HOBOKEN, N.J. — As consumers' economic concerns rise, over 177 million credit union members around the world will commemorate the credit union movement's history and achievements on Oct. 16. Credit union leagues, corporates, trade associations and individual credit unions are all doing their part to showcase the credit union difference through this year's theme: It Belongs to Me.
This year, WesCorp and the World Council of Credit Unions have teamed up to host the first-ever ICU Day Webcast, which will focus on the success of worldwide credit union development.
WOCCU President/CEO Pete Crear will be the guest in an hour-long Oct. 16 discussion with moderator Paul Berry, a former Washington television news anchor who hosts "Home & Family Finance," a weekly radio program sponsored by CUNA & Affiliates.
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"Worldwide, more than 49,000 credit unions in 96 countries serve more than 177 million members," said Crear. "Our mission is to bring financial independence and economic democracy through credit unions to people around the globe, and we're making great strides in achieving that goal."
The 60-minute Webcast, hosted by WesCorp and produced with the support of Overland Studios, will allow time at the end of Crear's interview for questions from a studio audience. International Webcast listeners will also be able to e-mail questions that will be answered on the air.
"The Webcast's goal is to make the ICU Day discussion as global as the movement that the annual holiday represents," said WesCorp President/CEO Bob Siravo. The program will be recorded and available for viewing on both WesCorp's and WOCCU's Web sites.
In Phoenix, a similar move to promote ICU Day was made by Desert Schools Federal Credit Union. The credit union took the opportunity to not only promote the upcoming celebration but also raise awareness about the increased NCUA insurance coverage during a segment on local television station 3TV. Desert Schools Director of Public Relations/Marketing Jason Meyers talked up ICU Day and what it means not only to credit unions and their members but area consumers as well.
To mark the occasion more formally, over 25 counties in California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Bernardino, and every county in Nevada have officially declared Oct. 16, 2008, as International Credit Union Day.
Local elected officials honored hundreds of credit unions at ceremonies throughout California and Nevada and plans are underway to continue the recognition throughout the month of October.
"Citizens and businesses are facing unprecedented financial challenges, and credit unions are vital to helping local communities in providing services to their members. We are honored that our credit unions have been recognized by local government for all the hard work and services they provide within their communities," said California and Nevada Credit Union League President/CEO Bill Cheney.
Credit unions in Delaware helped to celebrate Credit Union Week by publishing their seventh credit union supplement in The News Journal, Delaware's statewide newspaper.
The 16-page, full-color supplement was paid for by Delaware credit unions and was published on Oct. 14 in the daily publication.
Using the ICU Day theme for its cover, "My Credit Union: It Belongs to Me," the issue highlights the safety and soundness of Delaware credit unions. It also explains the difference between banks and credit unions and directs consumers on how to find a credit union to join.
According to Alice A. Smith, communications director for the Delaware CUL that coordinated the project, "With the media's constant play on the market's turmoil, Delaware credit unions wanted to reassure members and potential members that they are safe, solid and sound."
The publication was underwritten by the advertisements of 12 credit unions and features a directory of all 34 credit unions in Delaware.
Over 120,000 copies of the supplement were printed and inserted into the daily newspaper.
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