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 May.
Giving Back
Shredding event set for May 4 in Saukville
Kohler Credit Union in Saukville is hosting a free community shred event and food drive to benefit the Ozaukee Food Alliance from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4. People are invited to bring documents that require shredding to the event. Items that will not be accepted are binders, plastic bags, boxes, batteries, electronic devices and anything containing metal, although staples and paperclips are accepted. (Kohler Credit Union, 5/1)
Winner of Royal Rump Rumble announced
Bragging rights go to the diaper castle with a drawbridge and princess at Fox Communities Credit Union-Calumet branch. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 5/7)
Community shredding event coming up on May 18
People who have confidential documents they need to dispose of can do so at a free shredding event on May 18 in Onalaska. Altra Federal Credit Union, Confidential Records, and La Crosse Area Crimestoppers are holding the event at Altra's Onalaska Operations Center at 1700 Oak Forest Drive. It runs from 9 a.m. until noon or until the shred trucks are full. The event is open to members of the credit union and to the general public. Business or commercial shredding isn't accepted at this event.
(Altra Federal Credit Union, 5/6)
MMCCU Donates to Local Student Art Programs
In celebration of Credit Union Youth Month, art students from local elementary schools helped decorate approximately 650 teller cash envelopes that will be distributed at MMCCU starting Monday, May 6. Students from Grant, Nasonville, Washington, and Madison Elementary Schools in Marshfield, Spencer Elementary, Auburndale Elementary, Immanuel Lutheran Schools, Trinity Lutheran School, and St John the Baptist Primary School participated. As a “thank-you” for participating, each school’s art program received a $125 VISA gift card. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 5/7)
MMCCU Brat Fry Raises $757 for Children’s Miracle Network
Attendees of the “Solar Showcase” had the opportunity to engage with various exhibitors and industry experts, gaining insights into solar energy, electric vehicles (EVs), energy efficiency, and utility-sponsored energy-saving programs. Exhibitors included Olson Solar Energy, Wheelers Family Auto Group, CW Energy Coalition, and Marshfield Utilities. In addition to the informative exhibits, MMCCU hosted a brat fry resulting in a total of $757 raised for the Children’s Miracle Network. MMCCU extends its gratitude to all who attended and contributed to this worthy cause.
(Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 5/16)
Altra Federal Credit Union hosts food drive May 1-31
Throughout May, Altra held a Sunny Days, Full Plates Food Drive to help keep families and children’s plates full during the summer months. With the end of the school year, many students lose their daily lunch meals. All month long, Altra collected non-perishable items such as dry cereal, rice, peanut butter, canned goods, granola bars, juice boxes, and more. All donations will go to local food pantries within our core markets to help feed those in our community. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 5/22)
Dept. of Workforce Development: Celebrates success of Youth Apprenticeship Program during inaugural Youth Apprenticeship Week
“Wisconsin’s long-standing leadership in Youth Apprenticeship continues with another record-breaking year,” said Amy Pechacek, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. “Much of the program’s success is due to strong local partnerships working together to prepare the next generation of Wisconsin’s workforce. These students and their intelligence, passion, and commitment to excellence have convinced me beyond a doubt that our future is in capable hands.” (Educators Credit Union, 5/13)
FCCU donates $75,000 to Watertown Area YMCA capital campaign
Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) has announced that it has donated $75,000 in support of a Watertown Area YMCA two-phased construction project. According to information released by the credit union, the goal of the project’s capital campaign, as the first phase of construction begins, is to raise $17.8 million. A second phase is anticipated to be funding publicly, with a goal set of $1.7 million. (Fort Community Credit Union, 5/20)
Brokaw Credit Union Raises $1,700 for Children’s Miracle Network
Brokaw Credit Union has been raising money and awareness in support of Children’s
Miracle Network (CMN) for over 25 years, and in April, the credit union held their annual basket raffle to benefit this important organization.Employees came together to donate items to create eight baskets in the spirit of the following themes: birds, fishing, Norwex, cheese and crackers, sweets, game night, kids, and coffee. Tickets were sold throughout April, and members could enter to win baskets while donating to a cause benefiting many in the northcentral Wisconsin community. (Brokaw Credit Union, 5/7)
Creating Community
Stephanie Rasmussen Shares Inspiring Experience at The League Convention
At MMCCU, we believe in fostering professional growth and community engagement among our team. We are excited to share the recent experience of our Accountant and HR Specialist, Stephanie Rasmussen, who attended The League Convention through the Young Professionals network. Stephanie had the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend this event, formally known as HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Engage). This program is designed to empower young professionals within the credit union industry, providing them with invaluable networking opportunities and professional development. During the convention, Stephanie connected with 18 peers from credit unions across Wisconsin, spanning various roles within the industry. Together, they participated in numerous general sessions available to all attendees, as well as exclusive breakout sessions tailored specifically for HYPE participants.
(Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 5/21)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Bestselling Financial Wellness Author shares tips on Hello Wisconsin
Jason Vitug is and award winning writer, speaker, and bestselling author of three books, You Only Live Once, Happy Money Happy Life, Make Your Money Smile. He founded The Smile Lifestyle Brands, which includes thesmilemoney.com, a personal finance education platform, and phroogal.com, a financial marketplace. Jason will be serving as keynote speaker at the Wisconsin Credit Union League Convention. The event will take place in La Crosse later this week (May 9-10) and will draw hundreds of credit union professionals from across the state. He has spent the days leading up to event traveling around Wisconsin and visiting local credit unions to learn more about how they are promoting financial wellness in the communities they serve. (Royal Credit Union, 5/6)
Shared Accounts With CU Times: Landmark CU Stands Up to Senior Fraud
On this episode of "Shared Accounts With CU Times," Melter shares what member experience means to him and why it's more important now than ever. We also recognize two recent and upcoming holidays in the world of financial services – National Senior Fraud Awareness Day (May 15) and National Financial Literacy Month (April) – by asking Melter how Landmark CU is tackling these important topics. He breaks down the "Four Ps" of senior fraud, discusses the role technology plays in fraud schemes and describes how his credit union is ensuring its oldest members don't become victims of fraud. (Landmark Credit Union, 5/10)
Verve, a Credit Union: Launches “Don’t Feed the Phish” fraud awareness campaign
Verve, a Credit Union, kicks off a new fraud awareness campaign on National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, Wednesday, May 15, to help local seniors identify common online scams that result in losses of billions annually. Anyone can participate by signing up at Don’t Feed the Phish to learn how to protect themselves against Phishing, Smishing, government impersonation and other related scams. ( Verve, a Credit Union, 5/16)
Investing In Communities
Credit Union breaks ground on new location
The Indianhead Credit Union is moving forward with their plans for a new location in Grantsburg, right along State Road 70 at South Robert Street. Board members joined branch workers and multiple people involved with the design and construction of the new branch for a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday, May 6 for the new facility, which is slated to be open by late fall. (Indianhead Credit Union, 5/10)
Glacier Hills Credit Union breaks ground on new Jackson branch
Glacier Hills Credit Union held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for their new Jackson branch, which will be located at the intersection of Highway 60 and Ridgeway Road in Jackson’s new Village Square. (Glacier Hills Credit Union, 5/17)
Fostering Excellence
Royal Credit Union named Diamond Awards recipient amid record-breaking competition
Royal Credit Union (Royal) was among 168 credit unions nationwide named as winners of prestigious Diamond Awards – the Marketing & Business Development Council’s annual marketing excellence competition.Royal received the two following recognitions: Content Marketing Diamond Award for Royal’s Money Donuts podcast. Money Donuts podcast promotes awareness of Royal’s products and services by sharing educational and informative content, often from subject matter expert Royal team members. The podcast is available on all podcast platforms and full videos can be found on Royal’s YouTube channel. (Royal Credit Union, 5/1)
Royal Credit Union earns Home Possible RISE Award from Freddie Mac
Royal Credit Union (Royal) has been awarded a Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) Home Possible RISE Award in the category of “Fastest Growth for a Credit Union.” The annual program, RISE (Recognizing Individuals for Sustained Excellence), salutes Freddie Mac’s top clients across multiple categories for excellence with the Home Possible® and HFA Advantage® mortgage products – Freddie Mac’s affordable lending solutions for very low- to low-income homebuyers. This award recognizes the combined efforts of Royal’s Mortgage Department and Lake Area Mortgage- A Division of Royal Credit Union. Royal is highly commended for helping borrowers overcome affordability challenges to achieve sustainable homeownership. (Royal Credit Union, 5/22)