Last evening, I found myself perusing the various television streaming services in hopes of finding a science fiction movie that I have yet to see. It was a welcome surprise when I came across a film called Men in Black. I’m honestly unsure how this one didn’t hit my radar sooner. Nevertheless, it made for a welcome addition to my sci-fi “Favorites” list with a solid cast featuring a couple of my favorite Earth actors, Tommy Lee Jones and Rip Torn. Their subtle dry humor kept me laughing all night.
One series of scenes that I really enjoyed was when the Men in Black prospects were brought in to see if they would be suitable additions to the organization. This involved a series of tests that helped gauge their open-mindedness to the fact that aliens from other planets inhabit the Earth. They kicked things off with introductions, and when asked why he was there, Second Lieutenant Jake Jenson proudly stands up and declares they are looking for the “best of the best of the best, sir!” (And with honors, too!)
That line reminded me that right now at myCUmortgage, we are also looking for the best of the best of the best. No, we’re not forming a galactic alien relations team but rather accepting nominations for the Annual myCUmortgage Awards. Recognizing the outstanding work of our partner credit unions and individual loan originators, the annual awards are based on accomplishments made between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. They cover a wide range of categories and accolades for all the work being done to help more credit union members with homeownership.
Over the past 12 months, have you and your credit union navigated challenges, embraced opportunities and helped your members achieve their homeownership goals? I’m positive that you have, meaning you are one of the industry leaders, innovators and difference-makers who continue to propel credit union mortgage lending forward. For this, you deserve to be recognized in one (or more) of the following categories:
Purchase Money Lender of the Year: Recognizes a credit union for outstanding efforts and results in helping members buy homes with first mortgages.
Lender of the Year: Recognizes a credit union for outstanding overall mortgage lending efforts and results in helping members with homeownership.
Marketer of the Year: Recognizes a credit union for consistently and creatively marketing mortgage loans and achieving meaningful results.
New Partner of the Year: Recognizes a credit union that has been with myCUmortgage for less than one year and achieved outstanding results.
Originator of the Year: Recognizes a credit union mortgage loan originator who has had outstanding results. This award is not necessarily for the originator who closed the most loans but rather had a successful year in terms of helping members with homeownership through new efforts.
CU Select Partner of the Year: Recognizes a CU Select level credit union for outstanding efforts and results achieved by developing and maintaining a clear marketing strategy to create member awareness for purchase and refinance opportunities; demonstrating consistent member engagement throughout the process; and demonstrating consistent engagement with the CU Select Team by following processes and best practices that ensure compliance and member satisfaction.
Government Partner of the Year: Recognizes a credit union that has achieved outstanding results in their efforts around government lending strategies, which include FHA, VA and USDA loans.
NEW! Servicing Partner of the Year: Recognizes a credit union for its commitment to adopting and utilizing myCUmortgage’s servicing solutions.
And if this weren’t enough, we have one more award open to nominations that truly exemplifies the best of the best of the best: The Tim Mislansky Belief Award. As the former President of myCUmortgage, Tim’s greatest strength is “belief”: enduring core values that give his life direction at work, at home and in his community. To honor Tim and the 18 years he was a part of myCUmortgage, we bestow this award on a partner credit union employee associated with mortgage lending who follows Tim’s lead by demonstrating that they live their core values at work, at home and in their community. It is the highest honor myCUmortgage presents to an individual.
If you feel that the work you and your credit union are doing to help more members with homeownership is some of the best in the field, now’s the time for recognition! But act fast because nomination deadlines are fast approaching. To make a nomination, complete and return the awards form, which can be DOWNLOADED HERE, by August 29, 2026; Belief Award nominations are due September 26, 2026.
We will recognize and celebrate all the winners at the Annual Awards Luncheon during the 2026 myCUmortgage Partner Conference, scheduled for October 19-21 in Dayton. Aptly themed Cruising Into Mortgage Success: Charting the Course for Growth, Opportunity & Smarter Lending, the event is your chance to connect, collaborate and explore what’s ahead for mortgage lending. Set against a cruise-inspired backdrop, this year’s event is all about sharing ideas, building momentum and discovering new opportunities for you and your credit union to grow.
Early Bird registrations are still being accepted by CLICKING HERE but just like the awards nominations, the discount sails away after August 31, so act fast!
I can’t wait to read your nominations, see you at the Partner Conference and witness you accepting an award for being the best of the best in credit union mortgage lending!