NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Michigan credit unions are preparing to celebrate International Credit Union Week-a tradition that credit unions across the U.S. and around the world have observed since 1948. "Credit Union Week 2004 is especially noteworthy given the bipartisan support for Michigan credit unions' tax exemption among Michigan lawmakers in the new Congress," said Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) President/CEO David Adams. "The breadth and depth of their support is a tremendous testament to the important role credit unions, as tax exempt not for profit financial cooperatives, play in our state's economy and in lives of Michigan consumers." Chapters and individual credit unions across Michigan are holding special celebrations to mark International Credit Union Week and International Credit Union Day. The Paul Bunyan Chapter is adding a distinct cultural flair to its celebration dinner, Oct. 23, with a Highland bagpiper. The Blue Water Chapter will host Canadian CU people from Sarnia, Ontario, in a celebration Oct. 21. As for MCUL it will host its 2nd Annual Credit Union Week Celebration Potluck, a staff event that will feature ethnic dishes representing a variety of cultures. In addition, credit unions here launched a special month-long billboard campaign. Over 100 billboards display the message "Credit Unions.Where People Are Worth More Than Money."