Press
Governor Branstad Signs Proclamation Declaring October 18 Credit Union Day
Des Moines —Credit union supporters from across the state gathered today at the Iowa State Capitol as Governor Terry Branstad signed a proclamation declaring October 18 as Credit Union Day in Iowa. This declaration is part of International Credit Day which is an event to commemorate the credit union movement’s impact and achievements.
“In an era that continuously poses economic and financial challenges for people around the world, this day honors credit unions’ principle of putting people before profits,” said Patrick S. Jury, CEO/President of the Iowa Credit Union League.
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions for more than 196 million members in 100 countries worldwide. They exist to serve their members, providing a safe place to save money and access affordable loans.
Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. Each year, the international event affords the opportunity to remember credit unions’ proud history and promote awareness of and support for the credit union difference. This year’s theme, “Members Matter Most,” celebrates the important economic and social contributions credit unions make to their communities worldwide. It also aligns cooperatively owned and controlled credit unions with the greater cooperative business sector and the United Nations, which is also celebrating 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives.
Credit unions are recognized as a force for positive economic and social change and have provided significant value in both developed and emerging nations. International Credit Union Day is sponsored by World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the international trade association and development agency for credit unions worldwide, and numerous national credit union trade associations and federations around the world.
The Iowa Credit Union League is the trade association that represents the interests of Iowa credit unions and their nearly one million members. Credit unions are not-for-profit, financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Iowans use their credit union membership to receive higher interest rates on savings and lower interest rates on loans. For more information on ICUL and Iowa credit unions, visit IowaCreditUnions.com. Follow ICUL on Twitter at www.twitter.com/icul or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iowalittleguy.