International Reception Features Canadian Flair

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As a prelude to CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU), will host its Annual International Reception in conjunction with CUNA's World Leadership Development Committee and the Embassy of Canada, on Saturday, February 22 at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC.

Ronald T. McMorran, Counsellor, Embassy of Canada will give the welcoming remarks. Other special program speakers will include WOCCU Board chairman, L.R. (Bobby) McVeigh; Canadian Central of Canada Board chairman, Jack Smit; and Melvin Edwards, 2nd Vice Chairman, WOCCU Board, representing the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU).

Highlights of the reception include a preview of WOCCU's 2003 International Credit Union Leadership Institute, to be held in the Bahamas, August 1-4. Reception attendees will also have the opportunity to network with credit union leaders from Canada, the Caribbean and the United States, while supporting international credit union development.

World Council vice president and COO, Brian Branch explained, "This event is another excellent opportunity for U.S. credit union leaders to support international credit union development, while enjoying this event and networking with peers from across the country."

Also during the International Reception, WOCCU Supporters will receive special recognition for their continued dedication to the improvement of credit union movements around the world. The reception will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., with program speakers beginning at 6:30 p.m. Due to heightened security measures, attendees to WOCCU's International Reception attendees must RSVP by February 18. Attendees should also be prepared to show a photo identification at the embassy and go thru security screening.

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.