Maps Credit Union To Celebrate New Dallas Branch With Community-focused Grand Opening (Photo) - 11/04/26

DALLAS, Ore. (Nov. 4, 2026) — Maps Credit Union is preparing to open its new, 15th branch at 210 W. Ellendale Road, Suite 104, in Dallas, Oregon. Grand-opening activities begin Nov. 16, with the new branch expanding access to Maps’ community-focused service in the Dallas area.

President and CEO of Maps Credit Union Mark Zook said, “Dallas has been part of the Maps community for years, and our Polk County members have long told us they wanted a Maps location closer to home. We’ve always appreciated the strong sense of community in Dallas and the way neighbors show up for one another. Opening a branch here gives us the opportunity to meet a long-standing member need while becoming an even bigger part of a place that already means so much to us.”

Lacey Blair will serve as Maps Credit Union’s Dallas branch manager, bringing financial services experience and a lifelong connection to the Dallas area.

“Having lived in the Dallas area my entire life, I know this is a community where relationships matter and people look out for one another,” Blair said. “We want to know our members personally, understand what they need and provide thoughtful service that makes Maps a true financial partner.” 

Grand-opening highlights:

• Nov. 16-30 — We Love Dallas - Visitors may enter for a chance to win one of 50 local gift cards, and the first 50 each day receive a Dallas giveaway

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. — Dallas Chamber ribbon cutting: Community members are invited to celebrate the new branch

• Friday, Nov. 20, 4 p.m. — Teacher Grant presentation: Maps will celebrate Dallas teachers at the branch

• Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — The Reading Nest Book Giveaway: Visitors receive a free book

Unless otherwise noted, activities will take place during regular branch hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A local branch designed for Dallas:

The branch features Maps’ latest floor plan and updated finishes. Member conveniences include:

• Free checking with no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement
• Money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Direct deposit
• Mobile and online banking services
• Consumer and commercial lending, including mortgages
• Access to more than 39,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through the CO-OP network
• Night-deposit drop box and drive-up ATM

Local roots, local relationships: 

Maps plans to connect with Dallas businesses, schools, nonprofits and civic organizations through community giving and participation, volunteer partnerships, outreach and financial-education opportunities. More information is available at mapscu.com.

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About Maps Credit Union: Maps Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Serving Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley since 1935, Maps Credit Union was founded by teachers and built on a belief in education, service and community. Today, as a community-chartered credit union, Maps is open to anyone who lives, works, or learns in Western Oregon. With more than 86,000 members and 15 branches, Maps offers banking that puts people first. Through its mission, Every Member Benefits, Maps focuses on affordable loans, competitive savings options and personalized financial solutions. Maps supports local schools, nonprofits and neighborhoods through financial literacy programs, charitable giving and hands-on community involvement. For more information, visit mapscu.com or call 503.588.0181. Maps Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #462882.

Two Salem Public Relations Professionals Honored By Oregon's Public Relations Society Of America: Brad Hilliard And Ryan VanNatta Gail Recognized For Professional Excellence (Photo) - 10/23/26

SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 23, 2026) — PRSA Oregon, a local chapter of the leading professional organization for public relations professionals in Oregon and southwest Washington, announced that two Salem-area public relations professionals are among the 2026 Spotlight Awards of Distinction recipients. Brad Hilliard, APR, will receive the Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award, and Ryan VanNatta Gail, CAE, will receive the New Professional Award of Excellence. The awards recognize individuals who have provided exemplary service to the chapter, profession and community. The honors will be presented Nov. 18, 2026, at the Spotlight Awards at Nordic Northwest’s Nordia House.

“These recognitions are a small token of our collective appreciation for these public relations leaders,” said Kelliann Amico, APR, Fellow PRSA, president of PRSA Oregon.

Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award

Brad Hilliard, APR, CLU

Hilliard has demonstrated a sustained commitment to developing communications professionals, students, interns, colleagues and nonprofit leaders. As chief communications officer for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corp., he leads strategic communications, marketing, media relations and digital engagement across multiple ministries. A longtime PRSA volunteer and former president of the Oregon Chapter, Hilliard is recognized for making mentorship a consistent part of his professional and community service.

New Professional Award of Excellence 

Ryan VanNatta Gail, MBA, CAE

Gail has quickly distinguished himself as a thoughtful communicator and upcoming leader. His work at VanNatta Public Relations and community involvement, including the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Program and the Fentanyl Free Oregon campaign, reflect a commitment to service, collaboration and continued professional growth. He supports communications, membership administration, events and association operations while bringing a confident, community-minded approach to each project.

Also recognized were Portland-area public relations professionals Carol Fenstermacher, APR, recipient of the William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award, and Darcie Meihoff, APR, recipient of the Ron Schmidt Community Involvement Award.

To read more about each honoree’s accomplishments, click the link in their name or visit the blog. To learn more about the Spotlight Awards and purchase tickets, visit the PRSA Oregon website.

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About PRSA

PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.

About PRSA Oregon

The Public Relations Society of America Oregon Chapter (PRSA Oregon Chapter) is the premier communications, public relations and marketing chapter serving Oregon and Clark and Skamania counties in southwest Washington. To learn more about PRSA Oregon or to become a member, visit the website. Stay connected through LinkedIn and Instagram.

Oregon's Public Relations Society Of America Announces 2026 Spotlight Awards Of Distinction Honorees Recognized For Service, Skill And Mentorship (Photo) - 10/23/26

PORTLAND (Oct. 23, 2026) – PRSA Oregon — a local chapter of the premier professional organization for public relations professionals from Oregon and southwest Washington — announced the 2026 Spotlight Awards of Distinction winners. These awards recognize individuals who have given exemplary service to the chapter, profession and community. These honors will be awarded at the Spotlight Awards, on Nov. 18, 2026, at Nordic Northwest, Nordia House.

“These recognitions are a small token of our collective appreciation for these public relations leaders,” said Kelliann Amico, APR, Fellow PRSA, president of PRSA Oregon.

William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award

Carol Fenstermacher, APR, Fenstermacher PR, Camas, WA

William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award honors an outstanding leader and PRSA Oregon Chapter member who has performed significantly in one or more of the following areas: developing public relations as a credible profession, accomplishing landmark professional achievements and furthering the goals of PRSA.

Ron Schmidt Community Involvement Award

Darcie Meihoff, APR, PR Consultant and Board President Oregon Wild, Portland

Ron Schmidt Community Involvement Award honors the outstanding use of public relations to support community improvement and important causes.

Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award

Brad Hilliard, APR, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, Beaverton

Olga M. Haley Mentorship Award reflects the chapter’s dedication to supporting members at every stage of their careers and lives.

New Professional Award of Excellence 

Ryan VanNatta Gail, MBA, CAE, VanNatta Public Relations, Salem

The New Professional Award of Excellence is presented to a professional who has entered the field of public relations within the past five years and demonstrated their commitment to advancing public relations through career achievements, volunteerism and the highest standards of professionalism.

To read more about each honoree’s accomplishments, click the link in their name or visit the blog.

To learn more about the Spotlight Awards and purchase tickets, visit the PRSA Oregon website.

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About PRSA

PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.

About PRSA Oregon

The Public Relations Society of America Oregon Chapter (PRSA Oregon Chapter) is the premiere communications, public relations and marketing chapter serving the state of Oregon, and Clark and Skamania counties in the southwest region of Washington state. To learn more about PRSA Oregon or to become a member, visit the website. Stay connected through LinkedIn and Instagram.

Stay Alive Vets To Host 6th Annual Gala On Veterans Day In Salem- Silver Star Recipient Matthew Zedwick To Keynote Evening Honoring Veterans And Supporting Veteran Suicide Prevention (Photo) - 10/13/26

SALEM, Ore. –(October 13, 2026)  Stay Alive Vets (SAV) will bring veterans, families, and community supporters together on Veterans Day for the 6th Annual Stay Alive Vets Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring those who have served while raising awareness and support for efforts to prevent veteran suicide.
 

The gala will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE in Salem. The evening will feature dinner, a keynote address, veteran recognition, and live music from The Denominators.
 

This year’s keynote speaker is Sergeant Matthew W. Zedwick, a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for acts of gallantry during combat operations in Iraq.
 

“Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served, but honoring our veterans also means being there for them when they come home and making sure they know they are not alone,” said Angela Plowhead, Air Force veteran and board president of Stay Alive Vets. “Our gala brings people together to celebrate the strength and sacrifice of our veteran community while supporting programs that provide hope, connection and help when it is needed most.”
 

The sixth annual gala will also provide an opportunity for guests to learn more about the programs Stay Alive Vets supports to address veteran suicide in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
 

“Having Matthew Zedwick join us on Veterans Day makes this year’s event especially meaningful,” Plowhead said. “His story reflects courage, service and an extraordinary commitment to others. That same spirit of looking out for one another is at the heart of our work. We want veterans and their families to know that they have a community standing beside them.”

Registration and Tickets

• Tickets: $60/person or host a table of 10 for $600. Purchase here.

• Veteran Tickets: Veterans and families can request their complimentary tickets on VetTix.

• Sponsorship Opportunities:   Buy Sponsorships — Stay Alive Vets: SAV Annual 

• The group is also accepting silent and oral auction items. Contact [email protected] to donate.

Community members are invited to dress up, dine and celebrate while supporting and honoring Oregon’s veteran community on Veterans Day. Additional event information is available at Home | Stay Alive Vets.
 

About Stay Alive Vets: Stay Alive Veterans (SAV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the veteran community by addressing the pressing issue of veteran suicide. Operated by veterans for veterans, SAV is uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the complex challenges that veterans face after their service. The organization is driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives after their military careers.

Maps Community Foundation Opens Applications For $50,000 In Teacher Grants: K–12 Educators Can Apply Through October 31 For Grants Of $1,000 To Support Student Learning (Photo) - 10/12/26

SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 12, 2026) – Maps Credit Union and the Maps Community Foundation are accepting applications for the 2026–27 Teacher Grant Program, which will award a total of $50,000 to support projects benefiting students and school communities.

Eligible K–12 teachers may apply for $1,000 grants to help bring educational projects to life. Funding may be used for classroom projects, school-wide initiatives, field trips and educational after-school clubs.

“Maps was founded by teachers, so supporting educators remains deeply connected to who we are,” said Executive Director Kim Hanson of the Maps Community Foundation. “Teachers see possibilities for their students every day, and sometimes a relatively small investment is all it takes to turn a great idea into a meaningful learning experience. These grants are our way of helping educators bring those ideas to life and create opportunities that can make a real difference for students.”

The program is open to Maps members who teach at K–12 public or private schools in Marion or Polk counties or in Wilsonville, Oregon City, Astoria or Seaside.

Teachers can apply by submitting a short written application and a photo describing how the grant would be used, the number of students who would benefit, the total cost of the project, and why support from Maps is needed.

Applications are open now through October 31, 2026. Selected recipients will be announced later this fall.

For more information and to apply, visit Teacher Grants on the Community Giving page at mapscu.com.
 

The Maps Community Foundation is the philanthropic giving arm of Maps Credit Union, investing in education, economic empowerment and vibrant communities. Its mission is to enrich the lives of members and the community through investments in these areas. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, schools, teachers and students through grants, sponsorships, scholarships, financial education programs and community partnerships. Maps invests more than $500,000 annually in community initiatives through the Foundation.

About Maps Credit Union

Maps Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Serving Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley since 1935, Maps Credit Union was founded by teachers and built on a belief in education, service, and community. Today, as a community-chartered credit union, anyone who lives, works, or learns in the Willamette Valley Basin is eligible to join Maps. With more than 85,000 members and 14 branches, Maps offers banking that puts people first. Through our mission, Every Member Benefits, Maps focuses on providing affordable loans, competitive savings options, and personalized financial solutions. And, as a proud partner in local schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods, Maps gives back through financial literacy programs, charitable giving, and hands-on community involvement. For more on our community impact, visit mapscu.com or contact us at 503.588.0181. Maps Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #462882.