Alex Manella, Creative Director from Michael Walters Advertising, has been named to Credit Union Times' Luminaries Awards, Class of 2025. This award celebrates top industry professionals, credit unions and world-class service organizations that are changing the cooperative financial services industry for the better. Shining a spotlight on the individuals and organizations that have significantly enhanced the not-for-profit financial cooperative landscape, the award recognizes those that have raised the bar within the credit union sphere, by driving positive change and inspiring others to follow suit.
The 2025 Luminaries were selected by a panel of esteemed judges based on how well they stated and achieved goals with regard to the nomination category; how impactful their work has been; how dedicated the nominee has been to furthering modernization and humanization in the credit union business; and how committed the nominee has been to high ethical standards, service and excellence. According to CU Times Editor-in-Chief Michael Ogden, the newsroom believes in the credit union industry and the people and organizations that support the financial cooperative spirit. Ogden noted the creative ways these individuals and credit union-serving groups approach solving financial issues for members, creating a better world in communities across the country.
Alex Manella expressed his honor at being part of the Credit Union mission, stating that it is important to him and everyone at Michael Walters Advertising. He takes great pride in working with clients to connect their values to their brand to achieve record growth. Close to his heart is the work for America Saves Week, Military Saves Month, CCUA (Cooperative Credit Union Association) and International Credit Union (ICU) Day. The underlying principle of 'people helping people' drives them to do tremendous work for credit unions and cooperatives around the world to promote financial well-being and financial independence.
Michael Walters Advertising is a full-service advertising agency that has partnered with many of the world's premier brand names to deliver custom marketing strategy and solutions to their clients including: Chicago Cubs, Morton's The Steakhouse, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, Paul Mitchell Schools, Hunter Douglas, as well as higher education and financial industry leaders. MWA specializes in marketing strategy, brand development and management, digital marketing, social media, direct marketing and media planning and placement. For more information, visit www.mwachicago.com.
