A simple request from a co-worker has turned into a lifetime of helping people for Scott Credit Union Chairman of the Board Betty Renth.
Renth, who was asked by her co-worker at the time to join SCUs Board, was honored recently for her 60 years of volunteer service on the Board of Directors of Scott Credit Union.
Renth, who lives in New Baden, was presented with a lifetime achievement award recently to mark her years of service as a leader.
"Our Chairman Betty Renth has served on our Board of Directors since 1955 and has been a driving force in SCUs growth and developments for 60 years," said Scott Credit Union President and CEO Frank Padak. "That is 60 years of dedication and volunteerism that has made Scott Credit Union what it is today."
Renth, who is considered a driving force behind Scott Credit Unions success, was working in the Scott Air Force Base Civilian Personnel Office when she joined the SCU Board in 1955.
"The base employees didnt have direct deposit. So, one of the board members had to go to the Base to endorse all the checks," she recalled. "The credit union just had a room at the base. The treasurer basically ran the credit union out of the trunk of his car taking all the funds and records to the designated room each time there was credit union business. The location of the room changed quite often making it confusing for members to know where to go."
"The credit union kept growing, adding field of membership for civilian employees and eventually expanding to a community charter," she noted.
Renth has been SCU Chairman of the Board since 1971 and has received national and state recognition for her dedication and service to SCU and the credit union industry.
In 1988, she was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Credit Union Chairmen. In 1997, Betty was awarded the Spirit of Service Award and named Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Credit Union System. She was inducted into the Illinois Credit Union Hall of Fame in 2002.
In 2005, Betty was honored during the national annual convention of the National Center for Credit Unions as a second runner up for the Director of the Year Award. The award was a national contest to acknowledge the work of the top three credit union directors in the nation, Padak noted.
In 2006, Betty was inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor was established to acknowledging individuals whose exceptional contributions over the years have made a significant difference in the defense credit union community.
"This coveted award highlights the outstanding accomplishments of people like Betty for their untiring efforts and endless support of the credit union movement and DCUCs philosophy of Serving Those Who Serve Our Country," Padak added.
Renth was inducted into Whos Who in Americas Credit Unions. She was honored among the top leaders for her accomplishments and service in the credit union industry. Whos Who in Americas Credit Unions annually recognizes those who have contributed most to the nations credit union movement.
Renth said that her family was always dedicated to helping people financially, starting with her father and brother. She followed in their footsteps.
"It just fit with my background and job working in the personnel office," Renth added. "I could embrace the credit union industrys People Helping People philosophy."
Renth has always had a passion for helping people be financially successful.
"You see people who can be foolish with their money and get in debt," she added. I have always liked helping people get out of debt. I really like how friendly the credit unions are with their members."
In 2012, Scott Credit Unions new state-of-the-art Home Office building was named the Betty Renth Building. This was another way she was honored for her years of tireless service to Scott Credit Union.
"What a tremendous honor," she said. "I dont know too many people who have a building named after them."
Renth is also proud to have recruited other long-time directors to the Scott Credit Union Board.
"I met a lot of people in the personnel office and invited people who had a good background and a passion for the SCU mission," she noted.
But Renths service to Scott Credit Union for 60 years is really about helping people. Helping people was something she embraced in her personal life as well. That help extended beyond just finances.
"I would always help my elderly neighbors," she noted. "One neighbor had to go to the county welfare office in Carlyle. So, I took her there."
Renths service to Scott Credit Union has set a standard of excellence and dedication that will likely be unmatched.
"Its a good feeling inside knowing how many people I have helped," Renth said.
Padak said that Renths service sets an example for employees of the credit union to follow.
"Betty truly defines the high level at which we want Scott Credit Union to be held each and every day," Padak added. "Bettys service to Scott Credit Union is synonymous with excellence. We are extremely fortunate to have Betty as a leader in our organization. She has been a part of many changes and much growth over the years at Scott Credit Union."
