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 March.
Giving Back
WESTconsin Credit Union to hold Spring Food Drive
WESTconsin Credit Union is set to hold a Spring Food Drive. According to a press release from WESTconsin Credit Union, from Monday, March 10, 2025, through Saturday, March 22, 2025, all WESTconsin offices will collect non-perishable food items, as well as monetary donations that can be given in-office or over the phone. All donations are intended to go toward filling the shelves of 14 different community partners across the credit union’s service area, the press release says. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 3/5)
Local Credit Unions Seeking Support for “Don’t Tax My Credit Union” Campaign
Three local credit unions are joining forces to help them keep their not-for-profit status.
UnitedOne Credit Union, Shoreline Credit Union, and Holy Family Memorial Credit Union are urging community members to join the “Don’t Tax My Credit Union” campaign, which they say will help them “continue offering affordable financial services to families, small businesses, and underserved groups.” (UnitedOne Credit Union, Shoreline Credit Union, Holy Family Memorial Credit Union, 3/27)
WESTconsin Credit Union donates over $12,300 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
WESTconsin Credit Union is proud to announce a donation of more than $12,300 to local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals, supporting life-saving treatments, innovative research, and critical financial assistance for families receiving care at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI, and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, MN. These donations are the result of the credit union’s annual Hearts of Hope fundraiser held in February, along with proceeds from World’s Finest Chocolate Bar sales last fall. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 3/31)
Creating Community
Onalaska Omni Center plays host to the Family Fun Expo
The Parenting Place and Altra Federal Credit union teamed up to bring the Family Fun Expo to the Omni Center on Sunday. The expo this year featured a Superhero theme for the attendees. It also housed dozens of local vendors, a bounce house, face painting, food trucks, games, and plenty of prizes for all in attendance.It also provided stage entertainment as singer/songwriter Mike Caucutt, storyteller Michael Scott, and the YMCA/Martial Arts program. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 3/9)
Awarding Scholarships
Boys & Girls Club honors youth, supporters at annual awards night
The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County recognized outstanding youth, staff, volunteers and community partners at its annual BGC Awards Night on Feb. 25 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Dreyfus University Center. More than 300 guests attended the event, which celebrated individuals who have demonstrated leadership and dedication throughout the year. The theme, “Celebrating Our Stars,” highlighted club members who were named Youth of the Month at each club site, along with Mark Toyota of Plover’s Artists of the Month. (CoVantage Credit Union, 3/13)
Fostering Excellence
PCCU recognized for customer experience in opening new accounts
Park City Credit Union (PCCU) was recently recognized for customer experience in opening new accounts. PCCU received a 2025 Best of the Best New Account Experience award, presented by MemberXP, a leading customer experience program offered through Credit Unions Solutions Group (CUSG). The award was presented in February as an annual recognition by CUSG, honoring credit unions that consistently excel in delivering exceptional service, according to a release from PCCU. (Park City Credit Union, 3/12)
Notable Credit Union Leaders: Steve Heiderer
Steve Heiderer, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Oak Creek-based Guardian Credit Union started at the organization right out of law school. “He joined as a compliance officer and throughout the years, continued to be promoted due to his diligence, forward-thinking strategies and dedication to the operation,” said Britt Frank, marketing director at the law firm of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown. (Guardian Credit Union, 3/17)
Notable Credit Union Leaders: Jay Magulski
When Jay Magulski joined Brookfield-based Landmark Credit Union 23 years ago, he was tasked with forming a plan to provide business services to its members, according to Mike Erwin of the Erwin Advisory Group and Taureau Group. (Landmark Credit Union, 3/17)
Notable Credit Union Leaders: Kim Sponem
Kim Sponem has been president and CEO of Summit Credit Union for 23 years. In that time, Summit has grown to $7.7 billion in assets and more than 265,860 members. Under her leadership, Summit has been named the top mortgage lender in Wisconsin and the top Small Business Association lender in Wisconsin, among credit unions by number of SBA loans approved.
(Summit Credit Union, 3/17)
CoVantage Credit Union Celebrates Growth and Community Impact at Annual Meeting
CoVantage Credit Union held its 72nd annual meeting on Wednesday, February 19. The meeting was held in-person in the Volm Theater at Antigo High School, with a virtual option available. Approximately 450 attendees participated, both in-person and virtually. Attendees listened to a comprehensive agenda that included financial reports, highlights from 2024, and plans for the upcoming year. (CoVantage Credit Union, 3/18)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Secure your tax return: Fraud specialist shares how to outsmart tax scammers
As we enter the final month before Tax Day, it's crucial for taxpayers to remain alert. The IRS is warning that the approaching deadline often brings a rise in tax-related scams, and this year is no exception. (UW Credit Union, 3/17)
5 Kaukauna businesses among honorees at Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce dinner
Five Kaukauna business leaders were among the honorees Wednesday at the annual Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner. (Capital Credit Union, Unison Credit Union, 3/14)
WESTconsin Credit Union recognized as Debt Relief Advocate
WESTconsin Credit Union is proud to be named a Debit Relief Advocate by GreenPath Financial Wellness through its Partner Excellence Awards, known as the Greenies. This recognition highlights organizations that have referred the most individuals to GreenPath’s Debt Management Program, providing critical financial resources and guidance to those trying to better their financial well-being. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 3/25)
Urban League to host a four-part financial empowerment series to boost financial literacy
The Urban League of Greater Madison will host a four-part financial empowerment series to help attendees take charge of their financial future. The series will tackle topics in financial literacy to help people achieve their goals. The effort is part of the Urban League’s larger push to help Madisonians navigate financial hurdles like buying a home. The financial empowerment series will see representatives from BMO Bank, Summit Credit Union, UW Credit Union and Johnson Financial group as guest speakers. (Summit Credit Union, UW Credit Union, 3/31)