International Reception Features Speaker on Tsunami Disaster Relief

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 Italy, on Saturday, February 26 at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC.

Special guest speaker Dr. P.A. Kiriwandeniya, chairman of the SANASA Development Bank will give an update on the status of credit unions in his country and tsunami disaster relief efforts underway. Through World Council of Credit Unions Worldwide Foundation, the international credit union movement has pledged over $350,000 to help rebuild SANASA.

Other special program speakers include Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister Stefano Stefanini; WOCCU chairman L.R. (Bobby) McVeigh; and Dr. Brian Branch, president and CEO (Interim).

Another highlight of the reception includes a preview of WOCCU's World Credit Union Conference, to be held in Rome, Italy, July 24-27. Reception attendees will also have the opportunity to network with credit union leaders from United States, while supporting international credit union development.

Branch explained, "This is the annual event when a community comes together with their peers: the community of WOCCU supporters who make a difference in leading international credit union development around the world."

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.

Interested individuals who wish to attend and support international credit union development may register for $100.00. Current WOCCU Supporters and a guest are welcome to attend. To check if you or your credit union is a WOCCU Supporter, visit www.woccu.org.

Attendees to WOCCU's International Reception must RSVP by February 21. Attendees should also be prepared to show a photo identification at the embassy and go thru security screening.

World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. WOCCU 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. WOCCU 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.

WOCCU has implemented more than 275 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 53,000 credit unions in 100 countries serve 188 million people. Learn more about WOCCU's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.