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Amanda Davis of Winston-Salem FCU sports a Members Matter Most tattoo at the NW Chapter meeting in Winston-Salem. Members Matter Most was selected as the theme for International CU Day this year.
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(Editor's note: this information is being updated through the day Friday, October 19th. Please contact Jeff Hardin with pictures and updates on your International CU Day events.)
Credit unions and chapters throughout North Carolina celebrated International Credit Union Day this week. Many credit unions said thanks to their members by hosting appreciation days and serving refreshments. The chapter system also held a variety of special events.
Listed below are a few of the ways in which chapters marked the day. To see photos from across the state, please click here.
Foothills Chapter - 40 people gathered for the Foothills Chapter celebration in Hickory on Tuesday evening. The meeting took place at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center with Magician Sammy Cortino providing the entertainment. Cortino, a Hickory native, is nicknamed magic's "Royal Duke."
The chapter also awarded prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants and gas stations. Attendees also donated jars of peanut butter for the Greater Hickory Co-operative Christian Ministry. "They try to put a jar of peanut butter in every bag of groceries that goes out," said Revonda Sigmon of the Foothills Chapter. "It is protein, good for you, can be stored on the shelf and most people like it." The chapter regularly collects jars of peanut butter for the ministry. Chapter President Debbie Whittington added that the chapter has donated 80 pounds of peanut butter this year alone.
Western Chapter - the Forge Valley Event Center in Mills River hosted the annual Western Chapter celebration. A bluegrass band provided the entertainment for the evening. About 110 people representing most of the chapter credit unions attended the celebration. They were joined by representatives from First Carolina Corporate CU and Howe Construction. In addition, Kelbio Madera, a credit union Loan Officer from the Dominican Republic who is interning with United Services CU, came as a special guest of the credit union.
The chapter awarded prizes, including several awarded through a "Card Walk." Chapter Representative Connie Corn said the rules for the Card Walk were similar to that of a Cake Walk "except that there was a $50 gift card provided with the cake."
Piedmont Chapter - Lowe's Motor Speedway hosted a large group of more than 180 people from the Piedmont Chapter on Thursday evening. The credit unions celebrated the evening with a very special guest - Congressman Larry Kissell. Kissell, a strong CU advocate, is locked in a tough re-election battle in the 8th District. Comedian David Ferrell entertained the credit union group.
The chapter also honored its Credit Union Person and Volunteer of the Year at the event. Phillip Kridel of Carolina Postal CU won volunteer of the year, while Michelle McGee of Carolina Postal won the person of the year award.
Southeast Chapter - the Southeast Chapter converged on the beautiful Duplin Winery Thursday evening for its celebration. Frank Drake was the special guest speaker. Drake's remarks centered around the role of the Supervisory Committee, plus how to attract and develop good board talent. He also spent a few moments discussing power of attorney documents.The chapter also raised more than $160 in a split the pot event, and gave out door prizes.
CUaware - CUaware celebrated International Credit Union Day at a local Moroccan restaurant in Raleigh. Hummus, sun dried tomatoes, and specialty drinks combined well with the mild October night and the beautiful decor. The group also had the unique opportunity to socialize with credit union representatives from the Dominican Republic on a World Council of Credit Unions exchange program. Beyond their amusing stories about their time at the State Fair and the size of the turkey legs they ate, they talked about very interesting cultural differences between our two countries and even taught some attendees how to salsa! "Events like this allow us to realize that credit unions really are a worldwide force and we all have more in common than not," said CUaware Co-Founder Brandon McAdams.
Northwest Chapter - 70 representatives of the NW Chapter met up at the Hawthorne Inn in downtown Winston-Salem. The evening's events included bingo complete with special prizes. Representatives from iCan House and the Second Harvest Food Bank were also on hand to speak about the mission and impact of their non-profit organizations. The chapter raised funds for the Food Bank through its annual golf tournament earlier this year. The chapter is also selling raffle tickets for special holiday prizes in an effort to raise funds for iCan House.The bingo proceeds also benefited iCan House.
The chapter also honored its Credit Union Person and Volunteer of the Year. Stanley Morgan of State Employees' CU was honored as the volunteer of the year, and Kevin Mack (SECU) won chapter person of the year.
North Piedmont - the North Piedmont Chapter converged on Gate City Lanes in Greensboro for pizza and bowling Thursday evening. Attendees were treated to unlimited bowling for two hours, shoe rental, pizza, and soda.
Mountain Credit Union - Mountain CU held its annual member appreciation day event in conjunction with International Credit Union Day. In addition to a healthy turnout through the day, the credit union received visits from local politicians. State Sen. Jim Davis dropped by the Waynesville office of the credit union, as did NC Rep. Ray Rapp. Mark Meadows, a Republican Candidate for the 11th District US House of Representatives, also paid a visit to the credit union.