Press
South American Credit Union Execs Visit Alliance Credit Union
Fenton, MO (June 15, 2011) – Two Colombian credit unions executives spent June 8-16 with their counterparts at Alliance Credit Union, learning how American financial institutions operate and discussing their role in the economy.
Dennis Sommer, President and CEO of Alliance Credit Union arranged the program through the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). Mr. Sommer has a long association with credit unions dating back to the 1970’s when he was a Peace Corps volunteer working with credit cooperatives in Cali, Colombia.
David Orjuela and Silvia Liliana Gonzalez came to St. Louis to learn about the roles of credit unions within the United States financial system, as well as specific practices used at Alliance Credit Union. Both plan to adapt the knowledge they have gained during their visit to improve operations and expand services at their own credit unions.
Mr. Orjuela is the Director of Risk Management at the Cooperativa de Ahorro Y Credito Coprocenva in Cali, Colombia. He has a master’s degree in economics and his work is targeted in risk analysis, asset liability management, loan portfolio analysis, credit systems, research and development of new credit methodologies.
Ms. Gonzalez is Director of Collections at Financiera Comultrasan Ltda. in Bucaramanga, Colombia. She is a financial and corporate law specialist with an eight year career at her “cooperativa de ahorro y credito.” Ms. Gonzalez manages collections, consumer credit, commercial loan portfolios and financial services at her credit union.
“Being able to share how we manage our credit union and plan its future growth with our South American neighbors was an outstanding learning experience for everyone involved,” Sommer said. “Our credit unions have many of the same opportunities, and it was great to be able to exchange ideas on how to approach those opportunities.”
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About Alliance Credit Union:
Alliance Credit Union is a $187 million credit union serving those who live or work in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin or Jefferson Counties in Missouri or Jersey, Madison, Monroe or St. Clair Counties in Illinois. Alliance serves 17,000 members and offers a full line of financial services, including deposit/investment accounts, consumer loans, home loans and business services. For more information, call (636) 343-7005, toll free (800) 541-6131, or visit www.alliancecu.com.
Contact: Josh Purler | Marketing | Phone: 636-343-7005, ext. 1115 | jpurler@alliancecu.com