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NAFCU Invites Credit Unions To Celebrate The International Year Of The Cooperatives

CONTACT: Patty Briotta
703-842-2820
pbriotta@nafcu.org

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) is inviting credit unions to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives 2012 (IYC), which kicks off Oct. 31 at the U.N. headquarters in New York.

The United Nations designated 2012 as the International Year of the Cooperatives to recognize the unique role cooperatives play in social and economic development. The theme for the celebration is “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World.”

“Credit unions are enjoying increased visibility as safe, convenient alternatives to big banks – making this a great time to highlight their cooperative nature,” said NAFCU President Fred Becker. “Credit unions’ solid business model—member-owned, not-for-profit institutions—is the key to why they are 93 million members strong and growing.”

NAFCU is offering tips on how credit unions can celebrate IYC at www.nafcu.org/IYC2012. In addition, the National Cooperative Business Association, which NAFCU has joined with for U.S. efforts to commemorate IYC, is providing materials that cooperatives can use to promote the occasion. The toolkit includes ideas for recognizing IYC locally, including helpful documents such as an IYC fact sheet and customizable press release, and print and web materials featuring the IYC logo and slogan.

“This is yet another way for credit unions to shine and showcase their membership in their local communities,” he added. “The online resources available can be used to help create an IYC celebration tailored to a credit union’s unique field of membership.”

For additional information about the International Year of the Cooperatives 2012, visit http://social.un.org/coopsyear/index.html.

NAFCU is the only national organization that focuses exclusively on federal issues affecting credit unions, representing its members before the federal government and the public.

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