Four Minnesota credit unions hosted representatives from Ecuador's Cooperativa COOPROGRESO, one of South America's largest credit unions, the week of Aug. 6.

Sponsored by the World Council of Credit Unions and the Minnesota Credit Union Network, the Ecuadorians learned how financial cooperatives in the Gopher State leverage technology, products and services to attract and retain members, and how to create credit union awareness opportunities.

“For our credit unions in Minnesota to be able to participate in an international exchange like this is a wonderful opportunity to share industry knowledge that helps to foster credit union development around the globe,” said Mark Cummins, MnCUN president/CEO. “For the credit unions that hosted our partners in Ecuador, it is a great example of the 'people helping people' philosophy and the successes we can have when working together.”

Host credit unions included the $854 million Hiway FCU and the $374 million City & County CU, both located in St. Paul; the $880 million USFCU in Burnsville; and the $530 million Postal CU in Woodbury.

“Having the opportunity to work with credit unions such as COOPROGRESO is invaluable, as it promotes dialogue that will improve the credit union member experience throughout the world,” said Bill Raker, USFCU president/CEO.