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
Summit Credit Union CEO Kim Sponem Calls for Systemic Change on Equal Pay Day: Addressing Retirement Inequality for Women
Equal Pay Day marks the point in the year when women’s earnings catch up to what men earned the year before. While the date is symbolic, Summit Credit Union notes that its implications extend far beyond annual pay comparisons. Summit Credit Union CEO Kim Sponem highlights how pay disparities impact women’s retirement security, urging employers to adopt equitable compensation practices. (Summit Credit Union, 3/24)
Creating Community
Public Invited to Help Celebrate Youth Month at MMCCU This April
Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union will celebrate Youth Month throughout April with a series of activities, contests and family-friendly events aimed at engaging local children and families. The monthlong celebration will feature in-lobby and online activities, along with promotions highlighting MMCCU’s Kids Rewards Club and other youth-focused offerings. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 3/26)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Educators Credit Union and Racine Unified School District bring a financial “Reality Check” to 1,200 students
Every year, thousands of students in the southeast Wisconsin area get the chance to receive hands-on learning about finances at “Reality Check Day.” Racine Unified School District (RUSD) has partnered with Educators Credit Union for 20 years to bring this interactive, gamified experience to teens and prepare them for making good financial decisions as adults. Over 1,200 Racine students will be the first of a March flurry of “Reality Check Days.” (Educators Credit Union, 3/4)
Royal CU Foundation Hosts Financial Reality Event for Wisconsin Students
More than 120 juniors from Abbotsford High School and Colby High School recently participated in Test Drive ... Next Stop Reality, a hands-on financial education event presented by the Royal Credit Union Foundation. Supported by over 50 community volunteers, the annual event marked its third year in the Abbotsford and Colby communities. Test Drive is an immersive financial education simulation designed to prepare high school students for what it takes to make it on their own as a 25-year-old. (Royal Credit Union, 3/13)
Fostering Excellence
Filene names 24 credit union leaders to the next wave of its highly competitive i3 Innovation Program
Credit unions face a defining moment. Rising member expectations, fintech disruption, and rapid technological change demand leaders who don’t just manage the present, they build the future. Filene Research Institute is answering that call, announcing today the 24 credit union professionals selected to join Wave 22 of its highly competitive i3 program, a one-year innovation leadership experience that has produced some of the industry’s most forward-thinking executives. (Altra Federal Credit Union, Royal Credit Union, UW Credit Union, 3/4)
Notable Women in Banking: Kim Sponem
Kim Sponem has been CEO and president of Cottage Grove-based Summit Credit Union since 2002. During her tenure, Summit has grown from $200 million in assets serving 44,000 members in 2002 to $8 billion in assets serving more than 275,000 members by year-end 2025. (Summit Credit Union, 3/16)
Universities of Wisconsin and UW Credit Union launch free online generative AI course
The Universities of Wisconsin is partnering with UW Credit Union to provide free education on the basic understanding of artificial intelligence. On Tuesday, speakers introduced a new online course revolving around the emerging technology of generative AI. The class is available to anyone in Wisconsin. (UW Credit Union, 3/25)
Capital Credit Union opens branch inside Kaukauna Piggly Wiggly
The new Capital Credit Union branch inside Kaukauna’s Piggly Wiggly is officially open. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome you. We’ve been working hard to create a space that feels inviting and meets all your needs,” read a social media post about the announcement. “Stop by to explore the new location, meet our team, and see what we’ve been up to.” Check in at the branch to enter your name to win a special prize. (Capital Credit Union, 3/31)