Whether it's giving back, responding to COVID-19, awarding scholarships, or supporting financial literacy (and so much more), here's how Wisconsin's credit unions supported their members and communities in April.
Giving Back
Connexus Credit Union Donates $1 Million to Wausau Community Partners Campus
The Wausau Community Partner Campus received a $1 million donation Friday from Connexus Credit Union. The campus has a plan to house eight to 15 nonprofit partners in one location, to serve disadvantaged families and individuals, according to its website. (Connexus Credit Union, 4/2)
Residents Can Get Rid of Extra Paper Items at Altra's Free Shredding Event
Residents can now get rid of their extra paper items at Altra Federal Credit Union's free, confidential Shredding Drive-Thru Event. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 4/9)
La Crosse Community Theatre Offering New Summer Program for Young Actors
The La Crosse Community Theatre is offering a new opportunity for young actors to work on their skills. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 4/9)
Rebuilding Together Fox Valley, Fox Communities Credit Union Team Up to Repair Homes for Those in Need
For the past 15 years, Rebuilding Together Fox Valley and Fox Communities Credit Union have annually teamed up during National Rebuilding Day to make homes safe and healthy for low-income residents in the Fox Cities. Despite the harsh challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic to go along with a bout of inclement weather on the day itself, 2020 would be no different. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 4/21)
Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union is Fundraising for MCHS Child Life Program
Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union (MMCCU) will be hosting a “Buy a Pie” fundraiser throughout the month of May to raise funds for Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 4/26)
Awarding Scholarships
With a "Combination of Determination and Compassion," Kailey Krzoska Earns Youth Scholarship Award
The Youth Scholarship Award, sponsored by Community First Credit Union, recognizes a youth who has a proven passion for volunteering and who has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a volunteer or in promoting volunteerism in the Fox Cities.
(Community First Credit Union, 4/22)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Credit Union Youth Month A Good Reminder to Parents
Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union (MMCCU) is currently celebrating Credit Union Youth Month, a time dedicated to teaching children all about saving, spending, and other financial topics. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 4/1)
Here's How 3 CUs are Marking National CU Youth Month
April marks National Credit Union Youth Month with credit unions across the country participating. Among them is Royal Credit Union, Telhio CU and Wings Financial, which have announced a number of related efforts.(Royal Credit Union, 4/1)
Get Access to Free Budget Training with New Online Program Courtesy of Educators Credit Union
Educators Credit Union is bringing financial literacy education to more than 110,940 students and residents in the county. (Educators Credit Union, 4/13)
FCCU Supports Financial Literacy Month
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is committed to sharing sound financial advice with students, parents, educators, and community members alike. (Fort Community Credit Union, 4/13)
Educators Credit Union Provides Financial Literacy Resources to Local Students
Educators Credit Union is bringing financial literacy education to more than 110,940 students and residents in Racine County. Students at 1,025 schools and the surrounding community will now have free access to Banzai, an online program and content library that allows users to practice real-world finance from the safety of their home or classroom using any internet-enabled device. (Educators Credit Union, 4/14)
Racine Students Get a "Reality Check" in Money Management
High school students in Racine are getting a dose of financial reality. It is being done in order to give them a clear picture of the importance of money management in the years after graduating high school or college. Last week juniors at Case High School took part in the Reality Check program, put on by Educators Credit Union. The program helps them navigate the financial decisions they will need to make as an adult, like buying a car and budgeting for childcare. It is designed to help them learn about the impacts of their decisions. (Educators Credit Union, 4/27)
Fostering Excellence
48 Credit Union Leaders Graduate from Foundation's Virtual DE Program
Forty-eight credit union leaders were designated as Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) after completing the National Credit Union Foundation’s (the Foundation) Credit Union Development Education (DE) Training. Wisconsin graduates included Kim Bauer (Altra FCU), Aisha Everett (CUNA Mutual Group), Kshipra Kulkarni (CUNA), Susan Parisi (CUNA), Alexzandra Shade (CUNA Mutual Group), and Cassandra Thom (Members First CU). (4/13)
Notable Credit Union Leaders
BizTimes Milwaukee is proud to present the inaugural showcase of Notable Credit Union Leaders, spotlighting accomplished professionals in the region. The leaders profiled on the following pages were nominated by their peers and showcase the diversity of talent in our market. The leadership shown by the individuals profiled here is setting an example to shape a better future for our region. (Empower Credit Union, Prime Financial Credit Union, UW Credit Union, Educators Credit Union, Summit Credit Union, Landmark Credit Union)
Summit CU's Balance Checking Account Certified as Meeting "Bank On National Account" Standards
Summit Credit Union said its Balance checking account has been officially certified by the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards.(Summit Credit Union, 4/20)
Standing with Small Businesses
Fort Chamber Loan Helps Launch Three New Businesses Downtown
The year 2020 was not friendly to new business launches, but a loan available through the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce made that a possibility for three new businesses downtown. The chamber’s Revitalization Loan program was established in 2008 to encourage small businesses to consider investing in buildings downtown, but since has expanded to include properties located throughout the city. The program is offered in partnership with Badger Bank, Fort Community Credit Union and PremierBank, each of which has committed to support an aggregate fund of $250,000. (Fort Community Credit Union, 4/1)
Contest Encourages Support of Neenah Restaurants
After a tough year for restaurants, a contest aims to encourage more people to dine out in Neenah. Future Neenah and Fox Communities Credit Union are sponsoring the contest. Anyone who dines out at or orders delivery or takeout from a restaurant in the 54956 zip code between April 12-25 is eligible. To enter, diners can submit their receipt for a chance to win gift card bundles worth $100. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 4/7)
Providing Innovative Solutions
NCUF Side Effects Project, Act 2 - Stones + Hope
Check out how Northwoods Community Credit Union helped a member achieve their dream of homeownership after the financial crisis of cancer. Video via the National Credit Union Foundation's Side Effects Project. (Northwoods Community Credit Union, 4/7)
Creating Community
Merrill Park & Reg Easter Egg Hunt Drew About 250 Kids
The Merrill Park and Recreation Department had a great response to this year’s somewhat-non-traditional Easter Egg Hunt. On Saturday morning, Apr. 3, 100 plastic eggs were distributed at City parks including Riverside, Kitchenette, Stange, Normal, and Agra Parks and also at the Merrill Festival Grounds (former Lincoln County Fairgrounds). The Park & Rec Department also wants to thank all the people who helped this year. “A big thank you to Park City Credit Union,” Smith said. “They stuffed all our eggs and put together all of our prize bags." (Park City Credit Union, 4/8)