David Chatfield Honored with Special Digest Issue, International Fund

New Fund Will Help Support Development Training Programs For CU Staff, Leaders

CCUL

(Rome, Italy) - At the World Council of Credit Unions' 2005 World Credit Union Conference in Rome today, Matthew Davidson, executive vice president of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, announced two League initiatives to recognize the career and dedication of League president and CEO David L. Chatfield, who has announced his retirement as of April 1, 2006. A special issue of the League's flagship publication, Credit Union Digest, will be dedicated to documenting his illustrious career. Proceeds from the publication will go to the David L. Chatfield International Training Fund, newly established by the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, in conjunction with World Council of Credit Unions, to help support development training programs for credit union staff and leaders worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

"For more than 40 years, Dave Chatfield has been involved in almost every facet of our movement, from volunteer, and regulator to chief executive and local, state, and national leadership positions. In addition to his domestic efforts, international credit union development has been Dave's passion as evidenced by his involvement with World Council of Credit Unions and his contributions to the credit union systems in Mexico, and central and eastern Europe," said Matthew Davidson. "To recognize his many achievements, we've created a special opportunity to honor Dave's contributions, while also supporting the continued development of credit unions internationally, and we invite credit union leaders to help us carry on Dave's mission to strengthen credit unions worldwide."

The November 2005 issue of Credit Union Digest, with the theme of "Celebrate—Windows Of Opportunity," will offer credit union leaders and friends a chance to share their thoughts and memories of Chatfield's credit union influence in full-page messages, at a cost of $1,500, and half-page messages, at a cost of $750. The proceeds, expected to be $100,000, will benefit the David L. Chatfield International Training Fund, which is to be administered by World Council of Credit Unions' Worldwide Foundation. Full-page donors also will be recognized as World Council of Credit Unions bronze supporters. This special issue will be distributed at the Leagues' Annual Meting and Convention, to be held October 24-26 at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA.

Inspirational and achievement-focused Credit Union Digest stories in honor of Chatfield may be submitted through Monday, September 12, 2005 via the League's website at www.ccul.org/trainingfund.

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.