Oct. 17 is International Credit Union Day around the world, and in Minnesota and Iowa it's officially Credit Union Day.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed a proclamation this week declaring Thursday as Credit Union Day in his state, which has more than 1.5 million members at 133 credit unions.

“Credit unions embrace the 'people-helping-people' philosophy by pooling personal resources and leadership abilities for the good of the cooperative, empowering members to improve their financial futures and uniting to help those in need,” the proclamation states.

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a proclamation last week declaring Thursday, October 17, 2013, as Credit Union Day in Iowa, where 116 credit unions with more than one million credit union members.

International Credit Union Day has been marked on the third Thursday of October since 1948. This year's theme is “Credit Unions Unite for Good: A Better Way.”

(Click on image at right to see expanded image of Minnesota proclamation.)

“For credit unions in Minnesota and around the world, International Credit Union Day is a time to recognize what the industry has achieved and to highlight the difference credit unions make in their communities. Credit unions truly unite for good wherever they are,” said Minnesota Credit Union Network President/CEO Mark Cummins.

Meanwhile, the World Council of Credit Union's chairman, Grzegorz Bierecki of Poland, and WOCCU President/CEO Brian Branch have posted their annual video greeting at that organization's website.

“Cooperation within the financial cooperative industry has historically been considered a philosophical principle,” Branch said, “but today there is a market-driven business rationale for finding cooperative solutions to consumer demand.

“It is fitting that we celebrate this year's International Credit Union Day with this recognition — that credit unions uniting for the good of our consumers truly is a better way of doing business.”