NuMark Credit Union (NuMark), serving the communities of Northern Illinois, is proud to announce they received the 2026 Outstanding Credit Union Award in the over $500 million asset size category from the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL). The award was given to representatives of the credit union at the ICUL’s Annual Convention’s Chairperson’s Celebration and Awards Reception on Friday, October 23.
This year, the ICUL changed the formatting of the awards that are given at every convention, and created the Outstanding Credit Union Award, which is a combination of three former awards: the Louise Herring Philosophy in Action, the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service, and the Desjardin Financial Education awards. For this year’s award, those three former awards instead became the three sections of the nomination, allowing nominees to really show just how much their credit unions do throughout the year to serve their members and communities.
“We are truly honored to receive this award because it recognizes the hard work of our staff and board, who care deeply about our members, our communities, and the credit union movement,” said Michelle Balog, NuMark’s President & CEO. “We are dedicated to living our purpose to enrich financial lives. Our staff and board work hard for our members while also volunteering at community events and leading financial wellness initiatives. Many support credit union advocacy and serve in leadership roles within community service organizations. I am incredibly proud of all we do together to make a difference.”
At the heart of the Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award is the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” and the belief that credit unions should help improve lives and create greater economic opportunity for all. NuMark shared how its enhanced digital banking platform puts that philosophy into action by giving members more than convenient access to their accounts. With financial wellness tools such as credit score monitoring and expanded card controls and security, the platform helps members feel more informed and empowered in managing their finances. More than 44,000 members have enrolled in the new platform since its launch.
The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service section gave NuMark the opportunity to celebrate the people behind its commitment to the community. During CU Kind Day 2025, NuMark staff came together to give back, dividing into five groups to support the Bridge Teen Center in Tinley Park, Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, St. Patrick Food Pantry in Amboy, Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, and United Way of Will County’s Diaper Depot. These organizations were chosen because of the important work they do within NuMark’s communities and their connection to the credit union’s mission and values. Together, employees turned one day of service into an opportunity to enrich financial lives across the communities NuMark calls home.
For the Desjardins Financial Education Award section, NuMark showcased its Financial Empowerment Workshop at CityPoint Community Church in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The second in an ongoing series, the workshop brought together more than 100 adults and youth from the congregation for an opportunity to learn directly from NuMark experts about topics ranging from budgeting basics to getting out of debt. More than simply sharing financial information, the workshop was designed to give attendees practical knowledge they could use to feel more confident and empowered in their financial lives. The event also helped deepen NuMark’s partnership with CityPoint, laying the foundation for additional financial education opportunities in the future.
As a credit union, serving and enriching the financial lives of the surrounding communities is at the forefront of everything NuMark does. Whether assisting members in branch to help them stay on track to reach their financial goals or supporting local organizations through volunteering or fundraising, NuMark’s staff is always ready to lend a hand to help others. NuMark’s continued dedication to the surrounding communities of the credit union is a prime example of what the credit union movement is all about, and this award is a reflection of how those efforts positively impact the people that NuMark serves every day.
About NuMark Credit Union
NuMark Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that has been serving those who live or work in Northeastern Illinois and Northwest Indiana for over 70 years. See NuMark Credit Union for auto loans, mortgages, checking accounts, business services and more.
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For more information call (815) 729-3211 or visit numarkcu.org.