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 February!
Giving Back
WESTconsin Credit Union holding fundraiser for children's hospitals
Starting Monday through Valentine's Day, you can help spread the love and support area children's hospitals. WESTconsin Credit Union is hosting a Hearts for Hope fundraiser. People can stop by any WESTconsin office to donate. A donation of at least $5 buys a paper heart to hang on the wall in the lobby, $25 buys a Wall of Fame paper heart. All proceeds will go to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, that includes Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul and Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 2/2)
Matching Power makes a difference: CoVantage Cares Foundation raises $502,900 for local non-profits
The CoVantage Cares Foundation has announced the successful conclusion of its 10th-annual Giving Tuesday campaign. The initiative raised $502,900 from Dec. 2-16 to benefit 12 non-profit organizations serving communities where CoVantage Credit Union operates. The CoVantage Cares Foundation matched up to $200,000 in donations, inspiring donors to support and take advantage of the power of the match. (CoVantage Credit Union, 2/11)
Awarding Scholarships
UnitedOne to award three $1,000 education scholarships
UnitedOne Credit Union is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 scholarship program, awarding three $1,000 scholarships to members pursuing higher education. The scholarships include one award for a Manitowoc County high school senior; one for a Sheboygan County high school senior; and one for a current college student, non-traditional student or working adult continuing their education. (United One Credit Union, 2/16)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Career Day at EES gives kids ideas for their future
Ellsworth Elementary fourth and fifth graders participated in the third annual Career Day Jan. 15 with 12 amazing speakers throughout the day. “Our fourth graders had seven speakers which they rotated through all of them every 15 minutes,” said STEM Coordinator Tami Place. “They were able to ask questions and learn so much from these speakers.” Before Career Day, fifth graders took a short Myers Briggs personality test and researched a job that would fit their personality well. They created job posters to decorate the neighborhood which included salary, required education, and other details about the job. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 2/4)
Altra Federal Credit Union to host webinar for teens on your first paycheck
Altra Federal Credit Union will host a Teens and Money Webinar on “What to Expect with Your First Paycheck” on Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 6-7 p.m. This event is free and for ages 13-17. Stepping into a first job is exciting, but seeing the first paycheck can come with surprises. Throughout this webinar we will break down taxes, deductions, and benefits in a way that makes sense. Teens will learn how to understand a paycheck, budget for everyday expenses, and use simple strategies to grow their money over time, helping them build the confidence to take control of their financial future. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 2/19)
Superior Choice Credit Union to hold penny memorial
Superior Choice Credit Union will hold a memorial for the penny this Thursday, Feb. 19. Last fall, the United States Mint ended production of the one-cent coin. In honor of its long-standing place in American history, SCCU has decided to give the penny a special send-off. Throughout the day, the credit union will host three commemorative sessions at ten, noon, and four. Each session will feature a tribute to its legacy and a guest speaker from the area, such as Mayor Jim Paine. (Superior Choice Credit Union, 2/17)
Fostering Excellence
Guardian Credit Union names new CEO
Kevin Nitka Oak Creek-based Guardian Credit Union announced that Steve Heiderer has been promoted to president and chief executive officer. He previously served as senior vice president and chief operating officer. (Guardian Credit Union, 2/19)
UnitedOne CU CEO Kim Rooney To Retire After 30 Years; Amy Sonnemann Named Successor
UnitedOne Credit Union is preparing for a leadership transition, with longtime CEO Kim Rooney set to retire in June after more than 30 years with the organization, according to Seehafer News. Rooney, who has served as CEO since 2009, will be succeeded by Amy Sonnemann, the credit union’s current chief lending officer. Sonnemann is a Manitowoc native and has spent 29 years with UnitedOne. (United One Credit Union, 2/19)