WOCCU Chairman Meets With Trinidad and Tobago President

Madison, WI—Board Chairman of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), Gary Plank (USA), met with the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards, yesterday to discuss the work that credit unions are doing in the country. "President Richards was familiar with credit unions, the positive effect they have on the communities in which they serve and the potential of credit unions within his country," noted Plank.

During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Plank also met with U.S. Ambassador and credit union advocate, Dr. Roy Austin, and was a guest on the Trinidad & Tobago morning television show, where he spoke about World Council of Credit Unions and the importance of credit unions.

"Trinidad and Tobago credit unions are experiencing positive growth potential. They are growing over 10% a year and are poised for continued growth," Plank continued.

Plank's visit is the result of an invitation extended by the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU), a WOCCU member, to participate in the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of the Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad & Tobago, scheduled for May 25-28, 2006.

Plank will depart the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on May 26 for Antigua, where he will deliver the 3rd Everard Dean Memorial Lecture at a special ceremony in tribute to one of the region's credit union stewards and former CCCU President. He will also make a technical presentation on May 27 to over 100 regional leaders on "Competitive Strategies for Credit Unions."

Gary Plank was first elected to the WOCCU Board in 1997 and was elected Chairman in 2005. Plank is also the President and CEO of the Arizona Credit Union League.

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.