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Kim Sponem Honored For Community And Female Empowerment Efforts In Wisconsin

March 19, 2019 Summit Credit Union CEO and President recognized by WAFCS and The Business ForumMADISON, Wis.— Summit Credit Union CEO & President Kim Sponem was recognized by two Wisconsin organizations last week for her statewide efforts around community leadership and female empowerment. Sponem received the Wisconsin Friend of the Family Award by the Wisconsin Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (WAFCS) and was nominated for The Business Forum’s annual ATHENA award.“At Summit Credit Union, we recognize the unique needs and desires of women and their families,” said Sponem. “I am proud of the many ways we incorporate just in time financial education and programs that make a real impact for families. Women are much more likely to end up in poverty than men. We have worked with thousands in our communities building stronger financial lives.”Sponem was presented the Wisconsin Friend of the Family Award for demonstrating outstanding service in advancing public policy and advocacy to support families in Wisconsin. Through her service, she personifies the WAFCS mission of helping area individuals, families and communities achieve a better quality of life.Presented by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities worldwide, the ATHENA award is given to individuals who exemplify excellence and leadership in their profession. Sponem was nominated for The Business Forum’s annual ATHENA award in recognition of her efforts to help women realize their full leadership potential.As Summit Credit Union’s CEO & President since 2002, Sponem has helped the financial cooperative grow from $200 million to $3.3 billion in assets, while expanding its footprint from four locations to nearly 40 across southern Wisconsin.Under Sponem’s leadership, Summit has won dozens of awards recognizing its community service, including the Philanthropy Award for Outstanding Business and three Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards. In 2018 Sponem received the Edgewood College Alumni Award for Ethical Leadership and Outstanding Service and was recently named one of Madison’s 25 Most Influential People by In Business Magazine. You might also be interested in Summit Credit Union named Top Workplace in Madison, Milwaukee, and U.S., recognized for strong culture, engagement, and employee benefits... Summit Credit Union helps Wisconsin families achieve homeownership with up to $10K in down payment assistance... Summit Credit Union’s President and CEO Kim Sponem was recently featured on the Women of Community Banking podcast... Summit welcomed thousands of members and their families to Warner Park for its annual Summit Fest, blending its official Annual Meeting of the Membership... Summit Credit Union names Mike McCoy Chief Commercial Officer to advance commercial banking and support Wisconsin businesses... With $87 million in member benefits, Summit Credit Union remains the nation’s #1 credit union for Return of the Member... Summit Credit Union partners with LOVB Madison Volleyball to empower women athletes and advance equity in sports and finance... Kim Sponem calls for equitable pay practices, warning that lifetime pay gaps leave women at greater risk of retirement insecurity... Summit Credit Union earns the #1 national Return of the Member ranking again, highlighting its strong member value and financial impact...