The Times of Northwest Indiana announced the results of their Best of the Region contest on Sunday, May 21, with Notre Dame Federal Credit Union (Notre Dame FCU) being named one of the Best Credit Unions in the region and Director of Commercial Lending Jesse Hunt earning the distinction of Best Banker.

Notre Dame FCU’s Whiting Branch opened at 1200 119^th Street in June 2021 and has already given back nearly $400,000 to the communities of Lake County. The credit union sponsors community events such as the Summer Concert Series at Sheridan Stage, Pierogi Fest, Empanada Fest, Free Fridays at the Mascot Hall of Fame, and more. Most recently, Notre Dame FCU donated over $8,000 to the School City of Whiting to acquire an emotional support dog and committed to sponsoring two more therapy dogs beginning in the 2023-24 school year.

Jesse Hunt joined Notre Dame FCU in January 2021 as a Commercial Loan Officer. A Whiting native, Hunt was named to The Times of Northwest Indiana’s 20 Under 40 list. In March 2023, he was promoted to Director of Commercial Lending and has helped finance multiple local businesses, including several on 119^th Street in downtown Whiting.

Hunt is passionate about giving back to the community. He is the Vice President of the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce. Hunt chairs the Finance Committee for the Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana while co-chairing the advisory board. He also chairs the Big Shoulders of Northwest Indiana Founders Council and serves on the Regional Development Company’s Loan Committee.

The Times of Northwest Indiana will recognize Best of the Region award winners during a dinner at County Line Orchard on June 1, 2023.