News

WV Governor Justice Proclaims October 18 as ICU Day in Mountain State — 10/17/18

As credit union members around the world prepare to celebrate International Credit Union Day, an annual event to commemorate the credit union movement’s impact and achievements, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice formally issued a proclamation noting the October 18 occasion. Justice’s formal declaration states that “credit unions embrace a people-helping-people philosophy through the pooling of personal resources and leadership abilities for the good of the cooperative, empowering members to improve their financial futures and uniting to help those in need.”

“We thank Governor Justice for recognizing the good work credit unions are doing around the state for its fellow citizens,” stated League President Ken Watts. “From their modest and humble beginnings, and through the present day, the West Virginia credit union movement has been blessed with many volunteers and staff who have tirelessly promoted the values of credit unions among co-workers, in their communities, and at their places of worship,” he added.

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. Each year, the international event affords the opportunity to remember credit unions’ proud history and promote awareness of and support for the credit union difference. This year, credit unions are celebrating International Credit Union Day's platinum anniversary, a chance to look back after 70 years and be thankful for the lives and communities that have been improved by the unique principles and actions of our movement.

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions for over 217 million members in 105 countries worldwide. Worldwide, 57,000 credit unions exist to serve their members, providing a safe place to save money and access affordable loans.

Credit unions are recognized as a force for positive economic and social change and have provided significant value in both developed and emerging nations. International Credit Union Day is sponsored by World Council of Credit Unions, the international trade association and development agency for credit unions, as well as numerous credit union trade associations and federations around the world.

In West Virginia, 87 credit unions representing 380,000 member-owners operate to provide affordable financial services to people from all walks of life.

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