Making the World a Little Smaller: Unitus Hosts Credit Union Guests From North, South and Central America To View the Eclipse

Portland, Ore., August 21, 2017 – Unitus Community Credit Union hosted credit union employees from South and Central America to view the solar eclipse from their Salem branch, located squarely within the zone of totality.

As desirable eclipse-viewing areas in Salem quickly filled to capacity, Unitus President and CEO Steven Stapp recognized that Unitus had valuable viewing real estate in their Salem branch.

He coordinated to host foreign credit union professionals for the viewing in collaboration with the World Council of Credit Unions, where he serves as a board member.

The trip was part of an effort to celebrate the total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime event, while supporting the global credit union community.

Visitors came from a range of countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia.

Following the eclipse viewing, the visitors attended a complimentary luncheon and information session to learn more about Unitus Community Credit Union.

Working through a translator, Mr. Stapp and leadership team members explained Unitus’ role in the credit union movement both globally and specifically within the Pacific Northwest.

They guided their guests through the policies and processes that helped contribute to Unitus’ steady growth over 80 years.

They then learned about the successes and obstacles facing credit unions in those foreign communities and how those professionals respond to their distinct issues and challenges.

“This was a truly unique and exciting event,” said Mr. Stapp. “Like our credit union, the total solar eclipse has a way of bringing people together. We are fortunate to have a branch in Salem and thought it would be a shame not to share this extraordinary experience with fellow credit union professionals from other nations. As members of a well-established credit union we had a special opportunity to strengthen the bonds among our global CU community. We all found the event unusually rewarding.”

About the World Council of Credit Unions

The World Council of Credit Unions is the leading international trade association and development agency for credit unions and cooperative financial institutions.

Promueven el desarrollo autosostenible de cooperativas de crédito y otras cooperativas financieras en todo el mundo para empoderar a las personas mediante el acceso a servicios financieros asequibles y de alta calidad.

Additional information about the World Council is available at www.woccu.org.

Contacto con la prensa

Laurie Kresl
lkresl@unitusccu.com
503-423-8310