The Michigan Regional Financial Office of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced the South Berrien County Chapter has earned a Chapter of Excellence award for its contributions to the local community in 2009. The award honors the chapter for their outstanding work to address local needs.

“Whether the cause is big or small – a food bank, a child in need of life-saving surgery or a Lutheran church needing a fresh coat of paint – Thrivent Financial members come together to make a difference,” said Mike Redford, manager of Lutheran Engagement for the Michigan Region of Thrivent Financial. “This award recognizes all individuals of the South Berrien County Chapter who joined together to strengthen our communities by planning and participating in an outreach activity during this past year.”

As a membership organization, Thrivent Financial is focused on meeting its members’ needs around financial security as well as helping to improve the quality of life in the communities where members live. As a result, Thrivent Financial creates programs to encourage members who in turn help congregations, schools, nonprofits and individuals in need.