Big Sky Credit Union scoops the pool in national awards

18 October 2006

Big Sky Credit Union has beaten credit unions and building societies from across Australia to win two national awards for innovation and outstanding leadership.

Big Sky's Visa credit card with cash rewards received the Innovation Award for being a unique solution designed specifically to meet the needs of its members, particularly those living in remote locations. Big Sky’s Marketing Manager, Brian Jacobs, has been named as the Industry’s Emerging Leader, recognising outstanding leadership among those under 35 years-of-age.

The awards were announced at the Abacus – Australian Mutuals Convention in Perth today, attended by over 850 representatives from credit unions and mutual building societies from across Australia.

In announcing the awards, Abacus General Manager Adrian Lovney, said the fact that Big Sky has won two of the three industry awards this year says something about the culture of the credit union which has branches in Melbourne, Noble Park, Hastings, Pinkenba, Moranbah, Roxby Downs, Kwinana, South Hedland and Newman.

Big Sky CEO, Tony Ryan, said the Visa cash rewards scheme is unique to Big Sky. At the end of each month, points earned are automatically converted to cash and credited to a savings account. These funds are then immediately available for members to transact with.

"We developed the program in response to comments from our members that they wanted a loyalty program they could use," Mr Ryan said.

"Many had accumulated frequent flyer points through business, and said that other loyalty schemes relied on the cardholder living or working near participating stores.

"But a significant group of Big Sky's members live in rural and remote areas, so we were determined to find a better way to rewards their loyalty and to give our members a tangible benefit they could use every day."

Mr Ryan said Big Sky was especially proud of Brian Jacobs, and his recognition as the industry’s Emerging Leader.

"Brian has been with Big Sky for three years and has brought with him a unique understanding of the needs of our younger members, and well as an energetic approach to communicating with and responding to the needs of all members."

As part of his prize, sponsored by Bridges, one of Australia's leading financial planning groups, Brian will attend the International Financial Planners conference in the United States next year.

Photographs are available of both Mr Ryan and Mr Jacobs receiving their awards.

For more information:

For a full list of Abacus members around Australia go to www.abacus.org.au