A Message From Dan Mica on International Credit Union Day

October 18, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katye Long
CUNA Communications; (608) 231-4038
klong@cuna.coop

October 18, 2007

MADISON, Wis. – Warmest greetings to those celebrating International Credit Union Day, October 18, 2007, from your friends at the Credit Union National Association, as we observe this year’s theme: “Together We’re Better.”

The financial world is increasingly recognizing the third Thursday in October as a special day. Since 1948, we have set aside this day to celebrate the role that credit unions play in their communities – all over the world. These not-for-profit, democratically controlled, member-owned cooperatives not only offer great service, better rates, and lower fees, they also provide access to financial services and improved economic and social opportunities for members worldwide.

In Kenya, Rwanda, and Colombia, new credit unions offer financial services to those who never had access before. In war-torn Afghanistan, men and women alike have an opportunity to experience democracy first hand by voting at their local credit unions.

According to current figures from the World Council of Credit Unions, 46,000 credit unions in 97 countries proudly serve 172 million members – and that number continues to grow.

But there is more to International Credit Union Day than the impressive numbers credit unions have tallied around the world. This day also honors the cooperative heritage and the “People Helping People” philosophy on which credit unions throughout the world were founded. It is this cooperative spirit and commitment to members that we celebrate today.

Daniel A. Mica
President and CEO
Credit Union National Association

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About CUNA
With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, Credit Union National Association (CUNA) serves more than 90 percent of America's 8,800 credit unions, which are owned by nearly 90 million consumer members. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives providing affordable financial services to people from all walks of life. For more information, visit www.cuna.org.

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