Whether it's giving back, awarding scholarships, creating community, providing innovative solutions, or fostering financial literacy (and so much more), here's how Wisconsin's credit unions supported their members and communities in April.
Giving Back
WESTconsin Credit Union to hold a youth book drive
WESTconsin Credit Union will hold a youth book drive starting next week to celebrate Financial Literacy Month, according to a press release. Each WESTconsin office will collect new and gently used books for children 18 years and younger, as well as monetary donations, from April 15-27. All donations will be distributed to the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, Boys & Girls Club of Barron County and Amery Community Education, the release says. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 4/11)
Creating Community
Everything to know about Sheboygan’s Memorial Day Parade and Celebration
Sheboygan's annual Memorial Day Parade and Celebration on May 27 will feature a Coast Guard guest speaker, brat fry and more. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at Seventh Street and Center Avenue and continue north on Seventh to Michigan Avenue, west on Michigan to Ninth Street, south on Ninth and ending at Fountain Park, a city of Sheboygan news release said. (Kohler Credit Union, 4/10)
Awarding Scholarships
Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce accepting Ladies Who Lead nominations
The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce is soliciting nominations for the 2023 Ladies Who Lead awards, which will be presented on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Ladies Who Lead luncheon. This year’s event features a keynote from Jessie Garcia, news director at Milwaukee’s CBS 58 and Wisconsin’s first female sports anchor. The event is presented by Summit Credit Union. Nominees should have proof of longevity and/or roots in Cedarburg or Ozaukee County, should live in, own, work or volunteer at a business in Cedarburg or Ozaukee County and should have proven leadership within her category (nonprofit, retail, restaurant/ hospitality or professional services). (Summit Credit Union, 4/15)
Providing Innovative Solutions
UW Credit Union Continues to Announce Elimination of Fees
In a letter to members, the credit union said it has reduced three more fees, including:
The elimination of NSF fees, The elimination of overdraft fees, The elimination of returned check payment fees. In the letter the $5.3-billion UWCU told members the new free reductions align with its efforts to “make banking more accessible and equitable.” (UW Credit Union, 4/7)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Royal Credit Union Celebrates Credit Union Youth Month
Royal Credit Union (Royal) is celebrating Credit Union Youth Month this April. Getting a head start on financial literacy is essential for young Members so they can grow into adults who are confident in their finances. Royal serves as a resource for families as they begin to teach their kids financial responsibility and the importance of financial literacy. If you have been wondering how to empower your kids to save for their future, this is a great opportunity to start! (Royal Credit Union, 4/1)
'Moola Mania' event in Fond du Lac teaches students financial literacy in a fun way
A partnership between a local children's museum and credit union is helping kids learn how to responsibly spend, save and share money. More than 80 fourth-grade students from Lakeshore Elementary School and The Friendship Learning Center attended "Moola Mania" on Thursday. ( Verve, a Credit Union, 4/12)
Dane County Jail announces financial literacy program for residents
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office announced a new partnership with Summit Credit Union and the Black Men Coalition of Dane County on Friday, April 19. Together, the trio will offer financial literacy education to residents in the Dane County Jail. The initiative involves a 6-week program centering around information regarding budgeting, banking services, emergency savings and establishing credit. (Summit credit Union, 4/19)
Finance simulation event helps prepare Chippewa County students for budgeting as adults
Amid classes on math, English, languages and history, high school students might not gain certain life skills like balancing their finances and budgeting. Royal Credit Union, the Chippewa Falls YMCA and two regional high schools worked together Wednesday to change that. Students from Chippewa Falls and Bloomer high schools took part in a financial simulation event on budgeting as “25-year-olds,” hosted by Royal Credit Union at the YMCA. The day-long event saw over 400 students make a budget for one month based on anticipated pay for their desired career and future financial prospects. (Royal Credit Union, 4/19)
New podcast “CU At The Top” launches to empower next generation of credit union leaders
Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union (MMCCU) CEO, David Murphy, is proud to announce the launch of “CU At The Top,” a groundbreaking podcast aimed at empowering the next generation of credit union leaders. In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, the demand for qualified candidates in key credit union roles continues to grow. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and guidance in this industry, “CU At The Top” brings together industry pioneers to share their stories and invaluable leadership advice. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 4/18)
Summit Credit Union Encourages Strong Financial Wellness
Working with area businesses, Summit Credit Union helps people find financial freedom with its educational programming. Many of us put a lot of effort into caring for our physical and mental health. And while those are certainly important, taking care of our financial health ranks near the top, too. Summit Credit Union in Madison, WI, knows that strong financial wellness is crucial to overall health, too, and is here to help through its Financial Wellness for Employees by Summit program. (Summit Credit Union, 4/17)
Altra Federal Credit Unions Celebrates National Youth Month
Altra Federal Credit Union wrapped up their Youth Month celebration. Throughout April, Altra helped youth in Building Their Future with a $25 account match, Build to Win Contests, financial education materials, fun prizes, and more! Altra believes it’s never too early to start learning about financial education. Empowering children to build their future this youth month is a great foundation to learning good money management skills. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 4/30)
Investing In Communities
UW Credit Union Celebrates New Southridge Branch Opening with Brewers™ Giveaways and Prizes
Join UW Credit Union at its new Southridge branch and enjoy Brewers™ baseball giveaways, enter-to-win game day tickets and a visit from Bernie Brewer™ (appearance is from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.). Guests will receive a baseball upon arrival, while supplies last. A few lucky guests will take home balls autographed by current Brewers™ players (distributed at random). Light refreshments will be served. (UW Credit Union, 4/4)
Fort Regional Science Fair winners announced
Winners have been announced in the 2024 Fort Atkinson Regional Science Fair. The event, which this year added engineering projects, took place Sunday, April 14, at the Fort Atkinson Club community center. Award-winning experiments are on display in the children’s area of the Dwight Foster Public Library in Fort Atkinson through Saturday, April 27. (Fort Community Credit Union, 4/17)
Royal Credit Union celebrates 60 years in Eau Claire
An Eau Claire financial institution is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Royal Credit Union first started out on April 15, 1964 by U.S. Rubber Company — known later as Uniroyal — employees. It started with 100 members and just two employees. RCU quickly grew and just over a decade later created a community charter, meaning anyone in the community could join. (Royal Credit Union, 4/30)
Fostering Excellence
John Sackett inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders
Royal Credit Union (Royal) Board Member, John Sackett, was inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in honor of his significant contributions to the credit union industry. The ceremony took place during the America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) on Sunday, March 3, and a total of sixteen credit union champions were inducted. Members of the Hall of Leaders are exceptional individuals that have dedicated their lives to perpetuating the credit union mission and philosophy. (Royal Credit Union, 4/1)
Youth speaker Cam Awesome to present at Merrill High School on April 11
The Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) will welcome popular youth speaker, Cam Awesome, to the Merrill High School Fieldhouse on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Local community members are invited to attend.
Speaker Cam Awesome struggled academically and socially growing up; after years of anxiety and bullying, he joined a boxing gym to learn how to protect himself. In 2008, he won the National Championship and became the #1 Super Heavyweight boxer in the nation. Today he travels the country to share what boxing taught him: mental toughness, gratitude, cultural awareness, and how to develop a championship mindset. (CoVantage Credit Union, 4/4)
Royal Credit Union Honored by Eau Claire City Council; 60th Anniversary Plans Announced
Royal Credit Union (Royal) is proud to announce its 60th anniversary milestone. Since its inception on April 14, 1964, Royal has been dedicated to serving its members and communities, and to acknowledge this remarkable journey, Royal is hosting a series of celebratory events throughout the year. On April 9, The Eau Claire City Council presented Royal with a certificate of appreciation, recognizing its significant contributions to the community over the past six decades. (Royal Credit Union, 4/11)
Royal Credit Union Earns Place on Nation’s Top Mortgage Originators List
Royal Credit Union (Royal) is proud to announce its inclusion in the American Credit Union Mortgage Association's (ACUMA) list of the nation’s top mortgage originating credit unions for quarter four of 2023. ACUMA's rankings, which are calculated using data submitted to the National Credit Union Association, place Royal at twenty-sixth for first lien and seventy-sixth for second lien originations. (Royal Credit Union, 4/16)
Boys & Girls Club names latest Distinguished Service Award recipients, and more Oshkosh news in brief
Verve, A Credit Union was presented with the Kids & Community Award, which goes to an individual or business that has demonstrated community leadership. Verve has sponsored WineFeast and supports the club’s major events and has run various fundraising drives. Employees also have volunteered at and contributed to the club. (Verve, A Credit Union, 4/20)
Waukesha Education Foundation award recipients honored
The Waukesha Education Foundation honored three recipients of the annual Waukesha Education Foundation Awards for 2023 on April 11 at the Milwaukee Marriott-West. Each award honors people and organizations that have made a huge difference in the School District of Waukesha and community. Educators Credit Union was honored with the WEF Corporate Partner Award. This award was accepted by ECU Community Engagement Director Victor Frasher, who currently serves on the WEF Board of Directors. (Educators Credit Union, 4/30)