The Wisconsin Credit Union League celebrated its 90th anniversary on October 6. In celebration of this major milestone, we asked former and current members of our Board and members of the League Champions Program what they love about The League, what our organization turning 90 means to them, and what they hope the next 90 years will bring for The Credit Union Movement in Wisconsin:
What do you love about The League?
The Wisconsin Credit Union League is such a wonderful organization that is the definition of people helping people. Making a difference for our members for 90 years is such a testament to the organization and to The Credit Union Movement. - Morgan Lecheler, League Champion, Business Process Analyst, Royal Credit Union
The League has been an invaluable resource and partner for our credit union. Over the years, as our credit union has navigated the hills and valleys, The League has been right there by our side. In an ever-changing financial services landscape, The League has been forward-thinking and has changed in concert with member and credit union needs alike. Wisconsin credit unions’ strength is due in part to the strength of The League. - Kimberly Youngblood, former League Board Chair, Sr VP/COO, FOCUS Credit Union
The League ignited my passion for the credit union industry in countless ways. My involvement with the League has profoundly shaped my professional growth and has helped me establish a network of credit union friends from across the state. Whenever I have question, I know I count on the League to help me find answer. - Melissa A. Janssen, League Champion, Program Director of Community Relations, Royal Credit Union
I love the support The League provides to credit unions of all sizes in Wisconsin. The League is a real resource to credit unions for education, training, compliance, and HR--to name a few. Also, the work The League does in advocacy is second to none. They support our credit unions and our members in reaching the lawmakers of our state. -Marianne Torkelson, League Board Member, VP of Business Development & Training, Co-op Credit Union
I love the opportunities The League provides to connect with others in the industry. I’ve built valuable relationships through events and networking that have helped me to further my career! - Emily Merk, League Champion, Learning & Development Manager, CCUFC, CUDE, Summit Credit Union
I love everything that The League provides its member credit unions. My credit union depends on The League for advocacy, education, and compliance resources. The networking opportunities that The League facilitates are top-notch. - Sue Johnson, League Treasurer, CEO/President, Fort Community Credit Union
I love that The Wisconsin Credit Union League supports my personal interest in policy and advocacy. They give me space and a real in-person platform via GAC and Hike the Hill to ensure our elected leaders hear from us on issues that affect our membership.-Aaron Campbell, League Champion, Business and Specialized Services Specialist
UW Credit Union
I love that The League brings credit unions together from around the state to collaborate, share ideas, and build friendships. These friendships help strengthen our credit unions, which in turn strengthens the communities we serve. - Christine Moczynski, League Board Chair, President and CEO, Prime Financial Credit Union
I enjoy the networking and personal growth opportunities The League provides. - Brook L. Woodbury, League Champion, Business Deposit Specialist, WCCU Credit Union
What I love about The League is the dedication and advocacy for all its members, regardless of size. The League turning 90 shows that dedication has fostered a strong bond with it members and continued support from credit unions across the state. I hope over the next 90 years The League continues to advocate for all credit unions and help set us up for success. With The League, we can continue to serve our members and communities. - Derek Groth, League Board Member, President/CEO, Winnebago Community Credit Union
I love that The Wisconsin Credit Union League is a model representation of industry collaboration, working tirelessly to enhance financial well-being for everyone. Their commitment to The Credit Union Difference is unwavering, and they serve as a strong advocate for credit unions in political and legislative arenas. Their support system is exceptional, catering to the unique needs of credit unions of all sizes, which allows every member to thrive. It's this comprehensive support and advocacy that truly sets The League apart. - Brandon Riechers, League Board Member & Former Chair, President/CEO, Royal Credit Union
I love that The League is one unified backbone for the credit unions of Wisconsin. From advocacy, to education, to industry collaboration, The League has been a core support system and resource for Wisconsin credit unions for the past 90 years, helping us – both individually, and collectively as an industry – succeed in our mission to promote financial well-being among our diverse communities and members. - Beth Krahn, League Board Member | President, County-City Credit Union
I like that our members have representation in our State’s governmental process to make sure all voices are heard and the consumer has a strong advocate for what is best for all of Wisconsin. - Dean Wilson, former League Board Chair, President/CEO of FOCUS Credit Union
What does The League turning 90 mean to you?
The League turning 90 shows the strength and resilience of The Credit Union Movement. For nine decades, we have been living our “for people, not for profit” mission and making a difference in lives of our members. I am proud to be a part of this industry and can’t wait to see all the ways Wisconsin's credit unions will continue to collaborate and grow under The League’s continued leadership. -
Melissa A. Janssen, League Champion, Program Director of Community Relations, Royal Credit Union
The League turning 90 marks an important milestone of supporting credit unions. As the oldest credit union in the state, we have leaned on The League for advocacy, training, and support over those 90 years to ensure our credit union can continue serving our members far into the future. - Christine Moczynski, League Board Chair, President and CEO, Prime Financial Credit Union
It means 90 years of The League’s support to further our credit union mission of people helping people! It’s amazing to think about how many people we’ve all collectively helped to get in a better financial position; it couldn’t have been done without the support of The League. - Emily Merk, League Champion, Learning & Development Manager, CCUFC, CUDE, Summit Credit Union
The League's 90th anniversary stands as a profound testament to its resilience and unwavering support within the industry. It underscores the pivotal role The League has consistently played in strengthening credit unions through robust advocacy, comprehensive education, and dedicated public service. This milestone accentuates The League's agility in navigating the complex tapestry of economic and regulatory challenges over the years. It celebrates The League's dynamic ability to adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing financial landscape, ensuring credit unions not only survive but thrive and serve their members with excellence. Moreover, this momentous occasion invites us to reflect on the storied past, honor the commitment of those who have shaped its journey, and chart a visionary course for the future. It's a time to celebrate our 'Legends of the Movement' and to set new benchmarks for success, innovation, and community impact in the years to come. - Brandon Riechers, League Board Member & Former Chair, President/CEO, Royal Credit Union
The League turning 90 means we are a solid trade association who has maneuvered through the struggles and changes within the industry. Our presence has stood the test of time and sets us up for continued success for years to come. - Marianne Torkelson, League Board Member, VP of Business Development & Training, Co-op Credit Union
The Wisconsin Credit Union League’s 90th anniversary is a testament to our strength, our past success, and the confidence our member-owners put in us to be the central advocates for credit union issues. You don’t stay around for 90 years by not getting anything done; The Wisconsin Credit Union League is an accomplished association, it is well-staffed, and it is highly regarded by our League peers across America. - Aaron Campbell, League Champion, Business and Specialized Services Specialist, UW Credit Union
Wisconsin has had 90 great years of advocacy for credit unions. - Brook L. Woodbury, League Champion, Business Deposit Specialist, WCCU Credit Union
Momentum is finding ways to continue the journey forward and make sure to add more members and fans along the way. 90 years reflects that credit union members are here to stay and are excited about what the future might bring. - Dean Wilson, former League Board Chair, President/CEO of FOCUS Credit Union
The League turning 90 means that it has continued to evolve over the years to remain relevant to its membership. - Sue Johnson, League Treasurer, CEO/President, Fort Community Credit Union
What do you hope the next 90 years bring for The Credit Union Movement in Wisconsin?
I hope we will continue to find innovative ways to serve the underserved and promote financial well-being for all. I hope that each passing year brings more awareness to The Credit Union Difference and positive impact we make in the lives of our members. - Melissa A. Janssen, League Champion, Program Director of Community Relations, Royal Credit Union
I am hopeful that over the next 90 years, The League can help guide our credit unions to growth and sustainable success. I’m hopeful that they will be nimble and adjust as needed, while still providing the support that credit unions have relied on for 90 years. -Marianne Torkelson, League Board Member, VP of Business Development & Training, Co-op Credit Union
I envision the credit unions of Wisconsin being a part of solving bigger issues in our communities such as affordable housing and food insecurity. - Christine Moczynski, League Board Chair, President and CEO, Prime Financial Credit Union
Looking ahead to the next 90 years, I envision The Credit Union Movement in Wisconsin strengthening its advocacy and expanding its influence through leading national policy innovation to ensure credit unions remain competitive. I foresee a future where technological advancements are seamlessly integrated, elevating member services and fostering financial wellness. It's crucial to enhance member engagement through personalized services and active participation, coupled with providing comprehensive training and leadership development. The overarching goal is to ensure that Wisconsin’s credit unions remain resilient, innovative, and member-focused for decades to come. -Brandon Riechers, League Board Member & Former Chair, President/CEO, Royal Credit Union
I envision continued growth and advancements for credit unions and the advocacy movement. - Brook L. Woodbury, League Champion, Business Deposit Specialist, WCCU Credit Union
I hope the next 90 years will continue to support the growth of credit unions so we can impact more people. Regulatory restrictions are always a concern, but we know The League has our back as we advocate for the good we bring to our members and communities! - Emily Merk, League Champion, Learning & Development Manager, CCUFC, CUDE, Summit Credit Union
I hope that next 90 years brings awareness that credit unions are the best option for Wisconsin consumers. Having an aligned vision of what success looks like is what we continue to lead The League forward. - Dean Wilson, former League Board Chair, President/CEO of FOCUS Credit Union
I hope that The Credit Union Movement in Wisconsin continues to thrive, meeting the needs of our members and communities. - Sue Johnson, League Treasurer, CEO/President, Fort Community Credit Union
You don’t get by sitting on your laurels. The Wisconsin Credit Union League should continue to advocate, hold our governments accountable, and better our members' lives and finances. We must ensure that policy and laws around FinTech, AI, Tax Status, and Payments directly benefit our members and the people of Wisconsin. - Aaron Campbell, League Champion, Business and Specialized Services Specialist, UW Credit Union