With credit unions around the world celebrating International Credit Union Day on Oct. 18, several state governors across the U.S. got in on the festivities as well.
Governors of Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin were among those issuing proclamations designating Oct. 18 as “Credit Union Day” in their respective states.
In Georgia, Gov. Nathan Deal noted, “101 credit unions in Georgia continue to empower more than 2.13 million members to improve their economic situations.”
Since 1948, credit unions worldwide have marked the third Thursday in October to celebrate International Credit Union Day, a day to honor those who have dedicated their lives to the movement and to show members appreciation.
The theme of this year’s 70th anniversary of ICU Day was “Find Your Platinum Lining,” a nod to how credit unions have encouraged people of every race, gender and belief to come together for the betterment of their communities. Georgia’s Gov. Deal said Credit Union Day in Georgia is an extension of the international celebration.
“Credit unions have implemented the idea that consumers, including individuals with middle-class aspirations, should have access to a trusted financial partner that operates with their best interests in mind,” Deal said in his proclamation. “Credit unions have demonstrated leadership in the communities they serve since credit unions were first established in the U.S. more than 100 years ago,” Deal said. “Therefore I, Nathan Deal, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim Oct. 18, 2018, as Credit Union Day in Georgia.”
As previously reported,
Credit union members make up roughly 20 percent of Georgia’s population – but through community activism, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates said the state’s credit unions habitually touch the remaining population, as well. In a survey of Georgia credit unions in February, 88 percent had made monetary donations to charitable programs in the last year and 76 percent had held a credit-union-sponsored fundraising effort.
Board or staff members from another 58 percent of Georgia’s credit unions had participated in community non-profit events in the 12 months leading up to February, the Georgia league added.
Credit unions in Georgia used ICU Day to show appreciation to their members through charitable fundraisers, open houses, contests and parties, the league said.
On Wisconsin
In Madison, Wis., Gov. Scott Walker proclaimed Thursday, October 18 Credit Union Day in Wisconsin, honoring credit unions for their work.
Gov. Walker’s proclamation commended CUs for:
- their structure, enabling them to help families and communities through REAL Solutions
- offering more than 678,000 hours of free financial counseling last year, helping strengthen Wisconsin citizens' finances
- Working to teach students to save through more than 100 in-school branches, and helping families and small businesses through affordable loans.
“Now, therefore, I, Scott Walker, Governor of the state of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim Thursday, October 18, 2018 as Credit Union Day throughout the state of Wisconsin and I commend this observance to all of our citizens.”
Cornerstone states chime in
The Cornerstone Credit Union League noted governors from all three states in the Cornerstone region – Gov. Mary Fallin in Oklahoma, Gov. Asa Hutchinson in Arkansas and Gov. Greg Abbott in Texas – announced their support and acknowledged the many contributions of credit unions to the communities they serve by issuing official proclamations declaring Oct. 18, 2018, as Credit Union Day in each of the three states.
