Tag: international Credit Union day

The Movement Today: Celebrating the 75th Annual International Credit Union Day

Embracing a Legacy of Financial Empowerment
The credit union movement evolved from the cooperative activities of early 19th century Europe, and began with a simple idea: that people could pool their money and make loans to each other.

The first of these cooperatives was an 1844 marketing cooperative organized by a group of workers in Rochdale, England. The idea of credit societies was a part of this effort, and in 1846 the first true credit union in the 19th century was founded.

Every year, on the third Thursday of October, credit unions around the world come together to celebrate International Credit Union Day. This year is particularly special as we mark the 75th anniversary. Since our inception, credit unions have been at the forefront of providing financial services that empower individuals and communities, and this milestone is a testament to the enduring impact they’ve had.

Focused on People, Not Profits
Credit unions prioritize members’ well-being over profits. Unlike traditional banks, which are driven by maximizing profits for shareholders, credit unions are member-owned. This means that every member is a part-owner and has a voice in the institution’s decision-making process. The result of this is credit unions usually have lower rates on loans, higher returns on deposits, and more flexibility when working with individuals.

Strengthening Communities, One Member at a Time
For 75 years, credit unions have played a pivotal role in building and strengthening communities. We offer almost all of the same products that the banks do, but tailor those products to meet the diverse needs of the people and businesses in our communities.

Embracing Innovation, Preserving Values
In today’s rapidly changing financial landscape, credit unions continue to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of their members. From the best digital banking solutions to personalized financial education programs, credit unions are harnessing the power of technology while staying true to their cooperative values.

Join Us in Celebrating International Credit Union Day
As we mark the 75th International Credit Union Day, we invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone. We’re proud to be part of a global movement that prioritizes people and communities above all else. Together, we’ll continue to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and build a brighter financial future for all.

Happy 75th International Credit Union Day

Happy International Credit Union Day

This Thursday is International Credit Union Day. From the name I bet you can figure out what that means. It’s of course the day all credit unions take the time to celebrate being a credit union, and all that it entails.

We’ve talked about how even though credit unions serve most of the same functions as a bank, however, being a not-for-profit credit union instead of a for profit bank allows us to do some pretty amazing things. Studies show people tend to get better rates and have lower fees at a credit union than at a bank (for both deposits and loans).

You know how we’re part of the community, and how our employees live local, buy local, and play local. We don’t talk about this all the time, but being a major local employer is a big deal for us.

Group of Fibre and Wauna Credit Union employees
The team of Fibre FCU and Wauna FCU teaming together to help people

One thing we don’t talk about is our partnership with other credit unions. Do you have an account at InRoads? What about Fibre/TLC? We’re glad to hear it. It’s our partnership with these organizations, as well as credit unions in Portland, Eugene, Medford, Bend, and even New York City, Tallahassee, and Madison, that allows us to shine. A 30,000-unit ATM network? We have that – which is a larger support network than most banks. Top of the line app and online banking? That too, because we partner with a 1,000 other credit unions to pool resources. The ability to collaborate with other credit unions? Absolutely! In fact, that’s really something special.

It’s completely normal for branch managers or mortgage underwriters to meet with their counterparts at another credit union to compare best practices. Our ITIN lending, we spent a lot of time with Point West Credit Union in Portland, to learn more. Before we made the decision on our new core banking system, we met with credit unions from Michigan, California, and Texas. Everybody is happy to do that, because we all have one goal: ensuring the credit union philosophy of people helping people is maximized to its fullest extent. It’s what allows a credit union of 100+ employees like WCU to have the power of 100,000 minds (and hearts). That’s the credit union philosophy, and it makes us better than any bank. We’re hiring right now, so if you want to join “people helping people,” go to our careers page.

Today is International Credit Union Day

Wauna Credit Union was formed, and continues to act, to serve our communities of Clatsop, Columbia, and Western Washington Counties in Oregon, and Pacific County in Washington. The way we do that is by providing financial tools to allow our members achieve their dreams. A huge part of that is being a not-for-profit credit union instead of a for profit bank.

Many people, even some who are members, don’t realize there are some pretty big differences between banks and credit unions, even though they experience the differences every day. In many ways, that’s the way we want it to be. Our rural communities tend to be filled with show, don’t tell, type of people, and we view ourselves as a show, don’t tell, type of organization. Our members know we provide personal service, tend to have better rates, and help people who banks don’t want to bother with because they don’t fit in a nice box.

ICU Day

Today, we are talking about it though, because today is the 70th Annual International Credit Union Day. Today is the day we celebrate the collaboration between credit unions. It’s one of the things that gives us our edge. Credit Unions work together. It’s why you can go into credit unions all over the country and conduct business on your Wauna Credit Union Account.

This year, we’re celebrating International Credit Union Day’s platinum anniversary, a chance to look back after 70 years and be thankful for the lives and communities that have been improved by the unique principles and actions of our movement. It’s no wonder that this year’s slogan is #PlatinumLiningFound.

Celebrate International Credit Union Day! from CUNA on Vimeo.

 

OCTOBER STATEMENT INSERT: Call for Nominations!

October 2016 Statement Insert:

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Call For Nominations: 50th Annual Meeting Scheduled For Saturday, March 4, 2017

Wauna Credit Union announces its annual Call for Nominations for the election of members to its volunteer board of directors. Elected officials help to set the direction and the policies for our member-owned, member-directed financial institution.

Qualifying candidates must be at least 18 years of age and in good standing with the Credit Union. Candidate applications are now available at any branch, by mail (call 800-773-3236), and on our website. The deadline to submit a completed application is close of business Thursday, November 10, 2016. The By-Laws do offer a petition option; petition deadline is January 23, 2017. There will be no nominations from the floor during the 50th Annual Meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact the Board Governance Committee Chair, Chrissy Johnston, at 503-728-6124 or
by email at gcomm@waunafcu.org.

Election Information:

The next elections for open positions on the board of directors will be conducted by electronic ballot, commencing January 26, 2017, and concluding at midnight, February 26, 2017. Results from the election will be announced during our 50th Annual Meeting, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 4, 2017, at the Clatskanie Cultural Center (Clatskanie, Oregon).

Is your mind on your money and your money on your mind? We can help…

BALANCE:

Balance is a Financial Education service offered for FREE to all Wauna CU members. Sign up for an account on our website and get tools to help budget, reach saving goals, and learn more about an array of financial topics – from teaching teens about money to navigating a bankruptcy.

Balance offers FREE financial counseling for our members with professional advisors, offering debt repayment advice, home purchase help, and foreclosure prevention solutions.

It’s yours FREE for being a member of Wauna Credit Union! Why? Because our ONLY mission is to provide opportunities to our members to build their financial well-being!

CardValet:

Be proactive in defending your accounts by using the CardValet app. You’ll know every time your debit card is used, and be able to turn it off when not using it!

  • CardValet allows Debit Card users to literally turn their card off & on with one click!
  • CardValet can alert you every time your Debit Card is used!
  • Control your spending by setting up dollar amount limits.
  • Set your Card automatically turn off if it’s more than a certain distance away from you!
  • For Android & Apple!

2016-ICU-Day-Principles[1]International Credit Union Day!

  • October 20, 2016
  • All Branches

Win Prizes in our Website & Facebook contest! Coloring Contest for Kids!!
Stop in any Wauna CU branch for refreshments & to learn more about the Credit Union Movement!