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 June.
Creating Community
History Hunt had 1920’s costumed characters scouring the city of Merrill for clues
The Merrill Historical Society held a “Merrill in the Roaring Twenties” History Hunt on May 14, 2022, and drew 10 teams of history hunters, many dressed in 1920’s garb, who scoured the city of Merrill and “spent the morning learning about Merrill and the 1920’s and seeking clues to the party location,” according to organizers. (Park City Credit Union, 6/8)
Mural & Busker Festival, features UW-Green Bay alumni artists Linskens and Thomas and lecturers LaBonte and Krumpos, June 18-19
The Mural & Busker Festival, presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, returns June 18-19, 2022 (Noon to 4 p.m.) with 10 new murals in the Broadway District and some will feature UW-Green Bay alumni artists Beau Thomas and Andrew Linskens, and Erin LaBonte, a lecturer for the University. The event fills the districts with an immersive experience in the arts. Stop out and witness muralists creating large-scale paintings on several walls throughout the district. The streets will also be lined with buskers, or street performers, interacting with event visitors. Enjoy live music, food trucks, beverages, and art vendors as you wander the streets of the district taking in all of the incredible sights. There will also be chalk artists brining the sidewalks to life. The event is from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Artists will start prepping and priming walls on June 16. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 6/9)
Felician Village and Shoreline Credit Union to Host Classic Car Show
Felician Village and Shoreline Hometown Credit Union will be hosting a classic car show later this month. The show will be held at The Gardens at Felician Village, located at 1700 South 18th Street in Manitowoc from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday June 23rd. There will of course be classic cars, but also 50s Sock Hop music provided by II Cool from Sheboygan, and brats, burgers and beverages. (Shoreline Credit Union, 6/12)
Fort Atkinson Chamber announces Lemonade Day winners
On Saturday, May 7, the City of Fort Atkinson was painted in yellow with 11 lemonade stands for Lemonade Day. This is the second year that the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Fort Community Credit Union and BASE (Badgerland Afterschool Enrichment Program) to bring this free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches children how to start, own and operate their very own business — a lemonade stand. (Fort Community Credit Union, 6/13)
Flagpoles from former Janesville GM plant relocated to Rock Co. Historical Society
The event at the Rock County Historical Society recognized the relocating of three flagpoles from the former General Motors plant in Janesville. Blackhawk Community Credit Union helped salvage the poles to honor those who worked at the plant. The poles will fly American, Wisconsin and city of Janesville flags. (Blackhawk Community Credit Union, 6/14)
A Look Inside: RCU Sculpture
The steel sculpture outside the new RCU branch office on Barstow Street in downtown Eau Claire serves as a reminder of the 75-year history of the Uniroyal Tire Plant on the city’s north side. A source of civic pride for the sculpture’s designer Dan Ingersoll. “Folks here at RCU were looking for a sculpture that would commemorate and honor their past as it related to their Uniroyal credit company because they started as a Uniroyal tire company. I said I would take a crack at it and come back with a proposal and they were excited about it,” says Ingersoll. (Royal Credit Union, 6/20)
Fostering Excellence
Kiel program earns honorable mention
Progress Lakeshore held their Eleventh Annual Excellence in Economic Development Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, May 3, at The Venue at Union Square in Manitowoc.The event was sponsored by Bank First - Title Sponsor, Allstates Rigging, Nicolet National Bank, and Lakeshore Technical College - Platinum Sponsors, and Parker, UW-Green Bay, and Prevea Health - Gold Sponsors. The Annual Awards Breakfast recognizes the best economic development projects and the year’s most influential leaders. These prestigious awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in our community. (UnitedOne Credit Union, Fox Communities Credit Union, 6/13)
Brandi Grayson to lead panel on social change at the Women’s Leadership Summit
Urban Triage CEO and longtime activist Brandi Grayson will host and moderate an important discussion titled “After the Protest – Policy change through social movements” at noon on Monday, June 27 at the second annual Women’s Leadership Summit presented by Summit Credit Union. (Summit Credit Union, 6/13)
Summit Credit Union No. 1 for Wisconsin Home Loans in 2021
Two credit unions were among the nation’s 25 biggest credit union mortgage lenders last year on the strength of their leading positions in their home state of Wisconsin, according a CU Times analysis. (Summit Credit Union, UW Credit Union, 6/24)
Giving Back
Heritage CU donates $30,000 to organizations
The Heritage Credit Union Legacy Fund is proud to announce its recent donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Barron County and the Chetek Food Shelf. (Heritage Credit Union, 6/1)
Heart of a Donor: Employer giving supports Kaukauna woman battling cancer
Deana Schemm of Kaukauna was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer last March. Since then, she’s been consumed with a series of difficult and precious moments. Deanna works for Unison Credit Union, where they raised over $3,000 to show their support. Unison Credit Union raised more than $3,000 during their annual Casual for a Cause fundraiser last year. The funds have been donated to the ThedaCare Family of Foundations to support patients with cancer. This donation from Unison Credit Union hits close to home – one of their team members is currently undergoing treatment for cancer at the ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center. (Unison Credit Union, 6/16)
RCU Foundation announces Rock The Riverfront Charity vote results and event recap
The RCU Foundation announced that local charities will receive $27,500 following the 2022 Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic. This year’s event benefited three Veteran-focused charities that work with Veterans and their families to provide needed items and support services throughout a Veteran’s life after active service. The RCU Foundation is proud to give back to those who have served and the organizations that advocate for making a difference in Veterans’ lives. (Royal Credit Union, 6/27)
‘Brat FryDays’ in Oshkosh to benefit local nonprofits, first one June 3
The Fox Communities Credit Union is having an event every Friday in June where proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations in northeast Wisconsin. According to a release, the Brat FryDays is happening as a way to celebrate the newest location in Oshkosh at 1870 Oshkosh Ave. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 6/2)
FCCU to host brat fry Saturday
Fort Community Credit Union will hold its annual brat cookout fundraiser on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or until sold out, at the FCCU main branch on Madison Avenue. All proceeds will be donated to the Jefferson County Cancer Coalition, a local, 501©(3) non-profit organization that offers financial assistance to cancer patients and their families within Jefferson County. (Fort Community Credit Union, 6/6)
UNITED WE CAN ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR 2022
The United We Can Committee and Marshfield Area United Way (MAUW) are proud to announce the winners of the 2022 United We Can virtual competition! Participants built their Canned Food Sculptures between May 9 and May 20 and voting took place on the MAUW Facebook page from May 23 and May 27. Sculptures needed to be at least 50% non-perishable foods and the food pantries provided a “wish list” of items that are in need. A total of: 3,275 items were collected for local food programs; cumulatively, the virtual United We Can has collected 8,543 items! (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 6/8)
Rock the Riverfront Charity Classic Run/Walk on June 25th
The Royal Credit Union Foundation Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic is celebrating 28 years of running and walking to support organizations that make a difference in the communities that Royal Credit Union serves. For the past two years we have had to transition the Charity Classic to a virtual race due to the pandemic. We are thrilled to share that we’ll be back with in in-person race on June 25, 2022 in Phoenix Park. We will still be offering a virtual race options so people can run, walk, bounce or skip whenever and wherever they would like! The Charity Classic is made up of beautiful running routes along the Chippewa River and features a 10K and 2 mile walk/run and two Youth races. (Royal Credit Union, 6/9)
WESTconsin Credit Union holds Summer Food Drive
To help aid those in our community facing food insecurity, the WESTconsin Credit Union Summer Food Drive kicked off Monday and will run through Saturday, June 25. WESTconsin is accepting donations of non-perishable food items in offices during this time. Additionally, monetary donations can be made at any WESTconsin office with a teller or through drive-ups. Proceeds will be distributed by the credit union to local food pantries. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 6/15)
Annual kite fest set to take flight, support local organization
Hundreds of kites will once again color the sky on Green Bay’s east side for the ninth annual Fly a Kite Fest. The colorful array will feature professional kite flyers from five different states, with proceeds supporting local families through Family & Childcare Resources of N.E.W. (FCR NEW), a nonprofit organization that offers free parenting classes, resources and support, as well as training/education for childcare professionals. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 6/24)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Look to Keep the Momentum Going This Week
Zach Mort will get the start at 6:40 this evening at Fox Cities Stadium. He will look to improve on his 3-2 record on Cash Giveaway night, sponsored by Fox Communities Credit Union. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 6/28)
Connexus Credit Union donates $15,000 to HAVEN
Connexus Credit Union of Wausau, through their philanthropic program, Connexus Cares, recently donated $15,000 to HAVEN, Inc. of Merrill. HAVEN, Inc. is a Merrill shelter dedicated to serving those who have been impacted by abuse and violence, such as domestic and dating abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse and assault, and human trafficking. Services include a 24-hour phone line, advocacy, peer counseling, information and referrals, temporary shelter when needed, and support groups. The $15,000 donation has been designated to the area of greatest need. (Connexus Credit Union, 6/30)
Investing in Communities
Royal Credit Union cuts the ribbon on new downtown branch near historic Uniroyal building
Royal Credit Union's new downtown branch is officially open for business. The office is moving from it's old downtown location on Bellinger street to 455 east Madison street. The new branch is located a mile up the road from the old Uniroyal tire plant, which was key in the founding of the Royal Credit Union. The new office includes increased accessibility features and technology enhancement. (Royal Credit Union, 6/22)
Connexus Credit Union announces plans for branch in Rib Mountain
Connexus Credit Union has announced plans to build a branch in Rib Mountain. The new credit union will be located at the corner of North Mountain Road and Hummingbird Lane. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for this month. It would likely open next summer. (Connexus Credit Union, 6/22)
Fox Communities Credit Union Announces Relocation of Administrative Headquarters
Fox Communities Credit Union has announced the relocation of its administrative headquarters in Appleton.They will now be located at 2201 East Enterprise Avenue with operational team members expected to be fully transitioned to the new headquarters by the end of the year. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 6/27)
UW Credit Union to open branch at planned East Side development
UW Credit Union will open a new branch on the ground floor of a 53-unit apartment complex planned for the 1500 block of East North Avenue between Cambridge Avenue and Newhall Street on Milwaukee's East. (UW Credit Union, 6/30)
UW Credit Union Opened Its 30th Branch on June 21 in Bay View
UW Credit Union will open its newest branch on June 21 in Bay View. The branch is located at 115 W. Oklahoma Ave. at the southwest corner of W. Oklahoma Ave. and S. Chase Ave. Bay View brings UW Credit Union’s total branch count to 30, with its Milwaukee-area footprint now encompassing nine individual branches. It marks the credit union’s second location in the city of Milwaukee beyond the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus branch. (UW Credit Union, 6/24)
Awarding Scholarships
WESTconsin Credit Union scholarships
WESTconsin Credit Union has recently awarded 14 $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors as part of the WESTconsin Scholarship Program. Recipients were selected based on a variety of criteria including community and school involvement, academic progress, financial need, career plans and goals.(WESTconsin Credit Union, 6/1)
Altra Foundation awards scholarships to 17 graduating seniors
The Altra Foundation has awarded 17 high school seniors with $1,000 scholarships for 2022. The Altra Foundation offers two types of scholarships: The Community Service Scholarship and the Holmen High School Marketing & Business Scholarship. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 6/2)
Altra Foundation selects two $5,000 Scholarship Winners
The Altra Foundation Financial Education scholarship was available to high school students (grades 9-12), ages 13+. To be eligible, applicants needed to complete various modules through their partnered Banzai program, which is offered on Altra’s website or through teacher’s classrooms. Applicants did not need to be members of Altra Federal Credit Union to participate or win. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 6/7)
Gavins receive $1,000 for finding Aquabug
The Aquafest committee and Royal Credit Union congratulates Dale and Sena Gavin from Rice Lake for finding the 2022 Aquabug medallion. He found the “bug” hiding in a group of trees located off Allen Street in the area of Rice Lake Middle School. (Royal Credit Union, 6/13)
Mauston High School class of 2022 scholarships
(Oakdale Credit Union, 6/14)
Groskreutz awarded with $1,000 Scholarship from WESTconsin Credit Union
WESTconsin Credit Union, an advocate for education, has recently awarded 14 $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors as part of the WESTconsin Scholarship Program. Recipients were selected based on a variety of criteria including community and school involvement, academic progress, financial need, career plans and goals. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 6/17)
WESTconsin Credit Union announces $25,000 donation to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
WESTconsin Credit Union is pleased to announce the donation of $25,000 to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The donation will benefit their new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech). (WESTconsin Credit Union, 6/21)
Boys and Girls Club of Chippewa Falls receives $100,000
The Boys and Girls Club of Chippewa Falls just moved into its new building a few months ago and now it’s getting help to expand.The Royal Credit Union Foundation gave the club a $100,000 donation Tuesday. The club moved into the new building on Bridgewater Avenue in April. Plans for the expansion include adding more indoor, outdoor and green spaces for children. (Royal Credit Union, 6/28)