Credit Unions: Helping Communities

Credit unions are great. Sometimes I feel like I don't say that enough. 

As much as I can praise credit unions, though, I don't think it's as effective as coming from credit union people themselves. As in, CEOs, marketing directors, and, you know, the World Council of Credit Unions. 

I found some great blurbs from such people and organizations that I thought I'd share. Perhaps these will, if nothing else, give you insight into how credit unions are run, why the people involved in them feel so passionately about them, and what they can do for you. 

First up, I found this article over at Credit Union Magazine (geek, I know) called Passionate About Community, and it highlights two credit unions in the nation who have won CUNA's Community Credit Union of the Year Award. This award goes to the credit unions who have shown exceptional reliance on credit union values and community involvement. Dana Stillwell and Jayne Walshaw, of Illinois and Tennesee, respectively, answer questions about their success. Here is an excerpt: 

CU Mag: Why is it important for a credit union to be involved in the community?

Stillwell: The community will stand behind you when you’re standing behind them. Our board, management team, and staff are extensively involved in the communities we serve. 

From being involved in church and civic organizations to sports sponsorships, the community knows who to come to when it needs help selling tickets, sponsoring an event, or even advertising for an upcoming event—us.

Walshaw: It’s the essence of the credit union philosophy: people helping people—and that’s the most powerful thing that credit unions do. Our branches are located in communities, and they’re really close to those communities and their members.

In another article, West Jordan, Utah credit union Moutnain American Credit Union donated $250,000 to a local aquarium. Here is a quote from CEO Brent Andersen: “Our commitment to supporting enriching activities for our community remains steadfast, and the aquarium is a prime example of that.”

And, lastly, from the World Council of Credit Unions themselves: "[Credit unions] come in many sizes and levels of sophistication, and they operate under different names. But credit unions around the world have one thing in common—they put members first."

So seriously. What are you waiting for?! Join a credit union today! You'll be rest assured that your financial institution is actively helping and involved in your community. 

Keep cool my babies!

Michelle