WOCCU Supporters Reception Scheduled for Chinese Embassy

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As a prelude to CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference, World Council of Credit Unions will host its annual WOCCU Supporters Reception Sunday, March 2 at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C. With a new embassy building under construction, attendees at this year’s reception will be among the last credit union visitors to the current embassy headquarters.

The reception includes an introduction to the World Credit Union Conference, to be held in Hong Kong from July 13-16. Special guest Charles Yip, president of the Credit Union League of Hong Kong, will preview the conference, expected to attract nearly 2,000 executives and directors from credit unions worldwide.

Melvin Edwards, WOCCU’s chairman, and Pete Crear, the organization’s president and CEO, will share the stage during a short program describing WOCCU’s activities globally and the important role WOCCU Supporters play in the organization’s continuing service to developing countries and their credit union movements.

“This is a personal opportunity to thank our WOCCU Supporters and tell them the difference they make helping people in difficult places climb the ladder of success,” Crear said. “This is made possible by bringing together credit union people with an interest in helping grow the movement.”

The WOCCU Supporters Reception will take place from 5:30 - 7 p.m., with program speakers beginning at 6 p.m. Current WOCCU Supporters and guests are welcome to attend with an advance registration. To see if you or your credit union qualify as WOCCU Supporters, or to become a Supporter, go to www.woccu.org/support or call Valerie Breunig at (608) 395-2055.

Reception attendees must RSVP. On-site registrations are not accepted due to embassy security requirements.

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.