Why am I writing about International Credit Union Day?

The answer is quite simple: This is the final project for my Verity Credit Union University Degree. Verity University “was established to create a forum to educate and empower employees by providing exceptional professional development opportunities.” Through the University, Verity staff members grow professionally and are able to provide better service to our members.

I did a lot of research about International Credit Union Day and learned a lot about credit unions and their history.

For example, did you know:

1. The first Credit Union was established in Germany in 1865 by Franz Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch and Friedrich Wilhelm Raifeisen?

2. The first Credit Union Day was in 1927 and it was chosen because it was the birthday of America’s “Apostle of Thrift,” Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)?

3. The National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) was established in 1967 to protect the Federal Credit Unions' interests in the nation’s capital?

Personally, I am glad to see how strong we are and how greatly we are feared by banks. And, what benefits! What great member service we give—the proof of which is listed below. I found some great testimonials from members.

Read for yourself:

“My husband and I have been with Verity Credit Union for many years. On many occasions we dealt with Tom, who is truly a consummate professional. He is always polite, ready to help, calm and collected when we have a banking problem (we are not calm), and he is very knowledgeable about Verity’s policies. If every banking professional had Tom’s skills, the public would be well served and very satisfied with their bank’s customer service. Succinctly, Tom is an extraordinary professional and whatever we say to you, words cannot adequately convey how highly we regard Tom.” “It’s not easy expressing how I feel about the opportunity of working with you and the mortgage group. You are all are absolutely the best I’ve ever worked with. I have a ton of respect for you; thank you for looking after me. I love the way you turn loans and it’s such a pleasure dealing with you on any transaction.”

“I am writing to let you know about your wonderful employees at the Alderwood Branch. I have never seen a bank or Credit Union with this kind of rapport with its members. The staff always takes care of all my banking needs, setting my bill payment plans, dealing with my previous bank, all other transactions and setting up an emergency auto loan. These folks actually makes going to the Credit Union very enjoyable. I always thought going to the “bank” was a necessary task, but now it is different with the folks at the branch. I have recommended Verity Credit Union to my co-workers and to others, knowing you will maintain the same level of warmth, courtesy and professionalism”.

“I got ill this year in January, and I had sent a notice in to miss a payment.  Your consultant, Regine, was so amazingly sweet to me.  I just wanted you to know that she made it much easier to deal with my situation and treated me like a long lost friend!  When I started feeling better and was preparing to return to work in April, I had to give her a call and thank her.  It is so awesome that you have people like her working for you.  My husband and I will look to Verity for anything we do in the future, including a home loan.”

Now I would like to ask you: What are YOU doing to celebrate this day?

Nothing?

I have a suggestion. During the week of October 15th, you are invited to visit any one of our branches for a chance to enter a raffle to win an International Food basket. (The winner will be contacted on Friday, October 19th). You can read more about Credit Union history at the raffle stations that will be set-up at each of our branches. Or, simply stop by to get a balloon. (Yes, they will be filled with helium and could be used to alter your voice box or to calm children and spouses!)