PORTLAND, Ore.–A number of credit unions here are partnering on an engagement initiative with the National Credit Union Federation of Korea (NACUFOK) through the Worldwide Foundation’s Global Bridges program.
Unitus Credit Union has joined with Advantis Credit Union, Oregon Community Credit Union and Rivermark Community Credit Union to work with NACUFOK, which represents more than 870 credit unions in South Korea and which is a direct member of the World Council of Credit Unions.
The World Council reported that after concluding his term as World Council Board Chair last year, Unitus President/CEO Steve Stapp has sought to remain active in developing the credit union movement worldwide.
“The credit union movement provides financial independence to people who don’t traditionally have the opportunity to save money, start a business or afford their basic needs,” said Stapp. “The Global Bridges program is an exciting opportunity to strengthen our communities around the world.”
WOCCU reported delegates shared their first virtual engagement session July 27 and will attend several more virtual sessions in 2021.
‘Global’ Perspective
“Advantis is very excited about the opportunity to learn from our Korean credit union peers, who are part of one of the five largest credit union networks in the world,” added Jason Werts, CEO at Advantis Credit Union. “By gaining a global, more diverse perspective of the cooperative finance model, we are able to find new ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members, our employees and the communities we serve.”
In 2022, a Korean delegation will visit the United States in person, while an American delegation will visit South Korea pending the state of COVID-related concerns at that time, WOCCU said.
“The opportunity to listen and learn with local and international industry peers is a competitive advantage that is worth celebrating,” said Seth Schaefer, president/CEO of Rivermark Community Credit Union. “We are looking forward to the conversations and engagement.”
‘New Ideas’
Added Ron Neumann, president & CEO of Oregon Community Credit Union, “Having the opportunity to participate in a program that extends the unique collaborative nature of credit unions across the world is very exciting. We look forward to sharing with and learning from the South Korean credit union system, with the hope of all participants coming away with new ideas on how to best support our members.”
According to WOCCU, in the first In iteration of the Worldwide Foundation’s “Global Bridges” program Unitus will send as representatives Assistant Project Manager Kat Popovich, IT Operations Manager Kevin Smith, and Senior Member Support Specialist Alec Shumway.