Corporate Responsibility Main Topic Of Day Three

WOCCU's International Credit Union Leadership Institute

Nassau, Bahamas-Day three of the 7th Annual International Leadership Institute witnessed more invigorating speakers, informative breakout sessions and Keynote speakers.

At today's General Plenary Session were David Mowat, Vancouver City Savings Credit Union CEO, and Bruce Ralston, board chairman of the credit union, who discussed "Responsible Corporate Citizenship: Bringing Value to Credit Union Members and Their Community."

2003 was the best year in the history of "VanCity," and speakers Mowat and Ralston explained how they managed to produce record numbers while maintaining a commitment to environmental soundness and social justice. VanCity has long been a leader in these areas, having recently released its third report on social accountability.

From 3:30-5:00 there were a number of breakout sessions. James Updike, CEO of the Honda Federal Credit Union, led "Branching Over the Border: A U.S. Credit Union Opens in Canada" and Joanne De Laurentiis, president and CEO of the Canadian Credit Union Central, reacted to Updike's comments.

WOCCU's own Brian Branch, chief operations officer and vice president, teamed up with Glen Francis, CEO of the Jamaica Credit Union League, to hold a discussion on "Credit Union Progress Around the World: An Insider's View."

Michael George of the Kern School Federal Credit Union and Tania Goodine, St. Willibrord sales and marketing manager, spoke on the unique subject of "Attracting the Young to Your Credit Union."

In the fourth breakout session, another World Council leader, technical services manager Mark Cifuentes, led "Becoming part of an International Network: International Remittances an open door to International Network of Services." WOCCU's International Remittance program, IRnet, has seen remarkable success since its creation in 1999, changing industry standards with its affordable processing fees.

An entertaining evening followed the sessions, highlighted by performances of the "WYCUP Challenge," a lighthearted competition designed to support relationship-building among WYCUP candidates. Tomorrow the 2004 WYCUP winners will be announced. World Council youth outreach initiative, WYCUP—WOCCU's Young Credit Union People—honors five bright young credit union professionals each year.

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.