

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