WASHINGTON — The World Council of Credit Unions has played international matchmaker again, this time hooking up the Arizona Credit Union System with the Antigua & Barbuda Cooperative Credit Union League.
This marks the 26th partnership arranged by WOCCU in a program designed to benefit both partners with not only a cultural exchange but also a practical exchange.
"We've added 17 partnerships in the last four years, so it's a fast growing program," said Victor Miguel Corro, international partnerships manager. "It's a lot of knowledge transfer, getting to know different cultures, but also best practices in credit unions, operations and different ways to satisfy member demands."
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Corro spoke to the Credit Union Times from Brazil, where he and six representatives from the Florida Credit Union League were about to sign yet another partnership agreement with Brazil's SICREDI credit union system.
WOCCU anticipates ending 2008 with 30 partnerships in place. Corro said WOCCU doesn't actively market the program; instead, credit union groups usually approach WOCCU.
The time required to participate in the program varies, depending on the needs of each group, but WOCCU requires partnerships to complete at least two joint activities per year. Sample activities include visiting the partner country, sharing manuals and bylaws and lobbying a foreign government on behalf of its credit union system.
After representatives from the Arizona Credit Union System put in tough duty visiting Antigua last June, the Grand Canyon group returned the favor the week of March 24, hosting five representatives from the Antigua league.
Arizona will help the Antigua league develop new revenue streams, products and services and more training programs, including greater attention to compliance issues, for its affiliate credit unions.
"One of the overriding principles of credit unions is people helping people, and this partnership is an extension of that philosophy," said Ellis Southwell, president of the Antigua and Barbuda league.
"The Antigua League is a small league with potential, and we believe that this partnership with the Arizona Credit Union System will help unleash the possibilities, and help us to develop ourselves so that we can assist our affiliates."
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