Texas Credit Unions Celebrate International Credit Union Day

Consumers encouraged to experience the difference

DALLAS, Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tomorrow, 7.4 million Texans will join credit union members around the world in the celebration of International Credit Union Day.  Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October.  It is a day in which the credit union movement commemorates its impact and achievements.

"Credit unions play a very important role in our society," notes Texas Credit Union League (League) president and CEO Dick Ensweiler.  "Thanks to credit unions, consumers – regardless of their socio-economic status – have access to affordable financial products and services, like checking, savings, debit and credit."

Because credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives with no paid-shareholders to answer to, Ensweiler says they are able to focus on helping their members build financial wealth.

"Credit unions were built on the philosophy of 'people helping people.'  We exist to serve our members," he says.  "With everything that's happening on Wall Street and consumers becoming increasingly vocal about wanting less fees and more service from their financial institutions, many are looking for alternatives – and financial pundits and social media are leading them to credit unions."    

Credit unions are recognized as a force for positive economic and social change and have provided significant value in both developed and emerging nations. Worldwide, 184 million consumers belong to a credit union, and credit unions can be found in 97 countries.

In Texas, there are 545 credit unions, with total combined assets of $69.7 billion.

"We are fortunate to have in Texas a strong and healthy credit union system," notes Ensweiler.  "Consumers looking for a safe place to save and invest their money, as well as access affordable loans should consider joining a credit union."

This year's International Credit Union Day theme is "Credit Unions Build a Better World."  Strategically, it aligns cooperatively owned and controlled credit unions with the greater cooperative business sector and the United Nations, which will launch the International Year of Cooperatives 2012 later this year.

About Texas Credit Union League™
The Texas Credit Union League is the official trade association for credit unions within the State of Texas. The League represents, on a state and federal level, nearly 600 credit unions state-wide, which are owned by over seven million members (about one-third of the state's population). Organized in 1934, the Texas Credit Union League protects credit unions and promotes their growth, strength and unity. It accomplishes the mission through advocacy services, regulatory and compliance advice, training and event activities, marketing and public relations actions, and by delivering innovative, high value and profitable business solutions to the members.  For more information, visit www.tcul.coop and www.asmarterchoice.org;  write to us at 4455 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75244, or call us at 469-385-6400.

Texas credit unions - strong, safe, and secure for 75 years.

Where you can find us:
Look for the Texas Credit Union League online at www.tcul.coop
Look for the Texas Credit Union League on Facebook at www.facebook.com
Look for the Texas Credit Union League on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TX_CU_League
Look for the Texas Credit Union League on Blog Talk Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/tcul

SOURCE Texas Credit Union League