Madison, WI—World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and the Russian Credit Union League (RCUL) are hosting the first annual Eastern European Technical Congress for credit union leaders from across the region and from credit unions with ties to Eastern Europe. This year's congress will be in Moscow, Russia, September 10- 12, 2007.

The two and a half days of networking and training will take place at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a historical building just minutes from the Red Square. The congress will focus on building relations among national associations of participating countries and will feature presentations by regional leaders, WOCCU staff and US league volunteers on technical requirements for credit union growth.

“Credit unions have grown at an impressive rate as Eastern Europe has shifted to a free market economy. This congress provides a forum for credit union leaders to build the skills they need to continue providing their members with new opportunities,” said Pete Crear, World Council President and CEO. “We are excited about working with RCUL and thank Vadim Kalinichev, RCUL members and staff for co-hosting this unique event.”

Presentations will be in both English and Russian, and participants will have the opportunity to tour Moscow during the event. In years to come, different WOCCU members from the region will host the annual event .

“As a WOCCU member since 2005, RCUL is proud to host the Eastern European congress in Moscow,” announced Vadim Kalinichev, RCUL Director General. “We are looking forward to sharing our outstanding Russian culture and hospitality.”

Be sure to join this unique credit union event in extraordinary Moscow. Visit www.woccu.org/meetings/eec for details. Contact Liliana Tangwall, WOCCU, ltangwall@woccu .org, or Natalia Vydrina, RCUL, info@orema.ru, with further questions.