World Council's GAC International Reception Features Canadian System

Madison, WI—As a prelude to Credit Union National Association's Governmental Affairs Conference (CUNA GAC), World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU) will host its annual WOCCU Supporters Reception Saturday, February 24, at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC.

The reception includes a preview of the World Credit Union Conference in Calgary, Canada, July 29–August 1. Special guests include Dave Phillips, Canadian Central Credit Union CEO, Penny Reeves and Bobby McVeigh, World Council board members representing Canada, and Ron McMorran, representative of the Canadian Ambassador.

World Council CEO Pete Crear and board chairman Gary Plank will also share the stage during a short program.

"The reception is a personal opportunity to thank our credit union supporters and tell them the difference they make helping people in difficult places up the ladder of success," Crear said. "This is made possible by bringing together credit union people from developed and developing movements."

Reception attendees will have the opportunity to network with credit union leaders from United States, including the newly appointed WOCCU Supporters advisory group: Barry Jolette, San Mateo Credit Union; Dick Ensweiler, Texas Credit Union League; Tom Sargent, First Tech Credit Union; John Fiore, Motorola Employees Credit Union; Bruce Foulke, American Heritage Federal Credit Union; Sarah Turner, Maryland and DC Credit Union League; Teresa Freeborn, Xerox Federal Credit Union. John Gilbert, World Council Board member from the Australian movement, also serves in the advisory group.

The reception will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with program speakers beginning at 6:15 p.m. Current WOCCU Supporters and a guest are welcome to attend.

Reception attendees must RSVP by February 12; late registrations will not be accepted due to embassy security requirements.

WOCCU Supporters are individuals that give at least $500 and credit union organizations that donate at least $1000 annually to World Council's international development programs. Together, World Council and these donors develop and improve credit unions—and their members' lives—around the world. Last year, WOCCU Supporters made possible the International Partnership Program, the African Credit Union Congress and enhancements to several credit union projects around the world.

To see if you or your credit union is a WOCCU Supporter, or to become a Supporter, visit www.woccu.org or call Valerie Breunig, Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions manager, 608-231-7353.

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.