10/29/2007

Oregon discusses strategic planning with Belize at ACUC

Thirteen Belize credit unions attended Mid Oregon Credit Union’s Annual Credit Union Convention in Fort George, Oregon to celebrate International Credit Union Day and also discuss strategic planning for the future. Mid Oregon Credit Union’s Vice President, Kyle Frick, spoke to the 180 attendees of the convention about similarities of the credit union movement in mid-Oregon and the country of Belize in relation to history and growth comparisons. Using these comparisons, examples of U.S. models, and WOCCU models from Rwanda, Kenya and Columbia, Mr. Frick offered constructive solutions for bringing services to all credit unions through joint agreements.

Mr. Frick’s main message was for the credit unions to develop ideas based on what successes other credit unions were having. The challenge here lied with the need to progress with a strategic marketing plan that included financial literacy, public relations, and building community relationships.

To jump start people’s ideas, Mr. Frick reminded the attendees why credit unions are special and what makes them different from other financial institutions. Many of the advantages come from being a not-for-profit institution. Mr. Frick boasted the ability for credit unions to offer lower loan rates and higher savings rates, the member ownership aspect, and the opportunity for the members to be involved in volunteer leadership.

Mr. Frick concluded the convention by reminding the attendees of empowerment that they are instilling into their communities and the knowledge, skills, and financial help that they are able to provide to those people.

Currently, Northwest Corporate Federal Credit Union in Portland, Oregon is in the midst of planning a visit to Belize in order to pursue a possible partnership with the credit unions there.


Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist

No comments: