SALT LAKE CITY, March 15, 2011—Sterling Nielsen, President and CEO of Mountain America Credit Union has been recognized as one of Utah’s Most Influential People for 2011 by Utah Business magazine for his outstanding business leadership. 

Every three years, Utah Business magazine forms a panel that determines a list of business executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, artists, politicians, university presidents and others who are working to create a robust economy and a better quality of life in Utah.  This honor is awarded to key individuals who help shape the economic climate of the state.

Much of the impact these leaders make is direct and tangible—in company revenues, people employed, economic development or capital deployed.  Some of their accomplishments may seem less direct—positive impact on quality of life, improvement of the business environment or facilitation of business—but are also among the critical factors that support Utah’s position among the top states in the U.S. for business.  For 2010, Utah was ranked in first place by Forbes* and eighth by CNBC**.

Nielsen shares his personal philosophy; “Be yourself and live true to your beliefs. Never compromise who you are and what you stand for. I have faced many situations where that advice wasn't always the easy path to follow. At the same time, I have never regretted any action where I followed that simple advice.”

A comment from Mountain America’s Employee Feedback Survey (through Allegiance Survey) confirms Nielsen’s commitment to effectively leading by example. “Sterling, our CEO, is one of the most dedicated employees we have. He went around the credit union in 2009 and visited all of our branches (60) as well as our corporate departments. I realize this takes a lot of time away from his family and personal interests, yet he was willing to come and share the vision, status of the credit union and answer our questions. WOW!”

Mountain America is well known throughout the state, and the credit union’s business success under Nielsen's leadership has contributed to Utah’s citizens as the state continues working to maintain a vibrant and expanding economy.

Mountain America Credit Union has over 60 branches in four states and offers a variety of financial products and services for consumers and businesses. With roots dating back to the 1930s, Mountain America Credit Union is a tradition for many members. Today the credit union serves more than 350,000 members and has over $2.8 billion in assets. Mountain America has been honored four times as one of “Utah’s Best Companies to Work For” by Utah Business magazine. Visit www.macu.comfor more information.

 *The Best States For Business And Careers, October 12, 2010, (http://www.forbes.com/2010/10/13/best-states-for-business-beltway-best-states.html.

**America’s Top States For Business 2010, CNBC Special Report, (http://www.cnbc.com/id/37516043).

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Contact:  Louisa Ingalls                                               Mountain America Credit Union

Title:  Community Involvement Specialist                  7181 S. Campus View Dr.

Phone: 801.325.6507                                                  West Jordan, UT 84084

Email: lingalls@macu.com                                         www.macu.com