GYDNIA, Poland — World Council of Credit Unions has been named winner of the Phoenix Award by the Cooperative Research Institute, part of Poland’s credit union trade association (NACSCU). President and CEO Brian Branch received the award during a recent ceremony at the Polish system's National Credit Union Conference.
"We are proud to accept this prestigious award from the Polish credit union system," Branch said. "It has been an honor to work with our Polish member organization in providing national legal advocacy support."
World Council received the International Award category for its longstanding cooperation and support to the creation and development of Poland's credit unions, called SKOK. Judges for the Phoenix Award, first awarded in 1994, include CEOs, deputy CEOs and board members of the Polish credit unions' national association and foundation.
"The Cooperative Research Institute, NACSCU and all credit unions operating in Poland are greatly honored to have the opportunity to reward World Council for the friendship and support they have provided to Poland's credit unions," said Grzegorz Bierecki, former World Council chair and current Stefczyk Credit Union chair.
Poland's credit unions constitute one of the world's fastest growing and most successful systems. Served by NACSCU, the system currently numbers 52 credit unions with US$3.9 in assets serving 2.2 million members.
At right, WOCCU CEO Brian Branch accepts the Phoenix Award from Polish trade association (NACSCU) representatives for supporting Poland's credit unions. From left: Andrzej Galazkiewicz, NACSCU member of supervisory board; Wiktor Kamiński, NACSCU deputy of general director; Rafal Matusiak, NACSCU president; and Brian Branch, World Council president and CEO.