WOCCU International Partnerships Blog

Dominican Republic and Wisconsin ignite new partnership

2007-11-12T16:13:00.001-06:00

The Wisconsin Credit Union League and Asociacion de Instituciones Rurales de Ahorro y Credito sign an International Partnership agreement through WOCCU's International partnerships department at Wauwatosa Credit Union in Wauwatosa, Wis.

On Tuesday, November 6, six representatives from Asociacion de Instituciones Rurales de Ahorro y Credito (AIRAC) traveled to Wisconsin to meet with the Wisconsin Credit Union League and experience technical visits at credit unions throughout the state of Wisconsin. AIRAC and WCUL have been pursuing a partnership through WOCCU’s International Partnership Program. During this trip, a partnership between the two entities was made a reality through the signing of a partnership agreement.

In Pewaukee, WI, the representatives met with Brett Thompson, CEO of WCUL, and were given a presentation about the history, function, and operations of the league. Afterwards, the group was given technical tours of the headquarters and two branches of Wisconsin’s largest credit union, Landmark Credit Union. The representatives also made a stop at one of the Wisconsin Shared Service Center to learn about how shared branching works in the U.S.

The final stop of the first day was Wauwatosa Credit Union where the group viewed credit union operations and met with Dean Wilson, Board Chairman of WCUL. There, the group signed the partnership agreement.

On the next day, the representatives made their way to Madison, WI to visit Heritage Credit Union where they received presentations about IT, targeted marketing, and online banking.

The representatives were also able to learn about the regulation and laws that credit unions face in Wisconsin from their meeting with the Department of Financial Institutions where they were able to converse with Lorrie Keating Heinemann, Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions and Suzanne Cowan, Director of the Office of Credit Unions. The group finished the day by visiting the office of WOCCU.

The group spent the final day in Marshfield, WI and Appleton, WI visiting Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union and Prospera Credit Union. During those visits, the representatives were able to have one on one discussions with local credit union CEOs and board members.

By the end of the visit, both parties were pleased with the opportunities the new partnership will bring and have hopes of many reciprocal exchanges and visits between the two countries.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist

North Carolina signs partnership agreement with Caja Morelia-Valladolid

2007-10-29T14:29:00.001-05:00

The Caja Morelia representatives stand out front a North Carolina credit union after a technical tour.

On October 29, 2007, twelve delegates from Caja Morelia Valladolid traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to sign a partnership agreement with the North Carolina Credit Union League (NCCUL) through World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) International Partnerships Program. This will be the North Carolina’s second WOCCU partnership. Its first partnership is with the South American country of Suriname.

The agreement will allow a free exchange of information between the two entities. Both are looking for ways to better serve their members. The NCCUL is especially interested in tapping knowledge that would help them to secure the Hispanic market, focusing on issues like service delivery, branch design, and marketing.

During the trip, the delegates also visited three local credit unions in the Triad-area, including Premier Federal Credit Union, Truliant Federal Credit Union, and Allegacy Federal Credit Union. During these visits, the delegates were able to discuss topics such as information technology systems, branches, points of service, and accounting systems with credit union staff and executives.

Juan Juarez, CEO of Caja Morelia and one of the visitors, is most interested in learning about new technology. One issue that his credit union faces in Mexico is not being able to offer ATM service to Caja Morelia's members.

The new partners are also planning other credit union visits in other parts of the state for the future. Also in the works, the NCCUL is looking to do a return visit to Caja Morelia in Mexico.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist

Oregon discusses strategic planning with Belize at ACUC

2007-10-29T09:44:00.000-05:00

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

Partnerships share experience and counsel at Partnership Workshop

2007-10-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

One day after International Credit Union Day, World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) held their annual International Partnerships Workshop. Representatives from nine international partnerships along with representatives from WOCCU and Credit Union National Association met to discuss their respective international partnerships. The representatives are involved in WOCCU’s International Partnerships Program. WOCCU’s International Partnerships program facilitates networking experiences between developed and developing credit union movements through delegation visits, meetings, internships and volunteer assignments.

Victor Corro, International Partnerships Manager WOCCU, gave opening remarks and a short overview of the International Partnership Department status. Currently, WOCCU has 22 signed partnerships and 7 progressing to sign up.

Afterwards, the representatives gave briefings on their partnership experiences and shared knowledge about the challenges and successes that they have faced. The presentations were mostly done in a casual manner allowing for discussion amongst the different partnerships. The representatives were able to exchange counsel and information in regards to handling certain themes with their partners. Some popular topics discussed were shared branching, lobbying, information technology platforms, and branding.

The workshop also featured special presentations. Janette Klaehn, Senior Manager of Communications WOCCU gave the first presentation which was about engaging others in the international credit union movement. She spoke about marketing tactics and media that can be used to plug their partnerships every chance they get. The representatives stated that they were frequently searching for more ways to publicize their partnership internally and externally.

The next presentation was by Oscar Hidalgo, General Manager of CoopeServidores of Costa Rica. Oscar spoke about the credit union situation in Costa Rica, gave the history and statistical data of their credit union system, FEDEAC, and also briefed the group about his credit union and the partnership they have with Family Security Credit Union in Alabama. Oscar Hidalgo had been in Alabama on a partnership visit the week before the workshop.

Finally, Valerie Breunig, Executive Director of the Worldwide Foundation WOCCU, briefly addressed the group on leveraging the International Development Fund (IDF) to support your international partnership.

Overall, the workshop presented a great opportunity for all to discuss, share, and learn about the partnership process and what it entails. If you would like information on attending next year’s International Partnerships Workshop or the International Partnerships Program, please contact Victor Corro at vcorro@woccu.org.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist

Immersion program teaches culture, language and marketing

2007-10-01T14:54:00.000-05:00

A group of participants stand in front of one of Caja Popular Mexicana's branches during their internship.

Starting on September 16th, World Council of Credit Unions’ International Partnerships department held their first-annual Hispanic Marketing Immersion Program. Eighteen participants from nine states participated. The program offered either a one- or two-week option. The program consisted of a combination of language classes, home stays with Mexican families, and practical internships in a Mexican credit union (or cajas, as they are called in Mexico).

This special combination allowed for the participants to fully immerse themselves in Mexican culture, while at the same time learning the tactics and strategies that the Mexican Cajas use in their marketing campaigns. They explored marketing devices such as the use of volunteer marketing committees, branding, mascots, financial education materials and cultural holiday celebrations.

The participants began their days with four to five hours of intensive Spanish courses based on their language ability. After classes, the participants returned home for an authentic Mexican lunch and had the opportunity to practice what they had learned in class.

The afternoon held a portrayed a different atmosphere with the practical internship at one of the four Mexican cajas: Caja Popular Mexicana, Caja Libertad, Caja Alianza and Caja Morelia Valladolid. Each caja offered a different experience about credit union operations, marketing tactics, microfinance opportunities and financial products that meet the needs of working families.

The internships took place in a variety of environments and branches, showing the diversity of the Mexican market and the strategies needed to market services to the people. Activities were also very diverse, consisting of presentations, operational tours, and meetings with marketing teams and executives.

The Texas and California leagues have a partnership with Caja Popular Mexicana through WOCCU’s International Partnership Program; the Arizona Credit Union System is partnered with Caja Libertad; and the Credit Union Association of New Mexico has a partnership with Caja Alianza. The Hispanic Marketing Immersion Program was a direct result of the partnership deliverables for 2007.

The participants also had the chance to partake in a workshop in Guanajuato, September 22-23, which included presentations by all four cajas and visits to local businesses financed by microentreprise loans.

In light of the program’s great success, the next Hispanic Marketing Immersion Program will take place in Mexico’s heartland, September 21-October 4, 2008. Stay tuned to WOCCU’s website for more details: http://www.woccu.org/.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist

Brazil and Florida meet to discuss prospective partnership

2007-07-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

Guy Hood, President of Florida Credit Union League, welcomes the Brazilian delegates to Florida.

On July 25, 2007, delegates from the Brazilian credit union movement, SIDCREDI, travelled to Tallahassee and Jacksonville, FL to meet with the Florida Credit Union League (FCUL) about prospective plans for a partnership through World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) International Partnerships Program. The delegates were on their way to the World Credit Union Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

On the first day, Guy Hood, President of FCUL, along with a few other branch managers welcomed the delegates at their headquarters in Tallahassee. The opportunity allowed for the two credit union movements to familiarize themselves with each other and share common challenges and successes. The discussions particularly focused on the challenges of lobbying in today’s world and dealing with politics.

The delegates also had the privilege to get to know Southeast Corporate very intimately. The group was able to tour both their Jacksonville and their Tallahassee offices. At the Tallahassee office, the group also met with William Birdwell, Southeast Corporate CEO and President to discuss the services offered by Southeast Corporate, such as share draft processing, virtual deposit, and a corporate synergies service. The group was specifically interested in the advanced IT system and Southeast’s ability to offer low cost investment opportunities to the credit unions.

At the Jacksonville office, the group was given an in-depth presentation on all of Southeast Corporate’s services led by Gisli Magnusson, Member Relations Manager of Southeast Corporate. The presenters included many of Southeast Corporate’s Vice-Presidents and Directors. The delegates were particularly fascinated by the check processing system and how the images are sent electronically.

The group was also able to visit Community First Credit Union of Florida and visit one of its local branches.

The delegates left Florida with a new hope of an international partnership between the two entities. There are plans in the works for FCUL delegates to visit SIDCREDI in Brazil in late March 2008.

The delegates included: Graziela Reis Bogorni, Valdir da Costa Silva, Luiz Emídio Dantas, João Carlos Spenthof, Sadi Beledelli, Ricardo Ce, Alcenor Pagnussatt, Manfred Alfonso Dasenbrock, Luis Roberto Baggio, José Olírio Alberton, Jair Kauffman, Orlando Muffato, Anildo Pedro Broch, and Ciro Bavaresco. The group included delegates from 4 different Brazilian states and numerous different SIDCREDI branches. Most of the delegates are vice-presidents or presidents of a branch.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist

Colorado shares shared branching expertise with Ecuador

2007-07-16T14:52:00.000-05:00

(Pictured is (l to r): Backrow: Victor Corro,International Partnerships Manager WOCCU; Jose Guillen, Cooperativa San Jose; Josh Fetting, Program Specialist WOCCU; Doug Burke, President of CUSN; Oscar Guzman, WOCCU Ecuador Project; Santiago Saavedra, WOCCU Ecuador Project; Steve Schaefer, Program Manager WOCCU Ecuador Project. Front row: Rosemary Paddock, Manager of Operations CUSN; Laura Pizzarelli, Vice-President of Corporation Relations CUSC; and Janet Meyers, Boardmember of Colorado Credit Union League Foundation.) Photo taken at RTC Conference in Quito, Ecuador.

On July 9th, Laura Pizzarelli, CUSC; Doug Burke, CUSN; Rosemary Paddock, CUSN; and Janet Meyers, CCULF, traveled to Ecuador to observe operations at three credit unions and attend a conference on shared branching. The four representatives spent the first two days traveling throughout Ecuador’s beautiful countryside while on their way to various Ecuadorian cooperatives. Colorado’s Credit Union Service Network has been partnered with one of Ecuador’s credit union networks, RTC, through World Council of Credit Union’s International Partnership program since 1999.

The group made their first stop in Chimbo, a small town outside of Riobamba. There, they were able to view and discuss the credit union’s operations with José Guillén, Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito San José CEO. Burke was able to assess changes that had taken place in that credit union since his last visit in mid-2006. San José had increased security and added air-conditioning in its IT department.

Afterwards, the group made their way to Riobamba to visit Accion Rural Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito and speak with its CEO, Mauricio Rivera. Rivera pointed out many unique features of this credit union, including their ability to provide micro-enterprise loans to Ecuador’s rural population. Of Accion Rural’s members, 93% live in rural areas.

After spending a night in Riobamba, the representatives had the privilege to get to know one of Ecuador’s more cultural cities, Cuenca. In Cuenca, they made a stop at Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Juventud Ecuatoriana Progresista.

On the last day, the representatives were invited to give a presentation on their findings and suggestions at a credit union network conference in Quito, where 18 other Ecuadorian credit unions were in attendance. The theme of the conference was shared branching. The group had many good suggestions, such as implementing a “secret shopper” program, forming a national marketing committee, and providing standardized training procedures.

At the end of the presentation, an open forum was conducted to allow a real time exchange of information between the Ecuadorian credit unions and the U.S. credit unions. The end of the conference brought about many compliments from both sides of the table and many wishes for a continuance of the collaboration between these to movements for years to come.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist

Maryland & D.C. League lend Nicaragua expertise on Nominating Committee

2007-07-15T14:47:00.000-05:00

On July 8th, John Link, Treasurer of Agriculture Federal Credit Union, and Michael Di Gennaro, a volunteer at Federal Reserve Board Federal Credit Union, both from Maryland & District of Columbia Credit Union Association (MDDCCUA) made a visit to Nicaragua’s Central Service Organization (CSO). The objective of their trip was to assist CSO with the process of forming a Nominating Committee and give a few pointers on governance. MDDCCUA and CSO have been partnered through World Council of Credit Union’s International Partnership program since 2002.

The big challenge here was finding a way to overcome Nicaragua’s unique credit union regulations. The pay-off would be helping to tackle one of the Nicaraguan credit union movement’s biggest problems with their governance. Due to some issues with governance, Nicaraguan credit unions typically experience high delinquencies and losses. Inadequate oversight has led to high expenditures in fixed assets, such as buildings and has resulted in a loss of capital.

Link and Di Gennaro had three days to gather information and construct a presentation to help Nicaraguan credit unions in the process of nominating qualified candidates for their boards. The presentation was presented in front of a group of credit unions. The first presentation was focused on “first principles” governance with a main message of “Boards Govern, Managers Manage, and Members Own.” The presentations also covered everything from the history of credit unions, volunteer and staff roles, and, of course, the Nominating Committee.

Link and Di Gennaro felt that they had reached the goal of helping the Nicaraguans overcome their misconceptions of the Nominating Committee and had given them a model from which they could produce positive results. However, the Nicaraguan movement must still form their concepts in order to overcome their unique institutional barrier.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Program Specialist

Nicaragua and MDDCCUA renew partnership!

2007-06-22T08:21:00.000-05:00

The Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association recently welcomed visitors from the Nicaraguan Central Service Organization, Juan Altamirano, CEO of the CSO, and German Membreno, CSO Vice Chairman and CEO of Dinamica Credit Union. The trip included attending MDDCCUA’s Annual Meeting and Convention, where the theme was “CSI: Common Sense Innovations” – highlighting the marriage of the practical with the cutting edge. Approximately 700 credit union board members and managers were in attendance. The visitors were invited to participate in the convention’s educational sessions and also in several visits to credit unions in the Baltimore-Washington area.

MDDCCUA CEO Michael Beall, who hosted the visit with Sarah Turner, MDDCCUA Vice President of Strategic Alliances, explained, “The topics covered during this convention—growth, governance and services—are challenges both MDDCUA and CSO face. Through the partnership exchange, we can overcome these challenges together.”

CSO and the former DC Credit Union League established a partnership through the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) International Partnerships program in 2002. The visit marked the first meeting between CSO and the new MDCCUA since the DC and Maryland credit union leagues merged last year.

In July, MDDCCUA will send two volunteers to Nicaragua to provide training on nominating committee and governance best practices. In coming years, MDDCCUA will provide technical assistance to CSO on shared branching, and CSO will work with credit unions in DC and Maryland to enhance outreach to immigrant groups.

The partners concluded that the visit had an important impact on both sides, and displayed one of the most valuable outcomes of a partnership, the bonds that grow between the people of different cultures, especially when they have the commitment of credit union development.

Villarreal and Corro Visit Superintendency of Banks in Panama

2007-06-18T04:53:00.000-05:00

Jacinto Villarreal, COFEP's CEO and Victor Miguel Corro, WOCCU's international partnerships manager recently visited the Superientendency of Banks in Panama (SBP), During their visit Corro and Villarreal explained the international partnership between the Iowa Credit Union League and COFEP, WOCCU's member in Panama.

Superintentendent Olegario Barrelier was briefed on the concern of the lack of specific credit union regulation and oversight in the country. Barrelier and SBP management team expressed awarenes of the lack of adequate oversight and committed to helping Iowa and Panama find ways to strenghten the regulatory and examination framework for credit unions in the country.

WOCCU will share its Model Credit Union Law with the Superintendency of Banks. IPACOOP is the Panamanian Goverment Agency that oversees cooperatives in the country. Credit Unions are under IPACOOP's watch.

Panama and Iowa credit union movements have been engaged in a partnership for almost three years. Several lobbying efforts have been conducted at high levels in the Panamanian goverment to create awareness of best regulatory and examination practices when it comes to credit unions.

Minnesota visits 5th annual international seminar in Paraguay

2007-06-17T13:03:00.000-05:00

Representatives Dick Nesvold, Board Chairman Minnesota Credit Union Network, and Mark Cummins, President & CEO Minnesota Credit Union Network, recently attended an international seminar in Asuncion, Paraguay. The seminar took place on May21-22 and was the fifth annual event. The title this year was “Credit Unions: Valid Alternatives for Social & Economic Development, emphasis on Training, Technology, Regulation, Ecology & Microfinance.” Approximately, 400 credit union representatives were in attendance.

Both Nesvold and Cummins addressed the conference on key topics such as credit union governance and the effect of government relations and politics on credit unions. The conference also consisted of presentations covering other areas of interest including monitoring financial risk, advances in regulation and supervision, and the impact of tax reform on credit unions.

Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) and Central de Cooperativas del Area Nacional Ltda. (CENCOPAN) have been partnered through WOCCU’s International Partnerships Program since 2004. The partnership has allowed for the two credit union movements to facilitate a number of initiatives such as a credit union exchange program and an international dialogue with regulators from

Paraguay

, NCUA and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Both credit union movements are concerned with issue-driven political advocacy and the toll that crisis-mode grassroots lobbying takes. The movements would like to move towards systemic political advocacy and working with legislators on a continual basis.

After the conference, the Cummins, Nesvold, and Michelle Kramer of WOCCU met with Sen. Rolando Dietze of Paraguay’s National Congress and Committee of Cooperative Affairs where they discussed the country’s economy and the impact of cooperatives.

The final two days of the trip consisted of visits to numerous credit unions, including Mercado No. 4 Ltda., and Universitaria Ltda., Del Sur Ltda. and Colonias Unidas Ltda. Nesvold, who had previously visited some of these credit unions in the inaugural partnership visit in 2004, was able to review the tremendous changes that had taken place in the last three years of the partnership.

Both Minnesota guests were encouraged, energized and honored by their visit to Paraguay and have great hope in the Paraguay credit union movement.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Intern

Peru and Vermont Sign Partnership Agreement

2007-05-29T09:21:00.000-05:00

In a recent visit to Lima and Cuzco, Peru the Association of Vermont Credit Unions (AVCU) signed an international partnership agreement with the Federacion Nacional de Cooperativas de Ahorro y Credito del Peru (FENACREP). Those signing the agreement were Joe Bergeron, President of AVCU, Manuel Rabines, CEO of FENACREP, John Benoit, AVCU Board Chairman, Jorge Zevallos Carpio, FENACREP Chairman, and Victor Corro, WOCCU's international partnerships manager.

The partnership is through the World Council of Credit Union's (WOCCU) International Partnerships Program. The signing of the agreement was the payoff after two years of preparation between the two credit union movements. The trip was a follow-up to Peru's visit to Vermont last November.

In addition to the signing, AVCU also made a special appearance in front of the Cooperative Committee of Peru's National Congress where Bergeron explained to legislators the difference between credit unions and banks and their tax-exempt status in the US. The group also made visits to San Hilarion Credit Union, ABACO Credit Union, Finantel Credit Union, AELUCOOP Credit Union, and Santo Domingo de Guzman Credit Union.

The partnership will give the credit union movements the ability to collaborate on key areas of focus such as deposit insurance for members. The future of this partnership will also provide more means for communication including presentations at each other's conventions and additional partnership developments at the credit union-level.

(Picture 1: Back Row:
(Picture 2: Manuel Rabines, CEO of FENACREP, signing the partnership agreement at the signing ceremony)

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Intern

Trinidad and Tobago Enjoy and Learn at Connecticut Meeting

2007-05-21T12:46:00.000-05:00

(Pictured is Dr. Winford James, President of the Board of Directors CCULTT,
Kathy Chartier, Chair of CULC, Diane Joseph, Manager of CCULTT,
Kevin Chandler, CEO of CULC.)

The Credit Union League of Connecticut recently welcomed two visitors from the Cooperative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Winford James, President of the Board of Directors, and Dianne Joseph, Manager of CCULTT.

The visitors from CCULTT were invited to participate in CULC's Annual General Meeting, a variety of educational and planning sessions, and also visit the league office and credit unions in the state.

In Connecticut, Dr. James and Ms. Joseph discussed league operations with league officials, visited the Seasons Federal Credit Union and Members Credit Union, and participated in a planning session with the partnership committee. Afterwards, the group attended the CULC's AGM where educational sessions and social events took place. Dr. James addressed the meeting with greetings from Trinidad and Tobago.

The planning session mainly comprised of a discussion about areas of cooperation which could benefit the partnership in the proceeding year. The discussion led to the theme of developing a good governance model and job descriptions, qualifications, and accountability measurements for board members. This initiative would help to achieve CCULT's mission of reuniting its league after the loss of 15 of its credit unions.

On May 21, five representatives will travel from the CULC to Trinidad and Tobago and plan to visit credit unions, participate in the leadership conference, and continue the planning discussions.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships Intern

Partnership Opportunity Discussed at Idaho Annual Meeting

2007-05-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

(Alan Cameron and Shane Berger, CEO of Beehive Federal Credit Union
explain their discussions with WOCCU regarding
international credit union development.)

Victor Corro, International Partnerships manager of WOCC U, attended the Idaho Credit Union League's General Annual Meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on Monday, May 14.

During the Board of Director's dinner, Mr. Corro explained the makings of the International Partnerships program and the different oppotunities available for establishing partnerships between the ICUL and other credit union movements. Alan Cameron, CEO of ICUL, also commented on the new partnership opportunity stating, "The credit unions in Idaho are ready to take the next step and help credit unions overseas." Mr. Cameron continued by complimenting the partnerships program, "We [ICUL] look forward to a long-lasting relationship with WOCCU."

The league is interested in a partnership with the South Pacific Islands where an immediate need exists to strengthen the credit unions and the league there. One of the many benefits to the credit unions would be the possibility of merging which would create a more sustainable model.

As the presentation came to an end, Mr. Corro closed by describing a unique cooperative opportunity between the ICUL, the Solomon Islands and Australia.

Written by Josh Fetting, International Partnerships intern

Alabama Hosts Costa Rica

2007-05-06T12:29:00.000-05:00

During his first visit to the US, Manuel Bolaños (CEO, FEDEAC, pictured at right) attended the Alabama Credit Union League's Annual Meeting in Destin, FL. The two credit union entities have been partnered through WOCCU's International Partnerships program since July of 2006.

The partnership allows for direct credit union-to-credit union relationships. Currently, there are five Alabama credit unions working in conjunction with five Costa Rican credit unions. The partnership provides a way to share information and develop strategies in areas of cooperation between the credit unions.

In an address to the ACUL's board of directors, Mr. Bolaños boasted the many advantages and opportunities that the partnership has provided them.

In Pensacola, FL, Mr. Bolaños toured the Pen Air Federal Credit Union (an Associate Member of the ACUL). The tour was proceeded by a discussion of credit union operations led by John Davis, CEO of PenAir Federal Credit Union. Victor Corro, International Partnerships manager, WOCCU, and Corinne Hodges, ACUL representative.

The partnership has also led to the awareness of the importance of advocacy and lobbying, which has allowed the FEDEAC to hire a lobbyist who has been crucial to the credit union industry in Costa Rica.

Common Themes Emerge at US-Mexico Meeting

2007-05-05T15:09:00.000-05:00

(US-Mexico meeting, Ontario, CA. Pictured is (left to right): Tomás Carrizales,
Federacion Alianza, Ramón Imperial Zúñiga, Cirilo Rivera Rivera, Josefina Cerda Moreno from Caja Popular
Mexicana, Sylvia Lyon, New Mexico Credit Union Association.)

In an unprecedented meeting, the Mexico-United States partnerships
convened at the California Credit Union League in Ontario, CA on April
24 and 25 to conduct individual strategic planning sessions and
come up with a common strategy that leverages
the strengths of the credit unions in each country.

The CEO's of the Mexican Cajas were present(Federacion Alianza,
Caja Libertad,Caja Popular Mexicana,Caja Morelia Valladolid)
along with the CEO's of the Texas, California, and North Carolina Credit
Union Leagues, and the COO of the Arizona Credit Union League.

Carlos Calderon (CEO, OAS Credit Union in Washington, DC) led the main
brainstorming session where key areas of action were identified: enhanced
delivery service, internships, Hispanic marketing and growth strategies.
These main actions would help US credit unions attract more members from
the Latino community and also help the Mexican cajas create the
transactional volume needed for new cross-border enhanced delivery
channels such as shared branching and increased remmittances activity.

WOCCU, taking advantage of the strong relationship between the US credit
unions and Mexican cajas, will launch a total immersion program which will help to
facilitate membership growth and transactional volume.  The program
will include four main components: Spanish classes, internship at a credit union
branch, cultural exposure through home stays with host families, and
targeted marketing instruction by the Cajas.  The program will take place from
September 15 to 30, 2007 in Queretaro and Guanajuato, Mexico and will cost less
than $150 a day.  Participants will be able to take advantage of the credit union
differences in Mexico.  The program deadline is July 31.

WOCCU will also be organizing a summit in September to create
an effective strategy to recruit and retain members from the Latino community and
to diversify established credit unions.  WOCCU is opening offices throughout Central
and South America to position itself to help teach these techniques of membership
growth.

For more information, read the press release.

Caja Popular Mexicana Praised at Annual Assembly

2007-04-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

During Caja Popular Mexicana's General Annual Meeting, Dick Ensweiler, CEO Texas Credit Union League, and Gary Plank, WOCCU chairman, praised the credit union for its tremendous success in becoming Mexico's largest credit union. Plank also discussed some important issues such as membership growth and shared branching. Speakers including Ensweiler, Plank and Bill Cheney, CEO California Credit Union League, traveled to Lyon, Mexico on April 19.

Under the leadership of Ramon Impreial Zuniga and with the invaluable support of the staff and volunteers at CPM, the caja has overcome such challenges as high delinquencies, stagnant membership growth and outdated technology and has reworked its infrastructure to include a new IT platform and standard policies and procedures. With over one million members, declining delinquency rates, and new points of service opened up, CPM has brought many important financial services to families throughout Mexico.

CPM has been partnered with TCUL and CCUL through WOCCU's international partnership program since 2002. The three credit unions, also including New Mexico Credit Union League and the Arizona Credit Union League, will be meeting in Ontario, CA on April 24 and 25 for an international summit to explore more cooperative opportunities.

Caja Libertad Explores U.S. Foundations

2007-03-14T13:14:00.000-05:00

A delegation from Caja Libertad, the second largest credit union in Mexico, visited various foundations and community development specialists last week in their visit to the U.S.

The delegation learned about state, national and international foundations and the impact the foundations have, which will help it establish its own foundation and expand the current philanthropic work they do.

Visitors included Caja Libertad's Paolo Lezama, executive director; Hugo Bustamante, president of the education committee; and Cesar Izurieta, executive vice president of marketing.

"We currently fund financial literacy programs, health and wellness activities, programs that help to keep our cooperative culture alive and numerous community reinvestment initiatives," said Bustamante. "But we think we can do more, through a separate foundation."

The group met with the Arizona CU System. Sandy Watts, marketing and communications director, said, "We discussed key topics like who decides how to spend funds and why, the grant request system, the organizational structure, legal status and their foundation's history." Watts also shared successes and challenges for foundations starting out. The group also toured Arizona Federal and Desert Schools FCU.

In Madison, the group met with WOCCU's Worldwide Foundation manager, Valerie Breunig, who discussed the importance of organizational structure and how to find donors. She also worked through potential business strategies with Caja Libertad, reviewed goals and discussed how to raise funds.

Kris Hoffman Ackley, the National Credit Union Foundation's director of donor relations, provided an indepth view of fundraising at a national level.

The group also met with Selfreliance Ukrainian American FCU, Chicago, where CEO Bohdan Watral and his staff discussed their community reinvestment activities.

Webinar Bridges New York and Puerto Rico

2007-02-23T12:57:00.000-06:00

Credit unions in Puerto Rico and the New York State Credit Union League (NYSCUL) expanded their partnership this week during the first World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) International Partnership webinar.

Juan E. Fernández, NYSCUL community development coordinator explained, “We conducted the webinar because we wanted our partners to be able to ask questions about services and issues in real time.”

During the webinar New York State Credit Union League provided participating Puerto Rico credit unions temporary access and hands on experience with all of the league's cyberservices. With Puerto Rico’s credit unions operating under similar requirements as its US partner, the member compliance section of the website and the support services were of particular interest to the group.

NYSCUL hopes to open Puerto Rico up to the outside world through its connections and training initiatives with other leagues and CUNA. Some of NYSCUL's legal staff has already started reviewing Puerto Rican law to be able to answer credit union queries.

The International Partnership hopes to provide vital services to credit unions in Puerto Rico, where credit unions do not have league of their own to provide education, training and compliance services. Because of the initiatives undertaken by the partnership, individual credit unions in Puerto Rico are able to join the NYSCUL as direct members.

Iowa Pioneers with Panama for CU-Specific Regulation

2007-01-23T14:01:00.000-06:00

Five delegates from the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) went to Panama during the second week of January to aid the efforts of the Panama credit union league (COFEP) in establishing credit union regulation.

The visit was the two leagues' fourth face-to-face exchange in the two years as part of their internatinoal partnership through WOCCU.

The ICUL group visited four credit unions, met with government officials and COFEP executives, and spoke at a one-day conference on credit union best practices. One topic of interest ot the Panama group is lobbying and its potential benefits.

"For the great majority, a relatively new topic like lobbying or lobbying to achieve positive things for the credit unions was interesting," said COFEP CEO Jacinto Villarreal.

Pat Drennen, ICUL board director and general manager of 1st Gateway CU, Camanche, said it is sometimes difficult for the Iowa team to convince their counterparts that lobbying is a good thing.

"The issue of...lobbying is kind of foreign in Panama because the mindset is that if you're talking to a government offical, you're bribing them," he explained.

In a symbolic gesture at the end of the conference, ICUL gave a letter directed to Panama's president to Arnulfo de León, the government's director of human resources. The letter expressed the need for credit union-specific regulation in Panama.

Picture taken during a visit to El Palacio de las Garzas where the President of Panama has his offices.

Alabama & Costa Rica CU-to-CU Partnerships Kick Off

2007-01-03T10:37:00.001-06:00

Representatives from three Alabama credit unions made their first trip to Costa Rica in late December in search of opportunities to expand their relationships with partnering Costa Rican credit unions.

The first afternoon of the visit was spent with FEDEAC's board of directors, where visitors became acquainted with their overseas peers in the national federation.

The group also joined COOPENAE for an evening to help celebrate its 40th Anniversary. Throughout the remainder of the stay, representatives met with their partnering credit unions and identified a work plan beneficial to each organization.

Gary Wolter, CEO, and Vicki Williams, SEVP & COO, of the Alabama Credit Union League joined Manuel Bolaños, FEDEAC CEO, and Victor Corro, WOCCU International Partnerships Manager, during the week to identify areas in which FEDEAC can better serve its members.

The group included representatives from Community CU, Gadsden; Family Security CU, Decatur; Mutual Savings CU, Birmingham; and the Alabama Credit Union League. There are currently 5 credit union-to-credit union partnerships between Alabama and Costa Rica.

Vermont & Peru Meet for the First Time

2006-11-09T09:12:00.000-06:00

(CU Visit to VT State Employees CU. Back Row: Rocio Miyashiro (ABACO CEO), Verónica Miyahira (ABACO Marketing Manager), Victor Corro (WOCCU Int'l Partnerships Manager), Miguel Zeballos (AELUCOOP CEO), Liliana Valdizán (FinanTel CEO), Jorge Zevallos (FENACREP Chairman), Joe Bergeron (Association of VT CUs President). Front Row: Manuel Rabines (FENACREP President & WOCCU Treasurer), Steven Post (VT State Employees CU CEO), VT State Employees CU Board Member

The Association of Vermont Credit Unions hosted six leaders of the Peru credit union movement the first week of November. This first meeting between the two potential partners served to acquaint the movements and provided an opportunity to identify areas in which they are able to work together to enhance their movements. The Peruvian delegation found interesting Vermont’s legal and regulatory structure for credit unions, as well as technological services such as home banking, ATM networks, and shared branching.

During their three day visit, Joe Bergeron and Bryan Kent (President and Vice President of the Association of Vermont Credit Unions respectively) took Manuel Rabines (President of FENACREP and WOCCU Treasurer) and five Peruvian credit union CEOs to the Credit Union of Vermont, Heritage Family CU, Vermont State Employees CU, Central Vermont Medical Center CU, and Caswell CU where they were able to meet the credit union managers and build acquaintances for future reunions. These credit unions vary in size and gave visitors an opportunity to identify trends and the differences between larger and smaller CUs in Vermont. They also visited the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration where they were given a presentation on credit union regulatory practices. WOCCU was represented by Dr. Brian Branch, COO, Victor Miguel Corro, International Partnerships Manager, and Michelle Kramer, International Partnerships Assistant.

To view more photos from this visit, please click here.

Written by Michelle Kramer

Second Partnership Briefing and Hike the Hill during ICU week

2006-11-08T09:12:00.000-06:00

Washington, DC—World Council of Credit Unions held an International Partnerships meeting Friday, October 20, in Arlington, Virginia. Twenty-six credit union leaders from United States leagues and World Council shared the progress of their individual partnerships and used the meeting as a forum for best practices.
Representatives from Connecticut, Washington, DC, Missouri, Texas, California, Ohio, New York, Minnesota, Iowa, Alabama, and North Carolina reported on successes in 2006 and gave an overview of planned activities for 2007. The case study for this year’s briefing was the Ohio Credit Union League, Corporate One Federal Credit Union, WOCCU-Bolivia and the Bolivian Credit Union System and World Council. This international partnership focused on technology and connecting credit unions in Bolivia with a shared branching system.

In addition to the partnership briefing, World Council of Credit Unions and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) celebrated International Credit Union Day at a reception on Capital Hill in Washington, DC. Over 60 representatives from congressional offices, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors and state leagues involved in World Council’s International Partnerships participated in the event.

Click on link for press release on ICU day and partnership briefing.

For lots of pictures of both events click here

Arizona & Caja Libertad Celebrate ICU Day

2006-10-27T11:28:00.000-05:00

(Photo: Credit union visit to Arizona Federal. Back row: Arturo Dorado, Raúl Martinez, Laura Lowe Edgar, Front Row: Ruben Toledo, Susana León, Tricia Drexel)

Susana León, Marketing Manager, and Rubén Toledo, Market Analyst, presented Caja Libertad's marketing strategies and statistics at both the Valley of the Sun Chapter Dinner and the Southern Arizona Chapter Dinner in celebration of ICU Day. When delegates from Arizona traveled to Mexico, they heard a similar presentation and decided to invite Susana and Rubén to Arizona so their credit unions could hear how Caja Libertad carries out marketing procedures.

Raúl Martinez, Vice President of Loans & Collections, and Arturo Dorado, Call Center Manager, also made the trip to Arizona to learn about call center operations such as applied technology, strategies for loan sales, and services available to members.

“Our recent visit to several credit unions in Arizona was very fruitful indeed. We (Caja Libertad’s officers) had the chance to learn marketing strategies and also, the chance of sharing our own strategies and information about the Mexican Market in the US. We are also honored for having been part of the celebrations of International Credit Union Day in Arizona. This partnership between Caja Libertad and ACUS has turned out to be a true cooperative interchange and continuous growth for both parts,” stated Ruben Toledo, market analyst.

More pictures here

Written by Michelle Kramer

Russia and the United States Credit Union Movements United in Cooperation

2006-09-26T15:19:00.000-05:00

Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vladivostok, Russia

At the request of the Russia Credit Union League (RCUL), a team of United States credit union industry professionals traveled to assess the RCUL three-tiered system and provide recommendations for sustainable services delivery to credit unions in Russia. The delegation was led by Dr. Brian Branch, WOCCU’s Chief Operating Officer. The U.S. professionals were invited to attend given their expertise and involvement in WOCCU’s development activities overseas.

Gene Brody, CEO of Bay Ridge FCU of Brooklyn, New York; Dana Hofmann-Geye, SVP and General Counsel at the Minnesota Credit Union Network; Patrick Jury, CEO of the Iowa Credit Union League; Anne Cochran, CEO at the Louisiana Credit Union League ; John Florian, VP of Governmental Affairs at the Ohio Credit Union Systmen; and Liliana Tangwall, Credit Union Analyst from WOCCU traveled to Russia from September 10-17.

The RCUL system is made up of three tiers. This includes municipal credit cooperatives, regional associations and the federal Russia Credit Union League, located in Moscow. The advisory team analyzed current services and products offered by RCUL. The team is now working on identifying a development strategy for RCUL to provide its member credit unions new and improved services taking into account the linkages and interaction of tiers and their long-term sustainability.
Particular issues to be addressed included:

Group 1: Membership / Advocacy Services: John Florian, Dana Hofmann-Geye
Group 2: Fee for Services: Pat Jury, Gene Brody, Liliana Tangwall
Group 3: Training Services: Anne Cochran, Brian Branch.

Pictures: (top) Hofmann-Geye, Cochran, Branch, Tangwall, Brody, Jury, Florian and Vydrina (RCUL) at St. Basil Church on the Red Square in Moscow.
(bottom) Cochran and Branch hard at work in Vlodovostok (9 hours by plane from Moscow).

More pictures here

Press release sent by RCUL

Connecticut and Trinidad expands Credit Union to Credit Union Partnerships

2006-09-20T14:26:00.000-05:00

Connecticut and Trinidad and Tobago further solidified their five-year World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) international partnership at the recent CCUA Leadership Conference with the official partnership agreement of Connecticut's Seasons Federal Credit Union and Trinidad's COPOS Credit Union Cooperative Society, Ltd.

WOCCU'S press release here
CTCUA newsletter here
More pictures here

Oregon Credit Union Association Highlights Partnership with Uzbekistan

2006-09-18T11:46:00.000-05:00

The Oregon Credit Union Association writes about thier involvement with Uzbekistan in their newsletter. Click here for details on page 2 (pdf file). Picture taken at Baraka Credit Union in Uzbekistan.

Puerto Rico and New York Meet Again

2006-08-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

Representatives Amy Kramer, Tracy Conner, Juan Fernandez, Kim McCumber, Jennifer Montena, and Mike Lanotte from the New York State Credit Union League (NYSCUL) and its affiliate COVERA visited San Juan last week to participate in several meetings aimed at furthering cooperation between Puerto Rico credit unions and the New York State Credit Union League. Victor Corro, WOCCU's international partnership manager accompanied the group.

While on the island, the New York representatives visited Caribe Federal, Jesus Obrero and Abraham Rosa credit unions.

On August 17 more than 40 participants from credit unions from the island participated in a session that explained the benefits of membership at NYSCUL and the services that COVERA provides. As they operate in a U.S. territory, credit unions in Puerto Rico must comply with federal regulations, this is the main focus of the partnership.

Picture taken at Caribe FCU.
More pictures here
Complete press release here

Shared Branching Advances in Ecuador

2006-08-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

Through the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) International Partnership Program between Colorado and Ecuador, and Credit Union Service Corporation’s (CUSC) shared branching international relationship, Credit Union Service Network (CUSN), a provider of shared branching services in Colorado and surrounding states, and CUSC recently traveled to Ecuador to evaluate and make recommendations on the country’s developing shared branching system, implemented in May 2005 with CUSC and WOCCU support.

Complete press release here.

Pictures
L-R (above): Eric Skinner, Laura Pizzarelli, Rosemary Paddock, and Doug Burke where the Northern Hemisphere ends and the Southern Hemisphere begins.

(Right) The delegation at Cooperativa Camara de Comercio de Quito (Quito's Chamber of Commerce Credit Union).

Oregon Representative visits Uzbekistan

2006-08-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

David Low from OSU FCU has recently come back from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The international partnership between the Credit Union Association of Oregon and WOCCU is working on increasing the efficiency of the examination and supervision project components. Low has been three times to Uzbekistan. This visit focused on developing procedures for an early warning system and fraud audit within the Uzbekistan Credit Union Association. Low has been developing and training project staff on the fraud detection and early warning system.

Picture taken at Baraka Credit Union in Uzbekistan.

Kenya and Pennsylvania Meet Again

2006-07-18T09:35:00.000-05:00

Rick Myxter, Pennsylvania Credit Union Association Senior Planning Consultant, recently returned from his third trip to Kenya, where he’s been working with World Council of Credit Union (WOCCU) officials to educate SACCO (credit union) staff and volunteers and establish a regulatory system.

Myxter participated in the Strathmore-World Council of Credit Unions African Management Institute (SWAMI) at Strathmore University in Nairobi. The Institute provides three-tiered training for certified professionals and board members of the SACCO movement. The first class graduated in November, 2005.

The June class included 80 participants in the three tiers, representing seven African countries: Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Malawi, Republic of South Africa, Botswana, and Swaziland.
Myxter says the majority of students are young professionals (25-40), who realize they will be the future SACCO leaders. This group readily accepts the necessity of regulation and the development of operational standards (PEARLS) to develop SACCOs into full-service financial institutions.

Myxter spent some time with the Tier 3 class and participated in discussion on the development of a budget and business plan. At the end of the week-long institute, a graduation ceremony was held. The highlight was an appearance by Patrick Khaemba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperative Development and Marketing, who congratulated the class and assured them that the SACCO Act would be passed. Seeking Regulatory LegislationDuring the week, Myxter and WOCCU officials met with Khaemba concerning SACCO regulation. It has taken three years to get legislation ready for Parliament, however, it’s unlikely to get passed this year because it is not considered a priority. Next year will pose even more hurdles for passage as it is an election year for Parliament.
Passage of the Act is critical as SACCOs are beginning to be considered a threat to banks. Because of the growth and success of SACCOs, banks are likely to oppose the legislation to give more financial powers to them.

“SACCOs are the mainstay of the vast majority of people in Africa,” says Myxter. “Banks don’t recognize 80 percent of the people.” Making Positive ChangesMyxter and WOCCU staff also met with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to discuss funding for training; and IRNet Coop Kenya LTD, regarding the money transfer program. During discussions with the General Manager of IRNet Kenya, the group learned that more than 4 million Kenyans live in the United States, with the Philadelphia/New Jersey area considered one of the “hot spots” for Kenyan immigrants. Remittances in Kenya are estimated at $600 million ( U.S.) per year. Peak transaction periods are at the start of school (January, April, September) and Christmas (December).

Khaemba, who visited Pennsylvania in April to meet with Association staff and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking officials, values the partnership of WOCCU and the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association. Following graduation ceremonies, he invited Myxter and the staff from WOCCU and Strathmore University to dinner at a local restaurant. Khaemba and his wife expressed appreciation for the hospitality during their visit to Pennsylvania.

“This is a great experience and it is apparent that the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association’s WOCCU Partnership is reaping great rewards for SACCOs and the Kenyan population,” states Myxter. “While positive change has been slow, our endeavors will be the blueprint for credit union success throughout Africa.”

Content taken from Keystone Extra, a publication of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.

Connecticut and Trinidad to expand Credit Union to Credit Union Partnerships

2006-07-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

Eight Connecticut Credit Union professionals and volunteers visited credit unions in Trinidad. Visitors included Kathy Chartier and Kelly Becker of Members Credit Union, Carol Bayreuther of Hartford Healthcare Credit Union, Larry Hertell and Pete Brochu of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, Robyn Swanson and Joe Szumowski of Seasons Federal Credit Union and John Keet of Personal Care Federal Credit Union.

This trip was a next step in continuing the partnership between CCUA and the Cooperative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago (CCULTT). The visit was planned to renew and expand upon current relationships, and to identify potential credit union - to - credit union partnerships, or twinning, as they call it in T&T.

Text and Picture provided by Kathy Chartier. Picture taken at San Fernando Community Credit Union.

Costa Rica and Alabama Sign Partnership Agreement

2006-07-10T13:59:00.000-05:00

The Alabama Credit Union League (ACUL) recently hosted leaders from its partner credit union association, the Costa Rican Federation of Credit Unions (FEDEAC). The exchange built upon and reinforced the connections established during last November's League visit to Costa Rica and culminated with the signing of an international partnership agreement between the organizations. This partnership enables both sides to share best practices, strategies, and plans for member services and education.

During the visit, direct credit union to credit union partnerships were also started. Each participant made a presentation that included the history of the credit union, field of membership, services offered, and the unique attributes of each. The partnering credit unions met individually to explore issues and areas for the continued mutually beneficial exchange of ideas. This included such ideas as an employee exchange program, sharing marketing materials, financial literacy, youth programs; and tackling such large issues as shared branching and information technology. The partnered credit unions are Alabama Teacher’s Credit Union and Coopeande No.1; Legacy Credit Union and Coopalianza; Mutual Savings Credit Union and Coopemex; and Community Credit Union and Coopenae.

Written by Thomas Belekevich

Minnesota delegation in Paraguay

2006-05-31T08:21:00.000-05:00

Asuncion, Paraguay.

Bill Raker and Dana Hofmann-Geye are here this week to participate in CENCOPAN's IV International Conference and 12th Anniversary. CENCOPAN and the Minnesota Credit Union Network have an international partnership since April 2003.

Raker addressed the conference with a presentation on strategic planning while Hofmann-Geye talked about lobbying and the relationship between the credit union industry and the government.

While in Paraguay the delegation visited INCOOP, the credit union industry regulator as well as Mercado 4 Credit Union, an institution located in a open market which provides loans for vendors to buy their products on a daily basis.

Pictured: (L to R) Pedro Loblein, CENCOPAN, Dana Hofmann-Geye and Bill Raker from the Minnesota Credit Union Network.

Juntos Avanzamos Program adds three more credit unions in Texas

2006-05-25T09:47:00.000-05:00

DATCU, shinning example of what makes CUs different

A "Juntos Avanzamos" flag now flies in front of DATCU CU (Denton). The Texas Credit Union League (TCUL) awarded the designation last week at a ceremony attended by credit union officials, local community leaders and members of city government, including Mayor Euline Brock. DATCU is the fourth credit union in Texas to receive the designation, which signifies that it has a long-term vision and commitment to serving the needs of the Hispanic market. At the same time, this designation lets the Hispanic community know that they can receive friendly, affordable financial services at this "capacity to serve" or "Juntos Avanzamos" institution.

"Credit unions are an integral part of our communities. We are helping families buy their first home, send their children off to college, and plan for their future," TCUL Board of Director Pamela Stephens told the crowd. "Credit unions are about "people helping people. These are not just mere words - it is the philosophy by which we live by. By earning this designation, DATCU has demonstrated its sincere commitment to ensuring that all Texans have access to affordable financial services."

"DATCU, you are a shining example of what makes credit unions different," she adds.
A program of TCUL, Juntos Avanzamos (Together we Advance) is aimed at empowering Texas credit unions to serve their Hispanic market more effectively. By identifying the credit unions with the "capacity to serve," TCUL is able channel its resources to these specific credit unions to help them grow their outreach programs, explains TCUL Communications Director Linda Webb-Mañon. In order to earn the prestigious Juntos Avanzamos designation, credit unions must complete the capacity- to-serve application. The application is quite extensive, requiring information about what products and services the credit union offers to specifically address the needs of this market, as well as what the strategies are for serving this demographic group.
Claudia Velasco of the Mexican Consulate's office in Dallas expressed her gratitude toward DATCU and other Texas credit unions that are opening their doors to the Hispanic community - a segment of the population that she says is growing not only in size, but also in economic influence.

"As an immigrant myself, I understand how important it is to have a relationship with a financial institution," Emma Guzman Ramon, a DATCU board of director told the crowd. "I am proud to accept this honor on behalf of DATCU and I am even more proud to be associated with an organization that puts people before profit."

Mario Galarraga, a project manager with the World Council of Credit Unions who is working with the Caja Popular Mexicana (CPM) in Mexico, congratulated DATCU for their extraordinary efforts in serving the Hispanic community, as well as the role it has played in the international movement. Galarraga, along with representatives from the CPM, had visited with DATCU CU a couple of years ago. The credit union shared best practices in the areas of human resources and training. In addition, Frances Al-Waely, chair of DATCU's Hispanic outreach committee, visited the CPM two years ago, attending their annual meeting and touring their main office in Leon, Mexico. On that visit, Al-Waely says she learned that the CPM struggles with many of the same issues credit unions in the U.S. face when trying to reach out to their Hispanic communities.
TCUL conducted a flagship ceremony at Plus4 CU (Houston) and Friday, at Unity One FCU (Fort Worth). First Central CU (Waco), and Velocity CU (Austin) have also earned the Juntos Avanzamos designation and flagship ceremonies will be held at a later date.

Content taken from The Leaguer, a publication of TCUL
More pictures here

Risk management focus of CPM visit

2006-05-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

Caja Popular Mexicana (CPM), the largest credit union in Mexico, wrapped up a three-day tour in Texas where it visited with credit union executives at Unity One FCU (Fort Worth) before participating in an afternoon Juntos Avanzamos flagship ceremony. Unity OneFCU earned the Juntos Avanzamos, or "Together we Advance" designation for its extraordinary outreach to the Hispanic community.

The purpose of the CPM's visit was to meet with credit unions on this side of the border to examine how they manage credit and liquidity risk, as well as operational risks. Representing the CPM on this visit was Mario Galarraga, Jorge Gutierrez and Gonzalo Cervantes. The trio met with Energy Capital CU (Houston) on Thursday and Unity One FCU the following day. Cervantes explains the CPM's greatest challenge is its ability to measure and monitor credit risk in order to minimize losses.

"Loans represent about 70 percent of this institution's assets. We approve 40,000 loans a month, so is of great importance to develop a methodology to better manage this risk," Gutierrez says. Cervantes says operational risk is also very important in the lending area because there is a need to monitor the policies and procedures followed by personnel.

The CPM group also participated in three flagship ceremonies while in Texas:
* DATCU CU (Denton)
* Plus4 CU (Houston)
* Unity One FCU

The Juntos Avanzamos designation is given only to those Texas credit unions that demonstrate a long-term vision and strategy for serving the market. Speaking on behalf of the CPM, Galarraga says they are honored to have been offered the opportunity to participate in the raising of the flag at these institutions and commends the credit unions for their service to Hispanics. Vladamir Stark, CEO of Plus4 CU, says their goal is to be the Hispanic communities "bridge to financial independence." And Unity One FCU CEO Gary Williams assures his credit union is committed to serving this market and is here to stay.

Content taken from The Leaguer, a TCUL publication.

Texas League participates in Jamaica League's Annual General Meeting

2006-05-20T11:42:00.000-05:00

From May 16-19, Mike Delker, VP of Credit Union Relations at the Texas Credit Union League visited Jamaica to attend JCCUL’s Annual General Meeting, have dialogue with the league staff, and meet and discuss the partnership progress with the direct credit union to credit union partners.

Along with Pete Crear, WOCCU’s CEO, Delker participated in a review session of the credit union to credit union partnerships. Fourteen Jamaican CU s and the Jamaica League participated in the first year of the program. The participating CU s were St. Catherine, Manchester, Insurance Employees, GSB, Westmoreland, Palisadoes, COK, NCB Employees, JTA, St. Thomas, UWI Mona & Community, Kirkvine, JPS and AAMM.

More Jamaica-Texas partnership pictures here

CPM visits Altura Credit Union in California

2006-05-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

CPM Director of Risk Management Gonzalo Cervantes, WOCCU Project Director Mario Galarraga, and WOCCU Project Leader Jorge Mario Gutierrez met with Altura CU executives for two days to research information regarding risk management. CPM is currently preparing to add its own risk management department and the representatives received thorough information to help them develop and implement effective policies and procedures.

Image: L-R: (back) Altura CU VP Internal Audit Bob Duffy, WOCCU Project Leader Jorge Mario Gutierrez, Director of Risk Management Kathy Roney, CPM Director of Risk Management Gonzalo Cervantes, (front) Altura CU Risk Management Specialist Maria Roy and WOCCU Project Director Mario Galarraga at the Altura CU corporate office

Complete information here

Alianza goes to the Hill with New Mexico

2006-05-17T13:17:00.000-05:00

Representatives from Mexico’s Alianza were in Washington, DC, last week to participate in a series of meetings related to their WOCCU sponsored international partnership with the Credit Union Association of New Mexico (CUANM).

Alianza had the opportunity to visit Navy Federal Credit Union and learn more about the day-to-day operations in a US Credit Union.
They also visited the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and met with Chairperson Joanne Johnson and Board member Gigi Hyland to discuss the role of the credit union regulator.

A highlight of the visit to Washington, DC, was the opportunity to visit the United States Congres during a “Hike the Hill” event with the CUANM partners.

After three busy days in Washington, DC, the delegation traveled to Albuquerque for an up-close look at CUANM and its operations in New Mexico. In addition to a tour of CUANM’s offices, the delegation from Mexico visited two of CUANM’s member credit unions. At Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union, they were welcomed by CEO Christopher Jillson and several credit union staff members. They also visited New Mexico Educators FCU union where they learned more about product and services provided by large credit unions in the United States.

More pictures here

[Top] Alianza at NMEFCU - From back left, NMEFCU SVP-Operations Tom Hagan, Villegas, Diana Rendón, Gamiño, Angel Rendón, NMEFCU CEO Terry Laudick, NMEFCU SVP-Financial Services Susan Verbeck. Front row, from left, NMEFCU SVP-Information Technology Joe Christian, NMEFCU SVP-Human Resources Larry Erickson, NMEFCU VP-Marketing Anneliese Steen and WOCCU's Bice.

[R] Sylvia Lyon and Tomas Carrizales (CEO's of Alianza and CUANM) enjoying the visit.

Arizona Credit Unions learn about Marketing and Outreach Programs at Caja Libertad

2006-05-17T13:04:00.000-05:00

The Arizona Credit Union System, in conjunction with the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), recently took a group of Arizona credit union representatives to Queretaro, Mexico to visit ACUS’s partner credit union, Caja Libertad, for a week-long, fact-finding tour of the credit union’s marketing efforts.

Participants included Beatrice Vidal, Pima Federal CU; Laura Lowe Edgar, Arizona Federal CU; Carolyn Cameron, Jose and Lucy Carrera, First CU and Sandy Watts from the Arizona Credit Union System.

During the weeklong trip, the group visited Caja Libertad’s headquarter offices and held meetings with the credit union’s marketing department to find out how the credit union promotes services to their Latino membership.

More pictures here

Kenya Government Representative visits Pennsylvania

2006-05-08T09:57:00.000-05:00

Recently the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association hosted the Permanent Secretary of the Kenya Ministry of Cooperative Development Mr. Patrick S. Khaemba as part of its WOCCU sponsored international partnership. Mr. Khaemba traveled to Washington, DC and Pennsylvania to learn more about credit union operations in the United States and to share his experience of working with the credit union movement in Kenya.

Read entire press release here

In the picture, Rodney Hood, Vice Chairman of the Board at the National Credit Union Administration in Alexandria, Virginia, meets with Kenya's Patrick S. Khaemba.

California Credit Union League CEO addresses CPM Assembly

2006-05-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues President and CEO Bill Cheney; Vice President of Business Services Sylvia Fath; and League Diversity Committee members, Arrowhead CU Board Chairman Marie Alonzo and Printing Industries CU President and CEO Rick Dockery attended the 2006 Caja Popular Mexicana (CPM) Annual Meeting, held April 21-22 in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Complete press release here

Paraguay Internship in Minnesota

2006-04-24T09:38:00.000-05:00

Maria del Carmen Gonzalez and Edgar Alejandro Viveros have just completed a two week internship on credit union IT operations. Maria and Alejandro work at Cooperativa Universitaria in Asuncion, Paraguay.

World Council of Credit Unions thanks Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Postal Credit Union, SouthPoint Federal Credit Union and Twin City Co-ops Federal Credit Union for participating in the exchange program. Each credit union hosted one of the Paraguayans for a week. Additionally, employees from each credit union served as temporary host families exposing the interns to the daily American life.

Mr. Viveros and Ms. Gonzalez had the opportunity to work closely with credit union staff on a daily basis during their stay. The internship served as an opportunity not only for professional development, but also as an important cultural exchange between Paraguay and Minnesota.

Press release here
More pictures here

Branding brings together Bahamas and Massachusetts

2006-04-24T08:20:00.000-05:00

Less than a year after officially signing the WOCCU International Partnership agreement, the Massachusetts Credit Union League and the Bahamas Cooperative League have already been successful at sharing branding, awareness and marketing materials in an effort to raise Credit Union profile in the Bahamas.

Representatives from both the Bahamas and Massachusetts have worked diligently to ensure the success of the partnership. Most recently, the Massachusetts Credit Union League hosted Francis Davis and Bruce Delancey, representatives of the Bahamas Cooperative League.

During their time in the U.S., Mr. Davis and Mr. Delancey were able to visit Boston Firefighters Credit Union and Harvard University Employees Credit Union. They gained valuable insight into credit union operations in Massachusetts, which they will be able to share with credit unions in the Bahamas, further promoting the goals of the partnership program.

In the photo, the Bahamian visitors chat with Marilyn Gambardella and Michelle Martin of Harvard University Employees Credit Union.

Press release here

Segovia Boltes addresses Minnesota Credit Union Network's 2006 Annual Meeting

2006-04-24T06:19:00.000-05:00

Special guests from the Paraguayan credit union organization Central de Cooperativas del Area Nacional Ltda. (CENCOPAN) attended the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s 2006 Annual Meeting April 7-8 and were featured speakers at the business meeting. Dr. Modesto Segovia Boltes, Board President of CENCOPAN, spoke to attendees to increase awareness of the partnership that exists between CENCOPAN and MnCUN.

The two credit union trade associations began their relationship in 2004 through the World Council of Credit Union’s (WOCCU’s) International Partnership Program. The relationship was formed to exchange knowledge, information and experiences to benefit the credit union Movement in both countries. Technology and legislative/regulatory advocacy were identified as the major concentrations of the partnership.

In the pictures, the Paraguayan delegation visits the new offices of the Minnesota Credit Union Network.

Panama and Iowa sign partnership agreement

2006-04-10T11:26:00.000-05:00

Pat Jury and Pat Drennen representing the Iowa Credit Union League along with Magda Arauz and Jacinto Villarreal from COFEP, Panama kick off a week of intense activity by signing the international credit union partnership agreement.

Read press release here
View pictures here

Rural Credit Union Development in Bolivia. Ohio partnership work in Bolivia.

2006-04-03T20:39:00.000-05:00

In a recent trip to Bolivia, WOCCU Public Affairs Manager Molly Schar documented the development of a national shared branching network assisted by the Ohio-Bolivia partnership and talked with credit union staff, volunteers and members about the importance of the network to rural Bolivians.

Related press release here.

Panama to visit Iowa

2006-03-23T11:08:00.000-06:00

Six representatives from COFEP are scheduled to visit the Iowa Credit Union League 3/27-31. The partnership agreement will be signed during the "Serving the Underserved Summit" hosted by the Iowa Credit Union Foundation. Press Release.

The picture was taken in August 2005 when representatives from the Iowa Credit Union League visited their partner in Panama. Jacinto Villarreal and Pat Jury in the foreground. In Panama this visit was also published.

Juntos Avanzamos Program Starts in Texas Credit Unions

2006-01-25T08:28:00.000-06:00

Ramon Imperial Zuniga, Caja Popular Mexicana's CEO along with Neighborhood Credit Union's CEO, Chet Kimmel raise the Juntos Avanzamos program flag. The program is a Texas Credit Union League initiative aimed at empowering credit unions in the state to serve their Hispanic market more effectively.

Linda Webb-Manon, from the Texas League worked with Caja Popular Mexicana in the designation process. Webb-Manon says: "Having a representative from Mexico come and literally 'flag' the credit union not only legitimizes the program, but also demonstrates the cooperative nature of credit unions and their commitment to ensuring that Hispanics on both sides of the border have access to financial services."

The first credit unions to be honored with the designation are Neighborhood Credit Union in Dallas, West Texas Credit Union in El Paso, and San Antonio City Employees FCU in San Antonio. More pictures here

Jill Manske de Azocar joins Partnership Department at WOCCU

2006-01-11T10:19:00.000-06:00

Jill Manske de Azócar will join International Partnerships
effective Wednesday, January 11, 2006 as the part-time
International Partnerships Assistant.

Jill studied at the University of Minnesota obtaining a B.A. in
Latin American Studies and Spanish. She is presently
completing her law degree from the University of WI – Madison.

Kathy Chartier experiences Philippines

2005-12-06T15:14:00.000-06:00

Kathy is an avid supporter of World Council. She's especially active in the Connecticut-Trinidad & Tobago partnership and now has ventured out to the Philippines to get to know first-hand WOCCU's work there.

Read her story here

Alabama and Costa Rica Credit Union Leaders Meet

2005-11-28T13:17:00.000-06:00

San Jose, Costa Rica-- Representatives from the Alabama Credit Union League Vicki Williams, COO, and Laura Vann, director of credit union development visited Costa Rica in mid November to get to know the country's credit union system and explore forging a partnership.

In the picture Williams and Vann meet FEDEAC's CEO Manuel Bolanos. FEDEAC is a credit union trade association and potential direct partner of the Alabama Credit Union League.

Press release here
See more pictures here

Partnership Wins Herb Wegner Award

2005-11-07T14:20:00.000-06:00

Press Release

WOCCU Press Release on the workshop

2005-11-04T14:32:00.000-06:00

See it here

New international partnerships blog

2005-10-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

During our first partnership workshop a few days ago, some of the suggestions focused on sharing information. We can start by using a blog!

Please click on the comments button immediately below this post to share your thoughts on this new communication vehicle.

Click here (on the right in the future) to see images from different partnerships, kindly send me your partnership pictures so that I can post them. I encourage you to share your partnership activities and images here. I hope this works!

-Victor

Photo: Sharon (MO) and Claire (TX) work hard on cross-cultural communication cases. Click on picture to make it bigger.

International Hike the Hill Press Release

2005-10-28T13:35:00.000-05:00

Washington, DC – At a reception co-hosted by World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU) and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), some 70 Congressional staff members and credit union industry insiders celebrated International Credit Union Day here this afternoon. Of note were National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Chairman JoAnn Johnson and her colleagues-to-be, NCUA board nominees Rodney Hood and Gigi Hyland, who are awaiting Senate confirmation expected to occur next week.

Attendees were treated to a selection of international coffees and desserts as WOCCU CEO Pete Crear spoke about how credit unions in nearly 100 countries are serving their members despite significant obstacles, such as not having a law in place allowing credit unions to operate or difficulties in dangerous situations of conflict and political unrest. “I’m in the habit of saying ‘Happy Credit Union Day,’” said the 40-year veteran of the U.S. credit union movement. “But I’ve learned since being at World Council that it really is International Credit Union Day. People all over the world are celebrating the difference credit unions make in people’s lives.”
Crear also acknowledged the activities of a number of reception attendees here in Washington in conjunction with the first workshop for participants in WOCCU’s International Partnership Program, which matches 21 CUNA- affiliated state credit union leagues with credit union movements in developing countries.

“Thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do to help credit unions grow and thrive,” said Crear. “And Happy International Credit Union Day.”

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Information provided by World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. World Council is the apex trade association and development organization of the international credit union system. It promotes the sustainable growth of credit unions and financial cooperatives across the globe. As instruments of economic and social development, World Council, its regional confederations, and national member organizations in 91 countries with 43,147 member credit unions serve more than 136 million people worldwide.