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 August.
Giving Back
School Supply Drive Kicks Off in Superior
head of the Lakes United Way will hold its annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive for Superior School District through August 22.
(Superior Choice Credit Union, 8/3)
Letter: Thank You From the Humane Society of Douglas County
The humane society is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community and to the participants who braved this new and exciting virtual venue with us! We are also thankful for our marvelous volunteers, who make this event possible by collecting all of the auction items that we hope you saw online. Thank you to all the businesses both small and large who graciously donated items to this event, we are so thankful for your support. Congratulations to all who won these items, and we hope that everyone who participated had some fun bidding and checking out our videos!
(Superior Choice Credit Union, 8/5)
Teens Sell Lemonade to Raise Funds for Sick Pup
By 11:30 on Friday, they'd raised just over $150, finishing out the day with a $200 donation at Ripco Credit Union.
(Ripco Credit Union, 8/6)
5k Run/Walk Planned to Benefit Project 16:49's Homeless Youth
After more than a year of the pandemic when the needs of area homeless and unaccompanied youth increased, Project 16:49 is planning its first Race for a Place to Call Home 5K Run/Walk to help drum up funds and offer a family-friendly activity in the outdoors.
(Fort Community Credit Union, 8/8)
Fox Cares Foundation Asks for Local Donations
The Fox Cares Foundation, a fundraising initiative that addresses ending homelessness, fighting hunger, and providing access to the arts to form a physically and emotionally healthy community, asks the public to support the foundation in helping people throughout Northeast Wisconsin discover the security of a warm home, the stability of a warm meal, and the freedom to share the warmth in their hearts through art.
(Fox Communities Credit Union, 8/9)
Sip to Save Lives: Under Your Own Woof
The Coulee Region Humane Society will host its second annual beer and wine event, Sip to Save Lives: Under Your Own Woof! We will begin pre-orders for our date night basket on August 11th, 2021 through September 19th, 2021. Pick-up starts on Thursday, October 7th, 2021 and goes through Monday, October 11th, 2021 during our open business hours. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 8/10)
New Berlin Community Document Shred Event Saturday
Educators Credit Union will host a community shred event Saturday. The shred event will start at 9 a.m. at Malone Park, 16400 W. Al Stigler Parkway.
(Educators Credit Union, 8/9)
More Blood Drives to Battle National Blood Shortage
As the national blood shortage continues, more blood drives are in motion in the Northland. Superior Choice Credit Union is sponsoring a “back to school” blood drive event for the American Red Cross.
(Superior Choice Credit Union, 8/11)
Hunger Task Force of La Crosse Holding "A Taste of the Garden" Event at Kane Street Community Garden
The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse will be holding its Annual “A Taste of the Garden” fundraising event at our Kane Street Community Garden. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 8/12)
St. John's Receives $21,591 Donation from Local Businesses to Help Support Homeless in Green Bay
Four local businesses joined forces to make a generous donation to St. John’s Homeless Shelter to help provide basic needs for those affected by homelessness in the Green Bay community.
(Capital Credit Union, 8/13)
The RCU Foundation Gives $150,000 to Westfields Hospital Foundation
The RCU Foundation made a $150,000 gift to Westfields Hospital Foundation in New Richmond, WI. The hospital recently completed a kitchen and café remodel to improve healthy food options for patients, visitors, and staff.
(Royal Credit Union, 8/23)
PCCU Merrill Blood Drive
Park City Credit Union (PCCU) of Merrill will hold a Blood Drive at their 501 South Pine Ridge Ave., Merrill, location on Thursday, September 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They are requesting donors to register in advance and make an appointment by either calling PCCU at 715.536.8351 or going online to: communityblood.org/donor where you can log in, click “Donate Now,” and then enter sponsor code ME25.
(Park City Credit Union, 8/26)
Fox Cities PAC Announces 1:1 Gift Match to Raise $500,000 for Act 2 Fund
Thanks to the generous support of community leaders Kate and Tom Burgess, Ryan and Marissa Downs, Angelo and Jennifer Ninivaggi/Plexus Corp., Kathi Seifert and Cathy Tierney/Community First Credit Union, donations to the Act 2 Fund will be matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000, which will help meet the Act 2 Fund goal.
(Community First Credit Union, 8/26)
The Racine Video Production Workshops Program is Making Young Actors and Filmmakers in Training
School is back in session, and video production might be a student’s new obsession. The Racine Video Production Workshops is an after-school program offered in partnership with Racine Unified School District’s Extended Learning Program and sponsored by Educators Credit Union.
(Educators Credit Union, 8/30)
Awarding Scholarships
UW Credit Union Awards $30,000 to 10 Wisconsin Students Through its Community Values Scholarship
UW Credit Union recently awarded 10 scholarships of $3,000 to student members actively working to improve their local and campus communities. Applicants were required to be new or returning full-time undergraduate students attending a UW System school, Madison College or Edgewood College. (UW Credit Union, 8/5)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Lifelong Financial Education
Royal Credit Union’s journey with financial wellness began 28 years ago with the development of School $ense, a student-run financial education program. Since then, the $3.7 billion asset, Eau Claire, Wis.-based credit union has flourished in making financial wellness and education an everyday part of its members lives. School $ense now operates 29 student-run credit unions within Royal’s footprint. (Royal Credit Union, 8/4)
Fostering Excellence
Capital Credit Union CEO to Retire at Year's End
Tom Young is retiring at the end of the year as president and CEO of Capital Credit Union in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Young, who has led the $2.1 billion-asset organization for 32 years, said in a video posted to the credit union’s website that the board is now searching for his replacement. (Capital Credit Union, 8/10)
Summit CU CEO Kim Sponem Signs on with CEO Action Pledge
Summit Credit Union President and CEO Kim Sponem has signed on with the CEO Action Pledge for Diversity and Inclusion. The CEO Action Pledge, now in its fourth year, has nearly 2,000 business leaders as signatories, and is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace in the United States, the credit union. (Summit Credit Union, 8/24)
Awsomology Podcast: Thinking Strategically About Strategic Planning with Josh
Another of our smart friends, Josh Roberts from The Wisconsin Credit Union League, joins Ben and Sue to talk about the power of planning, no matter how large or small your organization is. (The Wisconsin Credit Union League, 8/30)
Providing Innovative Solutions
Altra Federal Credit Union Accepting Members' Nominations for New, Nonprofit Award
Altra Federal Credit Union is now accepting member nominations for their Best Life Community Awards (BLCA). The new member-driven initiative supports
organizations important to Altra members. Members should have supported the nonprofit they are nominating within the last twelve months with their time, talent, or treasure.
(Altra Federal Credit Union, 8/30)
Creating Community
National Night Out to Be Held Tuesday in Kronenwetter
The village of Kronenwetter will host an event Tuesday night to allow the public a chance to meet and build relationships with village staff from the police, fire, and village committees.National Night Out is taking place in communities across the country. It is a way to promote positive relationships between police and people in neighborhoods. (Valley Communities Credit Union, 8/2)
Fort Atkinson Businesses Sponsoring Rhythm Remix Aug 21
Saturday, Aug. 21, in Fort Atkinson is set to be a fun-filled, end-of-summer celebration with activities scheduled during the day and into the evening. (Fort Community Credit Union, 8/4)
Chilton City Band to Play in Park August 5
Chilton City Band will be the ninth Summer in the Park Concert Series Performer on Thursday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. at Hobart Park by the fairgrounds in Chilton. (Premier Financial Credit Union, 8/4)
Live Music, Craft Vendors, Family Fun at Market on Main in Little Chute
The Market on Main is a family-friendly street fair market featuring food trucks, retail vendors, music, and activities for children with a local focus and emphasis on unique and handcrafted goods and Little Chute businesses. (Unison Credit Union, 8/5)
End of Summer Deals - Discount Tickets!
Between food, travel costs and entrance fees, traveling as a family can add up quickly. You can significantly reduce the cost of admission to attractions simply by scoping out available discounted tickets within our community. If your credit union or place of employment doesn’t already offer discounted tickets, check with the credit unions listed below. (Fox Communities Credit Union & Capital Credit Union, 8/7)
Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Rock County Historical Society to Relaunch Effort to Establish GM Legacy Museum
The idea of local “legacy” is being re-created—at least compared to an earlier conception of a museum that would honor the legacy of General Motors workers. (Blackhawk Community Credit Union, 8/19)
More than Just a Lot of Hot Air: 9 Things to Know About the Balloon Glow at Saturday's igNight Market
Jeff Trzebiatowski has been flying hot air balloons for 21 years and this much he knows. “Can’t ever quite explain how or why, but balloons just attract people. You say you’re having a balloon event, people come," he said. "To watch them fly, to watch them glow, it’s a unique form of aviation that brings people together.” (Fox Communities Credit Union, 8/20)
Our Sold Out Screening of "The Fifth Element" Will Finally Happen September 22 at Avalon Theater
Today, more than 18 months after first announcing the screening, we’re please to inform you our The Fifth Element showing will finally be able to happen. IF—AND ONLY IF—YOU BOUGHT TICKETS TO LAST YEAR’S SCREENING, you’re cordially invited to watch it with us at Avalon Theater on Wednesday, September 22. (Educators Credit Union, 8/25)
Celebrate All Things Creative at the Mural & Busker Festival this Weekend in Downtown Green Bay
Green Bay’s Broadway district is getting a fresh coat of paint thanks to several local artists. The first-time festival is a one stop shop for all things creative and Local 5 Live’s Jordan Lamers stopped by with a peek at some murals being added to the area. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 8/27)
Jefferson Library Has Many Events Set
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month and a person’s library card comes with extra perks. “Show your Jefferson Public Library card at any of the participating Jefferson businesses during the month of September to receive a special discount or promotional item,” a media release from the library said. “If you don’t have a library card, come to the library and we can help you get one. These discounts are only valid for September of 2021.” (County City Credit Union & Fort Community Credit Union, 8/31)
Investing in Communities
Landmark Credit Union Adds Mequon Branch
Landmark Credit Union on Monday added a Mequon branch to its chain of local credit unions. The new branch is at 10865 N. Port Washington Road. It includes private offices, drive-thru lanes and an ATM. The branch also offers the ease of booking an appointment online for more complex transactions. (Landmark Credit Union, 8/3)
Royal Credit Union Breaks Ground on New Downtown Eau Claire Office Location
Construction is underway for a new Royal Credit Union office in downtown Eau Claire. Friday morning, RCU broke ground on its new downtown Eau Claire office. The new office, which will relocate services from an existing office located on Bellinger Street, will be located at the site of a former gas station at 317 N. Barstow Street. (Royal Credit Union, 8/6)
Ripco Credit Union Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Addition
Over the past year, the main branch of Ripco Credit Union has undergone a major addition and renovation. On Thursday, credit union leaders along with local politicians celebrated the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Ripco Credit Union, 8/27)