PORTLAND, Ore.– Unitus Community Credit Union celebrated the 75th annual International Credit Union Day throughout the organization and its branches.
Unitus said its commitment to the global credit union movement is in practice this week as it hosts Ana Braunias and Herb Wulff from New Zealand’s First Credit Union. It’s part of an annual exchange between the two credit unions to share insights, learn about a new culture, and share best practices to strengthen each credit union.
During this week's exchange, Braunias andWulff are exploring some of the area's best cultural sites, engaging in conversations with some of the CU’s community partners, visiting several Unitus branches, and participating in thought-leadership exchange through roundtable conversations with leaders throughout our organization.
“Thank you Unitus Community Credit Union and First Credit Union for the amazing exchange opportunity,” wrote Wulff, treasury and agency banking manager at First Credit Union. “Unitus can be very proud of its team and staff who’ve just overwhelmed us with their generosity, hospitality, engagement, and sharing. May our exchange partnership continue to grow in strength.”
In addition to the global exchange, Unitus is said it is celebrating its members by encouraging them to take part in an interactive heritage activity in each branch. Through Nov. 17, members can share their heritage, origin, or a place that holds special significance to them on a world map. The heritage tracker map is a visual representation of the credit union’s diverse membership and celebrates what makes each member unique.
Unitus’ Multiculturally United Employee Resource Group (ERG) organized the activity.
“This activity is not only a fun and engaging way to celebrate ICU Day but will also allow us to better understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that make our credit union so unique,” said Berenice Garcia Hernandez of the Multiculturally United ERG. “It serves as a reminder of the inclusive, global community we've built, and the positive impact credit unions have had on the lives of people around the world.”
Added President and CEO Steven Stapp, “From our international exchange efforts to celebrating our members’ heritage, Unitus is committed to the global cooperative movement. International Credit Union Day is a way to celebrate credit unions’
efforts to bring financial inclusion to their members all around the world. Sharing our experiences and learning with other credit unions is just one way to connect on a global scale to improve the lives of the members we serve.”