Whether it's offering tea in England or coffee in the U.S., credit unions around the globe are celebrating International Credit Union Day by inviting their members in for a celebration.

Open houses and art contests for young members are held in honor of the credit union movement which began in 1844 in Rochdale, England. The first credit union in the United States was formed in the early 1900s and by World War II there was at least one credit union in nearly every state.

In England and Ireland and Australia dignitaries are invited to speak and in Canada credit unions are celebrating the entire month. The World Council of Credit Unions has set Oct. 18 as International Credit Union Day.

At the $69 million Katahdin FCU in Millinocket, Maine, members are invited for refreshments and a special car sales event and in Battle Creek, Mich., the $394 million Kellogg Community FCU is inviting its members and the community to stop by for refreshments, drawings and giveaways to commemorate the credit union movement's history and achievements.

"In the face of all challenges, credit unions have always existed to serve their members," said Brian Branch, World Council president/CEO. "The clear and simple message, 'Members Matter Most,' summarizes credit unions' reason for being."

 

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