WASHINGTON–One of the biggest and highest-profile events hosted by credit unions in the country has been called due to the coronavirus.
Organizers have cancelled the annual Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run, known as the “Runners’ Rite of Spring,” which had been set to be held in Washington April 3-5. The race has a 47-year history and was to include aHealth and Fitness Expo, the Kids' Run, 10 Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk.
In addition, the Credit Union SacTown Run, an annual event scheduled for the same day in Sacramento, Calif., has also been cancelled.
The Cherry Blossom Run annually attracts thousands of runners in Washington, including teams from the offices of various members of Congress.
Organizers have announced plans for a free virtual race, details of which are still to be determined.
"We've faced heat, cold and high winds at the event since 1973, but never a broad health threat like the COVID-19 virus,” said Event Director Phil Stewart. “The organizing committee held out hope that the virus might peak and start to decline in the three weeks that remained before race day. However, when the warnings by federal and local officials along with public health agencies showed that we were still on the upslope of the virus, we knew we needed to take action - however painful - to minimize our participants' exposure at our event."
Full Refunds Offered
The event will offer full refunds to all participants, but the organization is encouraging entrants to donate their entry fee to the official race charity, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Organizers of the SacTown Run are also encouraging donation of fees to CMN. Since 2002 more than $9.5 million has been raised for 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals from the Cherry Blossom Run.
According to organizers, the entry process for next year's event, scheduled for April 11, 2021 (a week later than usual due to Easter falling on the first Sunday in April), will be conducted by lottery scheduled for December 1-12. Runners choosing one of the first two options outlined above will have to apply to the lottery and pay the 2021 registration fee.
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run is managed by Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., with primary sponsorship from CUNA Mutual Group, PCSU and CO-OP Financial Services.
Other CU Events Cancelled
Meanwhile, numerous CU associations have announced additional meeting cancellations, including:
- The Mountain West Credit Union Association said it is cancelling its Annual Meeting & Convention, originally scheduled for April 22-24 in Colorado Springs, Colo. It plans to conduct its annual meeting on April 23, 2020 in a virtual format.
- NACUSO has announced the cancellation of its Network Conference, which had been set for Orlando in April.
- The National CU Foundation, which was co-sponsoring its FinHealth Conference in San Antonio with the California and Nevada leagues in late April, said the meeting is cancelled.
- Inclusiv has postponed its 2020 Conference scheduled for San Juan, Puerto Rico in early May. The organization said plans are to identify a new date for the meeting later in the year.
Branch Changes at CUs
Meanwhile, the list of credit unions announcing changes to their branch operations continues to grow. Among the latest:
- Prime Source Credit Union in Spokane, Wash., has closed its branch lobbies, but drive-throughs remain open. It has also temporarily waived fees on payments made via phone using a debit/credit card.
- Keys FCU in Key West, Fla., said to encourage members to do business from home it is waiving fees on Loan Speed Pay, Reg D excessive withdrawal fees, phone transfer fees, and early withdrawal fees on CDs.
- The Golden 1 Credit Union in Sacramento has launched an Emergency Relief Program, which offers flexible payment options on existing loans and short-term unsecured loans up to $5,000 with a fixed interest rate as low as 0%.
- Houston Metropolitan FCU has closed several of its branch lobbies, but drive-throughs remain open at those facilities.
- In Duncan, Okla., Endurance Federal Credit Union has closed its lobbies, although some engagements can be made by appointment. The credit union is also offering emergency deferrals on all consumer loans, including credit cards.
- Alliance Credit Union is encouraging members to use its drive-ups, ATMs, online banking, as well as other measures to limit the spread of the virus.
- United Heritage Credit Union said it is offering service through its drive-throughs only at select locations.
- In El Paso, Texas, GECU has created a COVID-19 Update page here and said it is offering assistance on existing loans, as well as emergency loans, Fast Cash and other assistance. It is also waiving penalties for early withdrawal on certificates.
- Generations FCU announced its lobbies are closed and members have been directed to use its drive-throughs.
- In North Carolina, Coastal Credit Union announced all of its branch lobbies will close effective March 20. Members are being asked to use Coastal’s drive-up or vestibule tellers and outside ATMs to conduct transactions, and to use online and mobile banking, the 24-hour call center and electronic channels. The move is being made “In an effort to ensure that we are not contributing to what is becoming community spread of COVID-19,” said Chuck Purvis, president and CEO. “We are well positioned to serve members through our ATM/Personal Teller machines, which provide full teller service via live video and are available at all of our locations without requiring main lobby access, through our digital channels, and through our call center capabilities.”
- In Alabama, MAX Credit Union said it will operate via drive-through and call center only, with lobbies accessible by appointment only. Max offers members a web page on how toadd a MAX debit or credit card to use a digital wallet purchases here.