Capitol Hill Celebrates International Credit Union Day

NCUA Nominees Rodney Hood and Gigi Hyland meet for the first time at WOCCU International Credit Union Day festivities in Washington, DC

Washington, DC – At a reception co-hosted by World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU) and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), some 70 Congressional staff members and credit union industry insiders celebrated International Credit Union Day here this afternoon. Of note were National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Chairman JoAnn Johnson and her colleagues-to-be, NCUA board nominees Rodney Hood and Gigi Hyland, who are awaiting Senate confirmation expected to occur next week.

Attendees were treated to a selection of international coffees and desserts as WOCCU CEO Pete Crear spoke about how credit unions in nearly 100 countries are serving their members despite significant obstacles, such as not having a law in place allowing credit unions to operate or difficulties in dangerous situations of conflict and political unrest. "I'm in the habit of saying 'Happy Credit Union Day,'" said the 40-year veteran of the U.S. credit union movement. "But I've learned since being at World Council that it really is International Credit Union Day. People all over the world are celebrating the difference credit unions make in people's lives."

Katie Herberger, Manager of Legislative Afffairs, CUNA; Victor Corro, International Partnerships Manager, WOCCU; Molly Schar, Governmental Affairs Manager, WOCCU; Pete Crear, CEO, WOCCU

Crear also acknowledged the activities of a number of reception attendees here in Washington in conjunction with the first workshop for participants in WOCCU's International Partnership Program, which matches 21 CUNA- affiliated state credit union leagues with credit union movements in developing countries.

"Thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do to help credit unions grow and thrive," said Crear. "And Happy International Credit Union Day."

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

World Council has implemented more than 290 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 51,000 credit unions in 100 countries serve 196 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.