CU*Answers announced today the completion of the second round of the CU*Answers Innovator Investment & Grant Program.  For the 2012 program, 10 entries were received, which were narrowed down to 4 finalists, and each of the finalists gave a presentation at the CEO Roundtable in November.  At their January meeting, the CU*Answers Board reviewed ballots submitted by audience members, and after deliberation voted to award the following grant monies:

Jenny Bickel, Frankenmuth CU in Frankenmuth, MI:  $5,000 for their “Field of Dreams” project

Renee Maeder, Best Advantage CU in Brillion, WI:  $5,500 for their “Flix in the Sticks” project

Annie Lepper, Superior Choice CU in Superior, WI:  $5,000 for their “Great Debt Pay Down” project

Randy Karnes, CU*Answers CEO, said, “CU*Answers is excited to be investing a total of $15,500 toward new businesses or projects that will benefit communities and credit union members.”  In addition, all four of the credit unions who presented at this year’s event will be receiving a new Microsoft Surface tablet as a special thank you for participating.  CU*Answers will be announcing the 2013 Innovator Investment & Grant Program in the next few months to continue to foster innovation throughout the network and inspire new ideas for all its credit unions.