DENVER-A delegation from CACPE PASTAZA credit union in Ecuador visited the Credit Union Association of Colorado (CUAC) and some of its member credit unions to examine how well they continued to serve members in spite of economic challenges.
The seven-person delegation came from Ecuador specifically to gain an overview of the U.S. credit union movement, with a focus on the trade association's role and the products and services it offers. The Ecuadorians studied the association's financial education curriculum, its grassroots outreach and lobbying efforts, compliance products and other services provided to its members. Closer looks at the association's credit union service organization (CUSO) and its Credit Union Service Network were also on the agenda for the weeklong visit.
The group also visited several Denver-area credit unions, including Denver Community Credit Union (DCCU), where the two groups discussed ways in which DCCU might better attract and serve Latino members. The Ecuadorians also came to understand DCCU's successes to-date using "low-wealth" products, such as payday loans and financial education, to establish a strong Latino member base.
Visits were also made to Premier Members FCU and BCS Community Credit Union.
