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 December.
Giving Back
Educators CU Pays Out Record $5.1 Million to Members for Their Loyalty
Educators Credit Union said it has paid out a record $5.1 million with its 2022 “Member Loyalty” payout. “Member Loyalty is Educators Credit Union’s way of showing appreciation to members for their loyalty and commitment to the credit union. Throughout 2022, members built their reward each month based on the products and services they used. The more products and services used, the bigger the reward, the credit union said. (Educators Credit Union, 12/1)
$40K donated to Sauk Prairie Healthcare Foundation
Sauk Prairie Healthcare Foundation received a $40,000 donation from The Heritage Credit Union Legacy Fund, and Connexus Credit Union, asking that the money be used where it is needed most. (Connexus Credit Union, 12/1)
Local volunteers pack over 50 care bags for patients with cancer
Over 50 cancer patients in the Chippewa Valley will be receiving a gift after volunteers put together cancer care bags Wednesday. Volunteers from Thirty-One Gifts and the Royal Credit Union assembled the care packages to be delivered to patients at the three cancer centers in the Chippewa Valley. (Royal Credit Union, 12/7)
Blood Donation Opportunities Announced for Thursday In Manitowoc
The American Red Cross has announced a pair of blood drives in the city of Manitowoc for this Thursday, December 15th. The first is set for Shoreline Credit Union at 4400 Calumet Avenue from noon until 4:00 p.m. (Shoreline Credit Union, 12/12)
Salvation Army Battle of the Financials Begins Today in Manitowoc
Today is the day numerous financial institutions in Manitowoc battle it out to see who can raise the most money for the Manitowoc Salvation Army. Last year’s Battle of the Financials brought in nearly $8,000 and is one of the biggest days for the iconic Red Kettle Campaign locally. There are seven banks and credit unions participating this year and will have staff outside of Manitowoc businesses. (Holy Family Memorial Credit Union, UnitedOne Credit Union, Fox Communities Credit Union, Community First Credit Union, Shoreline Credit Union, 12/13)
Holiday Spotlight: Simplicity Credit Union
It’s the time of year to find comfort and be cozy and Simplicity Credit Union, they want you to be comfortable with your finances as well. Emily Montalbano stopped by Local 5 Live with some tips that can help prevent you from being taken advantage of this holiday season, including some things to know about store gift cards. (Simplicity Credit Union, 12/17)
Altra Federal Credit Union awards $10,000 to Evergreen Elementary PTO
Altra Federal Credit Union is helping community members ‘live their best life.’ Employees nominate organizations for the Best Life Community Awards. Some local winners including Freedom Honor Flight, Cappella Performing Arts Center, and 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection received $1500 in donation funds. The community got involved with nominations too. By popular vote, Evergreen Elementary PTO in Holmen received a $10,000 donation. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 12/16)
Educators Credit Union donates $28,320 to staff Aquatic Center lifeguards
Educators Credit Union made a donation of $28,320 to Racine County. The money is going to staff lifeguards at the SC Johnson Community Aquatic Center at Pritchard Park, 2800 Ohio St. (Educators Credit Union, 12/18)
Park City Credit Union donates turkey dinners to local families in need
A release from Park City said the turkey dinners are part of the Park City Cares initiative, which “celebrates the credit union’s members and hometowns by completing random acts of kindness across the area.” Park City said the program’s success is due to “a team effort by Park City Credit Union and the community.” “Each year, the credit union invites community members to nominate friends, family and neighbors to be the recipient of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” Park City stated. “This year, Park City was flooded with nominations.” (Park City Credit Union ,12/19)
Credit Union has Christmas fund
The Indianhead Credit Union Christmas tree has many gifts for those in need brightening the lobby of the Spooner office. The Christmas fund has benefited greatly this year from the generosity of many. Shown are loan officer and honorary Spooner-Trego Lions Club member Brenda Kratchmer (L) and Regan Kohler, managing editor of the Spooner Advocate (the larger gifts are for entire families). “It is so wonderful having a part in this loving project,” Kohler said. “The Advocate has been a longtime partner to the Christmas fund for our local people, young and old. To see the love and goodness shown that grows around us makes me so proud and satisfied to be here.” The credit union thanks everyone for their help. (Indianhead Credit Union, 12/22)
CoVantage Cares Foundation raises over $430K for local organizations
CoVantage Credit Union has announced the totals for this year’s fundraising of its charitable arm, the CoVantag Cares Foundation. According to a news release from the credit union, the Foundation handed out $433,362.10 in checks to local nonprofit organizations this year. The fund is comprised of donations made by credit union members, staff, and community members who supported the Foundation’s 2022 Giving Tuesday, which ran from Nov. 29 to Dec. 13. (CoVantage Credit Union, 12/27)
Sheboygan Salvation Army Announces Winner of Annual Battle of the Banks Competition
The Manitowoc Salvation Army held its Battle of the Financials competition yesterday, but the week before, a similar fundraising effort was held in Sheboygan. Nine banks and credit unions posted employees outside of Sheboygan area businesses to collect money for the local organization, but HAS Bank collected the most, with $2,158.
(Kohler Credit Union, UnitedOne Credit Union, 12/14)
Creating Community
Marshfield kids invited to decorate holiday cards for local nursing homes
Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union is inviting area children to decorate holiday greeting cards at MMCCU for nursing home residents. The credit union will have a decorating table with plenty of art supplies available in their lobby, or parents can pick up a card stock kit by going through the drive-thru during open hours. The card stock was donated by Premier Printing in Marshfield. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 12/1)
Connexus donates record amount during annual Season of Giving
Connexus Credit Union’s philanthropic program, Connexus Cares, will contribute $315,000 in financial contributions and holiday gifts to support food pantries, humane societies and programs that support youths in need, Connexus announced this week. (Connexus Credit Union, 12/2)
Ex Fabula StorySlams are live events where community members connect and share true, personal stories related to the night’s theme.
Ex Fabula StorySlams are live events where community members connect and share true, personal stories related to the night’s theme, told without props or notes. Come just to listen – or throw your name in the hat for a chance to share a true story related to the theme ‘Language’. At the end of the night, the audience votes by secret ballot to crown an *Audience Favorite. (Educators Credit Union, 12/6)
Winners announced in Merrill holiday decoration contest
The City of Merrill and Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce partnered to present Merrill’s Holiday Decorating Contest. The contest was for City of Merrill residents and businesses. The judges were riders on Merrill’s Tour of Lights Bus Ride on Dec. 21, and the city is pleased to announce the contest winners. (Park City Credit Union, 12/22)
Investing In Communities
YMCA to add a facility in Ashwaubenon and build a new, larger facility in Allouez
The Greater Green Bay YMCA is adding a facility in Ashwaubenon, and will replace the facility in Allouez. In Ashwaubenon, “The Ridge YMCA at Capital Credit Union” will be located on the third and fourth floors of the Capital Credit Union building, 1121 West Main Avenue. (Capital Credit Union, 12/7)
Supporting Financial Literacy
CUSO Offering Aims to Help Small CUs Save on Employee Health Care
InterLutions, a CUSO wholly-owned by the $2.8 billion, Muskego, Wis.-based Corporate Central Credit Union, launched an employee health care plan offering specifically for small credit unions, the CUSO announced Tuesday. The I-Care Health Plan is designed for credit unions with up to 20 employees and delivered through the CUSO’s in-house insurance agency that exclusively serves small credit unions, according to an InterLutions spokesperson.
(Corporate Central Credit Union, 12/7)