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Governor Justice Proclaims October 15 as ICU Day in West Virginia — 10/15/20
As credit union members around the state and around world celebrate International Credit Union Day, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice formally issued a proclamation noting the October 15 occasion. Justice’s proclamation 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 380,000 in West Virginia associated through local, state, regional and international organizations sharing the same commitment to serving credit union members.”
Justice also noted credit unions’ service commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic, “WHEREAS, throughout the COVID-19 crisis, credit unions around the globe have continued to provide a high level of service to their members and have inspired hope in their global community;”
“We thank Governor Justice for again recognizing the good work and hope that credit unions are providing around the state to their co-workers, and neighbors,” stated West Virginia Credit Union League President Ken Watts. “From their modest and humble beginnings, in good times and in recent challenging times, League member credit unions have touched the lives of many West Virginian’s seeking ongoing access to affordable financial services,” he added.
Watts emphasized that credit unions have stayed open and accessible during the pandemic even though some lobbies have been closed at times. “Despite the service challenges associated with the pandemic, credit unions have become financial first responders over these past many months,” he stated.
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) estimates that West Virginia’s credit unions provided $22,369,030 in direct financial benefits to their members during the twelve months ending in June 2020. These benefits are equivalent to $54 per member or $124 per member household.
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