It’s International Credit Union Day!

It’s International Credit Union Day!

And it’s also Credit Union Day in Georgia.

Today, Georgia will join their peers across the world in celebrating International Credit Union Day tomorrow.

“101 credit unions in Georgia continue to empower more than 2.13 million members to improve their economic situations,” said Deal in a proclamation declaring Oct. 18 to be Credit Union Day in Georgia.

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that give members an alternative to for-profit financial institutions. These cooperatives exist to benefit their members, rather than to make profit for shareholders.

Credit unions have become important parts of economies around the world over the years. Since 1948, credit unions worldwide have taken 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 celebration is “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.

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 the proclamation.

Georgia’s credit unions have proven dedicated to acting in the best interest of their members repeatedly over the years. In the 12-month period ending in June, for example, the state’s credit unions provided $231.4 million in direct financial benefit to their more than 2.1 million members. That’s equivalent to $109 for each member, or $229 per household.

Credit union members make up roughly 20 percent of Georgia’s population – but through community activism, the state’s credit unions habitually touch the remaining 40 percent of the 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.

“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.”

Credit unions in Georgia will take ICU Day to show appreciation to their members through charitable fundraisers, open houses, contests and parties


Also featured in: Marietta Daily Journal, The Credit Union Journal Online

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