MADISON, Wis.–International Credit Union Week is this week, culminating in the celebration of the 75th annual International Credit Union Day on Thursday.
During International Credit Union Week, credit unions from around the world are marking the occasion in a variety of different ways ranging from celebrations inside their own offices to volunteer activities in their respective communities.
The day and the week are an opportunity to “reflect upon the credit union movement's history, promote its achievements, recognize hard work and share member experiences,” according to the World Council of Credit Unions. “The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more engaged. The day of festivities for credit unions and financial cooperatives globally includes fundraisers, open houses, contests, picnics, volunteering and parades.
While International Credit Union Week and Day typically have a theme, this year the 75h anniversary of the Day is what is being highlighted in the marketing materials that have been created.
The First Credit Union Day
According to WOCCU, on Jan. 17, the Credit Union League of Massachusetts celebrated the first official holiday for credit union members and workers, selecting Jan. 17 17 because it was the birthday of America's "Apostle of Thrift," Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), who early credit union founders believed symbolized "the life and teaching embodied in the spirit and purpose of credit unions."
In 1948, CUNA) decided to initiate a new national Credit Union Day celebration and, along with CUNA Mutual Insurance Society, set aside the third Thursday of October as the national day of observance.
Four Arizona CUs Celebrating Week
In Arizona, four credit unions—OneAZ Credit Union, Arizona Financial CU, TruWest Credit Union, and Landing CU, are celebrating with the first annual Arizona Credit Union Week.
“This inaugural celebration will spotlight the multitude of ways credit unions empower financial independence, strengthen local economies, and serve as a force for good in neighborhoods and communities across Arizona,” the credit unions said in a statement, adding they plan to team up for several days of activities that culminate with International Credit Union Day on Oct. 19.
“Fans can tell their favorite credit union story and follow the fun all week long with the hashtag #AZCUWeek,” the four credit unions added.”
Activities Planned
Among the activities planned:
- Oct. 16th: Myths & Memes (Overcoming misconceptions about credit unions)
- Oct. 17th: Local Battle: (CU’s go head to head to promote “localness”
- Oct. 18th: Over the Top Impact: How CUs have gone “over the top” to help members and communities
- Oct. 19th: International Credit Union Day: All CUs celebrate 75 years
- Oct. 20th: CU Cash Crew teams head out in the community to member-owned businesses to cover the costs of goods/services of its patrons. Surprise stops announced throughout the day
‘A Mighty Force’
“Arizona’s credit unions are a mighty force for empowering members’ dreams, driving economic development, and inspiring community action,” said Brandon Michaels, OneAZ Credit Union president & CEO. “Arizona Credit Union Week is a chance for us to celebrate our members and the ways in which we elevate their financial well-being and improve lives in their communities.”
Added Brian Lee, president and CEO of Lendings Credit Union, “With deep roots in our local community, we are pleased to join members in celebration of Arizona Credit Union Week. With a commitment to financial education, tools and resources for wealth management and a members first approach, we spotlight how credit unions continue to create a lasting impact within the communities they serve.”
The CUs said credit unions in the state play a “critical role in stimulating” the Arizona economy. In 2022 alone, credit unions created $3.7 billion in economic contributions.
How CUs Contribute
According to the CUs, the ways credit unions have contributed to the Copper State economy include:
- $3.7 billion spending and compensation supported by credit unions
- $191 million in economic activity supported by member benefits
- $1.2 billion total income supported by credit unions
- 19,000 total jobs supported by credit unions
‘Incredible Opportunity’
“Arizona Credit Union Week is an incredible opportunity for Arizona credit unions to showcase their core value of ‘people helping people’ through an impactful week of education, service, and surprises,” said Alan Althouse, TruWest Credit Union president & CEO.
Added Amy Hysell, president and CEO of Arizona Financial Credit Union, “We aim to create positive financial outcomes for individuals and families through financial literacy education, loans for small businesses, sponsoring community events and funding charitable causes. We look forward to celebrating Arizona Credit Union Week with members of our local community.”
How One CU Is Marketing ICU Week
Among the credit unions celebrating International CU Week this week is 705 Federal Credit Union in Lafayette, La.
Among its activities this week:
- Gift Basket Drawing. 705 FCU said it is raffling off three themed baskets this year for members who do a transaction at the branch or through Facebook.
- CULAC 50/50 Drawing. The credit union is selling tickets for a CULAC 50/50 drawing for a chance to win half the cash raised for the Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (CULAC.)
- Wheel of Prizes. Members can spin the wheel for a chance to win a prize
- Refreshments. Refreshments will be served on Thursday inside its offices.
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