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WV Governor Justice Proclaims October 17 as ICU Day in Mountain State — 10/16/19

As credit union members around the state and around 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 17 occasion. Justice’s formal declaration states that “credit unions empower people to improve their economic situations in 117 nations around the world at more than 89,000 credit unions that serve the financial needs of 260 million people, including 380,320 in West Virginia associated through local, state, regional and international organizations sharing the same commitment to serving credit union members.”

“We thank Governor Justice for recognizing the good work credit unions are providing around the state for their fellow co-workers and neighbors,” stated West Virginia Credit Union 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.

Credit unions are recognized universally 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, 85 credit unions representing 380,000 member-owners operate to provide affordable financial services to people from all walks of life.

The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) earlier this year estimated that West Virginia’s credit unions provided $23,169,691 in direct financial benefits to their members during the twelve months ending in June 2019. These benefits are equivalent to $63 per member or $131 per member household.

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