On October 17, 2013, thousands of credit unions in 100 countries will celebrate International Credit Union (ICU) Day® by joining together and celebrating their cooperative spirit.  HOPE wants members to appreciate all the benefits of being a credit union member with special offers all week long.

Unlike many banks, HOPE is not in business to make a profit. Credit unions all over the world are a united front focused on you, the members, with an unwavering belief in the “people helping people” philosophy upon which we were built.

The annual observance highlights the benefits that credit unions provide to members and the ways they help build communities with affordable financial services.  We think it’s such an amazing opportunity, we want to take the whole week to celebrate your credit union membership.  We also hope you’ll take the opportunity to encourage family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to become members, or learn more about how a credit union can benefit you.  With our new online application, it’s easier than ever for someone to join HOPE.

Beginning on Tuesday, October 15, come in to your nearest HOPE branch and enjoy these special offers and events:

  • October 15 – Sign up for E-Statements, and we’ll put $5 in one of your accounts.
  • October 16 – Get a coupon that will waive the $10 application fee on consumer loans.
  • October 17 – Sign up for a financial education class in your area.
  • October 17-18 – Enjoy an open house at your local branch.

If you can’t make it to one of our branches, just give us a call and we’ll help you with the offers that work for you.

During the week, children can bring in ICU Day coloring pages and we’ll display them in the branch.  The coloring pages will be available from any HOPE branch or at starting October 1.  You can also download one or both coloring pages (Butterflies orHexagons), print them at home or at work, let your children color them, and then bring them to a branch.

They might also enjoy our credit union crossword puzzle.

As a HOPE Credit Union member, you belong to a global movement in which people help people. Worldwide, 188 million members experience the benefits of belonging to a financial institution that exists to serve them, not to increase the bottom line.

A focus on superb customer service and member satisfaction sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions. As not-for-profit cooperative institutions, credit unions return their earnings to members in the form of higher interest on deposits, lower loan rates, and fewer fees.

Irrespective of the amount you have on deposit with HOPE, you are a member and an owner, with equal ownership and one vote. Members are never just numbers; your ownership empowers you and provides a voice.

In addition to member ownership, credit unions offer education and training programs. Fifty-four percent of Americans ages 18 to 34 check their social media accounts daily, while less than one third do a daily check on their financial statements. Credit unions actively focus on creating fiscally responsible members through their wide variety of education programs, which positively impact savings and spending habits for a lifetime.

Member ownership, education and training programs, and concern for the community are key cooperative values that differentiate credit unions from other financial institutions. You may want to take advantage of some of the free financial counseling we provide.

The credit union movement is a united force based on camaraderie, cooperation, and collaboration. That’s why, at a credit union, you are never a number — you are a member, and we are here to serve you.