Penticton resident David Kropp was recognized recently with a Canada-wide credit union industry award acknowledging leadership in business.

Kropp, who leads the communications and public relations team for First West Credit Union and its local Valley First brand, was one of five recipients to be honoured with the National Young Leaders Award during the Canadian Credit Union Association鈥檚 (CCUA) annual conference held this year in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Award recipients competed on a national level by submitting an essay on leadership, undergoing panel interviews and delivering a presentation at the credit union industry鈥檚 national conference. Through three rounds of assessment, Kropp was selected as the winner of a $10,000 education scholarship after delivering his final presentation focussed on achieving better business results by trying new things, adopting a spirit of innovation and practising collaboration.

鈥淲inning was tremendously satisfying and it felt great to be recognized so publicly for my contributions to First West,鈥� says Kropp. 鈥淚鈥檝e benefited from working with experienced leaders who have encouraged and empowered me to think differently about business challenges. I owe a lot to the people around me who have enabled me to excel in my career.鈥�

Kropp says this mindset, which he鈥檚 adopted from his mentors, applies to his current leadership role at First West.

鈥淓ncouraging people to approach business challenges in ways that are different from what鈥檚 been done before is an important part of helping them to grow in their careers,鈥� says Kropp. 鈥淚t also helps foster a company culture that values innovation, which is critical in today鈥檚 market.鈥�

CCUA鈥檚 National Young Leaders award and scholarship celebrate young businesspersons under the age of 35 who have made important contributions to Canada鈥檚 co-operative banking movement.