Bend, OR — Addressing future potential in conjunction with International Credit Union Day, Mid Oregon Credit Union Vice President, Kyle Frick, delivered a motivating message to 13 credit unions of Belize, Central America, at their Annual Credit Union Convention held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. Bringing with him nearly 20 years of marketing experience, Mr. Frick encouraged the enthusiastic crowd of 180 attendees to think strategically and make a plan.

Mr. Frick demonstrated the common threads between Central Oregon and the country of Belize and offered constructive solutions based on history and growth comparisons. He emphasized the need for cooperative efforts to bring services for all the credit unions through joint agreements. “I shared examples of U.S. models, and also examples of other WOCCU (World Council of Credit Unions) initiatives such as Rwanda, Kenya and Columbia, and encouraged them to develop ideas based on what successes other credit unions were having”, said Mr. Frick.

The challenge was to move forward with a strategic marketing plan that would concentrate on financial literacy, public relations, and building community relationships.

He reminded them that credit unions are uniquely different from for-profit financial institutions and offer their members special advantages:

• Member Ownership – Each member of a credit union is an equal owner of that credit union and is entitled to one vote at the annual meeting, regardless of how much money he or she has deposited in the credit union.
• Members First – Because credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, they are usually able to offer lower loan rates, higher savings rates and lower fees than for-profit institutions.
• Volunteer Leadership – Credit union are led by a board of directors elected from the membership at the annual meeting. Board members volunteer and are not compensated.

Mr. Frick concluded with the reinforcement that they were strengthening the credit union movement, helping their country, friends and families, helping people out of poverty, and making them knowledgeable and successful.

Celebrating 50 years in Central Oregon, Mid Oregon Credit Union has built relationships with its members and the Central Oregon community through valued financial solutions. Mid Oregon currently serves over 16,600 members in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties and holds assets worth over $107 million. Mid Oregon Credit Union’s full-service branches are located in Bend, Redmond, and Prineville.