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 Spring Food Drive to kick off March 11
The WESTconsin Credit Union Spring Food Drive is scheduled to kick off on Monday, March 11, 2024, and run through Saturday, March 23, 2024. According to a press release from WESTconsin Credit Union, WESTconsin will accept donations of non-perishable food items in all offices. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 3/4)
WESTconsin Credit Union donates $10,000 to Freedom Park Center
It is nearly that time of the year once again when New Richmondites expect to see activity ramp up on the construction of Freedom Park Center. Expectations are that the 18,000 square-foot complex, designed to serve veterans, senior citizens and youth should be near completion if not finished by the end of this year. More to come on that as plans for the summer unfold. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 3/4)
Royal Credit Union Rock the Riverfront coloring contest starts today
The RCU Foundation Rock the Riverfront Youth Coloring Contest starts on Monday, March 11, 2024. This contest is for youth 12 years old and under and encourages creativity while building awareness for the annual run/walk and the animal rescue organizations that it supports in 2024. Ten winners will be selected the week of March 25, and prizes will include a Royal Credit Union (Royal) swag basket valued at $25. (Royal Credit Union, 3/11)
2024 Racine County Photo Contest: A collaboration between Educators Credit Union and Racine County
Racine County is delighted to launch the 2024 Racine County Photo Contest, an initiative that invites all amateur and professional photographers to capture and share the splendor of our county. This contest seeks to collect images that showcase the vibrant community, stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks of Racine County from the East end to the West end, from Spring to Winter. Racine County is committed to supporting its community programs and nonprofits. By participating in this contest, photographers contribute to a visual narrative that strengthens community bonds and promotes the local beauty and culture. (Educators Credit Union, 3/25)
Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union President Hosts Special Episode on Organ and Tissue Donation featuring Dr. Jill Dillon
The Credit You Deserve Podcast, hosted by David Murphy, President of Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union (MMCCU), aired a special episode highlighting the significance of organ and tissue donation. In Episode 12, David Murphy interviewed Dr. Jill Dillon, an optometrist and co-founder of the Central Wisconsin Gift of Life organization. During the episode, Dr. Dillon shared her deeply personal journey of becoming a living kidney donor and discussed how this transformative experience led to the inception of Central Wisconsin Gift of Life. Listeners gained insights into the motivation behind Dr. Dillon’s decision to start the nonprofit and the impact it has had in the community. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 3/27)
Awarding Scholarships
Boys & Girls Club honors star youngsters during awards night
Exceptional youngsters from the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County were honored at the annual BGC Awards Night on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the UW-Stevens Point Dreyfus University Center. The Boys & Girls Club’s sponsors, including CoVantage Credit Union, Sentry Insurance, Mark Toyota of Plover, Regnier Consulting Group, and Simplicity Credit Union, made the BGC Awards Night event possible and memorable. (CoVantage Credit Union, Simplicity Credit Union, 3/4)
Tourism director recognized for her community service
Samantha Routheau, tourism director for the Tourism and Economic Development Corporation of the Oconto Region (TEDCOR), is the the 2024 recipient of the Harold P. Heckendorf Community Service Award presented by NEW Credit Union.
(N.E.W Credit Union, 3/4)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Altra Federal Credit Union hosting homebuyer open house Tuesday The event will take place at the Altra Operations Center in Onalaska at 5:30 p.m. Register and learn more at altra.org (Altra Federal Credit Union, 3/5)
Investing In Communities
UW Credit Union Expands in Milwaukee with New Southridge Branch, Enhancing Local Financial Services
UW Credit Union announces the opening of its new Southridge branch in Milwaukee on March 11, 2024, marking a significant expansion and commitment to inclusive, comprehensive financial services. Marking a significant expansion in the Milwaukee area, the UW Credit Union is set to open its new Southridge branch on March 11, 2024, located at 5100 S. 76th St., near Southridge Mall. This development brings the credit union's total to 33 branches, with 12 in the greater Milwaukee area alone. (UW Credit Union, 3/5)
PCM Credit Union expands its field of membership
PCM Credit Union (PCMCU) is expanding its membership eligibility to include anyone who lives, works, or is a part of a SEG (select employee group) in Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Oconto and Shawano counties. This expansion will allow PCMCU to say yes, and also to explore more of its Northeast Wisconsin communities that are underserved by credit unions, according to a press release. (PCM Credit Union, 3/27)
Fostering Excellence
Filene Research Institute announces cohort of credit union leaders joining its i3 Program
Twenty-nine credit union leaders from across the US will embark on a two-year innovation leadership programme led by the Filene Research Institute. In its 20th year, Filene’s i3Program aims to equip credit union professionals with “the mindset, tools, and network to lead and shape the credit union of the 21st century”. (Fox Communities Credit Union, Altra Federal Credit Union, Heartland Credit Union, UW Credit Union, 3/5)
WESTconsin Credit Union announces next CEO
WESTconsin Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Jim Wookey to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Wookey will replace Lora Benrud when she retires in September 2024. Serving our members and communities for thirty years, Wookey began his WESTconsin career in 1994 as a Consumer and Mortgage Loan Officer in the River Falls office. He then served as Office Manager and Vice President of the New Richmond and Hudson offices before being hired as Chief Operations Officer in 2011. (WESTconsin Credit union, 3/12)
PCBC opens registration for Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast
The Portage Co. Business Council has announced this year’s winners in its Creative Excellence Awards. The award ceremony will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. on April 3 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Ave. in Stevens Point. (Summit Credit Union, 3/24)
UnitedOne Credit Union Earns Best of the Best Awards
UnitedOne Credit Union has received a couple of awards. The local credit union was honored for having the Best Member Advocacy and Most Appreciative Staff as a part of the MemberXP Best of the Best Credit Union Awards. The MemberXP designation is an annual acknowledgment bestowed upon credit unions that consistently excel in delivering exceptional member service during a calendar year. (UnitedOne Credit Union, 3/26)