Whether it's giving back, responding to COVID-19, awarding scholarships, or fostering financial literacy (and so much more), here's how Wisconsin's credit unions supported their members and communities in October.
Giving Back
A Night Out For NAMI—Virtual Fundraiser & Auction Event
The National Alliance for Mental Health also known as NAMI Racine is hosting a virtual fundraiser and auction event. The event will help support the mission by making a difference for those affected by mental illness in Racine County. Entertainment & Auction sponsored by SCJohnson A family Company & Emerson/InSinkErator. The auction is also sponsored, in part, by Educators Credit Union and Belle City Veterinary Hospital. (Educations Credit Union, 10/7)
Over $50k Raised to Provide Backpacks and School Supplies to MPS Students in Need
The sixth annual No Empty Backpacks School Supplies Drive raised a record-breaking $57,821.75, more than doubling their previous high of $25,000. Considering the growing needs of Milwaukee families during the pandemic, the MPS Foundation and their partners set out to raise double anything they’ve raised before. Due to the generosity of the Milwaukee community, including a $30,000 donation from Educators Credit Union, they exceeded that goal. (Educators Credit Union, 10/4)
Park City Credit Union to Dedicate Community Room in Memory of Dr. Bobbi Voermans
Park City Credit Union will dedicate the community room at its Tomahawk branch in memory of Dr. Bobbi Voermans.
(Park City Credit Union, 10/6)
Trustone Financial Shreds 44 Tons of Documents for Neighbors in Minnesota and Wisconsin
TruStone Financial Credit Union securely shredded about 44 tons or 87,763 pounds of confidential documents for the community at eight shred events in Minnesota and Wisconsin in 2021. During TruStone’s spring events, more than 35 tons of documents were shredded, with the summer events yielding about 9 tons of shredded material. In total, TruStone’s shredding events saved about 746 trees and 149 cubic yards of landfill space.
(TruStone Financial Credit Union, 10/6)
Royal Credit Union to Host Document Disposal Events in October
Royal Credit Union is hosting several upcoming events to allow people to get rid of documents with sensitive information safely. Beginning Friday, Oct. 8, Royal Credit Union will host four events in western Wisconsin to allow people to shred and destroy personal files and documents.
(Royal Credit Union, 10/7)
Altra Federal Credit Union to Hold 4th Annual Altra Gives Back Day on October 11th
Altra Federal Credit Union will hold its fourth annual Altra Gives Back Day on Monday, October 11th, 2021. All Altra offices and the member contact center will be closed as employees participate in a variety of activities to support organizations in the communities they serve.
(Altra Federal Credit Union, 10/8)
Shredding Event at WESTconsin
WESTconsin Credit Union is offering free, community shred events in the area so you can take steps to protect your identity and securely dispose of sensitive documents.
(WESTconsin Credit Union, 10/25)
Culturally Important Indigenous Foods Central to Pilot Program for Wisconsin Tribal Elders
As Marlon Skenandore looks at the hundreds of cars lined up outside the Oneida Food Pantry every other Friday, he sees the need and the appreciation that’s out there for a new Indigenous food program and hopes it can continue in the community.
(Wisconsin's Credit Unions, 10/21)
Get Ready for the Biggest Gala in Dunn County, Jeans & Jewels
The Community Foundation of Dunn County will be hosting its annual charity gala virtually on November 6. The evening will kick off with a pre-show starting at 5:30 pm, followed by a 60-minute live stream program from 6:00-7:00 pm with Menomonie’s Dianna Fiergola of Mainstream Boutique as your Emcee.
(WESTconsin Credit Union, 10/25)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Prosperity Partners: To Host Free Retirement Income Planning Seminar
Prospera Credit Union is offering a workshop to help people plan for retirement. Prospera’s workshop will be held Wednesday, October 20th at 6 p.m. at Prospera Credit Union, located at 849 Warsaw St. in Menasha (map). The seminar will include an individually boxed meal and will be set up for proper social distancing. Masks are highly encouraged. (Prospera Credit Union, 10/5)
Royal Credit Union Teaches Inmates Financial Literacy
A financial literacy program is giving inmates the tools to help them achieve success once they return to their families and communities. "I wanted it right then and there. I'd just buy it," said Lenon Terry, talking about his spending habits. (Royal Credit Union, 10/13)
Fostering Excellence
Green Bay Native Laurie Butz to be New CEO of Capital Credit Union
Green Bay native Laurie Butz will become president and chief executive officer of Capital Credit Union, succeeding current CEO Tom Young. (Capital Credit Union, 10/7)
La Crosse Mayor Honors Altra's 90 Years of Service
In celebration of Altra’s 90-year anniversary, La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds has proclaimed October 19, 2021, as Altra Federal Credit Union Recognition Day. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 10/18)
Brandon Riechers Receives UW-Eau Claire President's Award
Royal Credit Union (Royal) President and CEO, Brandon Riechers, was presented with the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association President’s Award during the university’s 2021 homecoming celebration. Riechers was selected to receive the President's Award for his outstanding professional and personal achievements as well as his service to UW-Eau Claire. (Royal Credit Union, 10/18)
Pandemic Perseverance, Growth Honored by Superior-Douglas County Chamber
What do a Solon Springs restaurant, a family-owned landscaping company, an 89-year-old financial institution and the sales and marketing manager at Nemadji Golf Course have in common? Each was recognized with a 2020 business award Thursday, Oct. 21, during the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting. (Superior Choice Credit Union, 10/25)
44 Earn Professional Designations from CUNA Marketing & Business Development Certification School
Forty-four credit union professionals earned designations signifying their expertise by successfully completing CUNA Marketing & Business Development Certification School, endorsed by CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council, which took place virtually in October. (Altra Federal Credit Union, Simplicity Credit Union, 10/26)
Providing Innovative Solutions
Landmark Credit Union and Clinc Launch Conversational AI Chatbot Clinc's Artificial Intelligence Technology to Enable Web & Mobile Customer Support
Clinc, the leader in Conversational Artificial Intelligence technology for Banking, today announced that Landmark Credit Union launched Clinc's Virtual Banking Agent. The new voice and text-enabled chatbot enhances the experience for Landmark's 370,000+ members seeking convenient, 24/7 access to information and support resources via the credit union's website. Landmark is the first credit union in Wisconsin to offer Clinc's innovative technology to its members. (Landmark Credit Union, 10/6)
Creating Community
Harvest Fest Planned for Wausau
As cooler weather approaches, Wausau Events is looking forward to their Annual Harvest Fest event taking place next weekend. Harvest Fest is set from 10 a.m. to 2 p..m. on Oct. 9 at The 400 Block in Downtown Wausau. During the event, the square is transformed into a pumpkin patch with kid’s activities and crafts, kid’s tractor pulls, a petting zoo and more. (CoVantage Credit Union, 10/1)
Life on Inga's Farm
Funding provided by Wisconsin Farmers Union, Heartland Credit Union, the Focus Fund for Wisconsin Programming, and Friends of PBS Wisconsin. (Heartland Credit Union, 10/7)
Virtual National Coming Out Day Breakfast
Join us for our 2021 National Coming Out Day Breakfast, presented by UW Credit Union. This event will take place on Tuesday, October 12 at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom. (UW Credit Union, 10/12)
Stoney River, MMCCU to Provide Trick-or-Treat Events
Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union will also be giving away candy to those participating in Halloween at their location in Marshfield. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 10/21)
Credit Unions Announcing ICU Day Celebrations
Credit unions around the world are preparing to celebrate International Credit Union (ICU) Day on Thursday, Oct. 21. The annual event, which started in 1948 and is held by CUNA and the World Council of Credit Unions, is intended to highlight what it means for people to have a credit union as their financial partner. The theme for 2021, “Building financial health for a brighter tomorrow,” focuses on the heart of the credit union movement—a commitment to members’ financial well-being. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, Royal Credit Union, CoVantage Credit Union, 10/20)
Santa's Mailbox at Cathedral Square Returns
Cathedral Square Park will continue to host a direct connection to the North Pole. Santa’s Mailbox presented by Educators Credit Union, Serving Older Adults and National Association of Letter Carriers Pioneer Branch 2, returns Nov. 18 – Dec. 12. (Educators Credit Union, 10/21)
MMCCU Celebrates International Credit Union Day with Surprises
On October 21, 2021, Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union (MMCCU) joined more than 56,000 credit unions around the world to celebrate International Credit Union (ICU) Day. The theme of ICU Day 2021 was “Building financial health for a brighter tomorrow.” (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 10/20)
Investing in Communities
Landmark Credit Union Adds Second Waukesha, Wisconsin Branch
Landmark Credit Union has opened its second location in Waukesha. Located in the Fox Run Shopping Center at 2309 Fox Run Blvd., the new branch is the first to showcase the credit union's new lobby design which features a self-service kiosk, education center and other amenities that will help members quickly access services.
(Landmark Credit Union, 10/5)