Happy Credit Union Week!

From October 14 – 20, 2012, the 624,000 Maine residents who belong to a credit union will join the 196 million credit union members belonging to over 51,000 credit unions in 100 countries worldwide to celebrate International Credit Union Week. For 64 years, credit unions have set aside the third Thursday in October to celebrate International Credit Union Day. This special occasion gives credit unions an opportunity to remember their proud history, while promoting understanding and support for the credit union difference.

Looking at all of the choices available in the financial services industry, the credit union difference is clear: no matter where you are, credit unions are 100% focused on meeting and exceeding members’ financial services needs. With credit unions, every member is an owner with an equal vote in the election of the credit union's volunteer board of directors. There are no stockholders at credit unions, and earnings are returned to members in the form of lower rates on loans and higher rates on savings, or invested back into the credit union to provide more of the services that members need and want.

Whether a Maine credit union is providing a loan to help a member make their home more energy efficient, giving financial counseling to a member whose company closed its doors, or simply offering a better deal on a used car loan, credit unions are supporting and serving their members and the community as a whole. Locally or internationally, during International Credit Union Week or at any time of the year- a Maine credit union is where you know your money will be local, safe, and great service is guaranteed.

Becoming a credit union member couldn’t be easier! There is a credit union for everyone- use these tips to find the Maine credit union that’s right for you:

• Visit www.mainecreditunions.org, or call the Maine Credit Union League’s Member Services toll-free at 800-442-6715
• Talk to your neighbors. Some credit unions have a “community” field of membership, serving a region defined by geography
• rather than by employment or some other association. Ask friends in your community if they know a credit union you may join.
• Ask family members. See if anyone in your family is a member of a credit union, in your community or out of state. Ask them about their experiences.
• Ask your boss. Your company may sponsor a credit union or may be a sponsor group that has access to a credit union. Many employers will directly deposit your paycheck to the credit union.

Become a member today, and discover the value of becoming an owner of your financial institution.

Maine’s Credit Unions Celebrate National Co-op Month By Helping to “Fuel” Ending Hunger Efforts!

On Monday, October 1, at the Good Shepherd Food-Bank in Auburn, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, in partnership with Good Shepherd Food-Bank, celebrated the seventh anniversary of Maine’s first “Food Mobile,” by contributing $7,500 to ensure the continued success of this important tool in ending hunger in Maine. Since its inception in 2005, the Food Mobile program has distributed 2,693,000 lbs of food throughout the state. The event also kicked off National Co-op Month, which takes place each October.

The event also served as an opportunity to prepare for upcoming Ending Hunger initiatives, and to share ideas on how to raise even more funds in the year ahead. Additionally, Ending Hunger Representatives volunteered at the food-bank, and were addressed by a Brenda Swan, a representative from Servant’s Heart Food Pantry, who shared how the Food Mobile has benefited her community.

Since 1990 the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised over $4.3 million to help end hunger in Maine including $447,000 in 2011. 100% of all money raised stays in Maine and goes directly to the cause of ending hunger.