PSCU Sponsors 2017 Credit Union Development Education Workshop

PSCU Sponsors 2017 Credit Union Development Education Workshop

Annual workshop raises more than $25,000 for Pinellas County non-profit

St. Petersburg, Fla. – (July 27, 2017) – PSCU, the nation’s leading CUSO, was a proud sponsor of the National Credit Union Foundation’s Development Education (DE) Workshop in Tampa on July 11-13. The focus for this year’s workshop was diversity and inclusion, and why inclusion is so important to credit unions. The workshop builds upon the foundational DE training, such as critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy and international development issues, while incorporating other challenges that credit unions face today.

The mission of the DE program is to promote credit unions’ social responsibility and domestic and international development through interactive adult education and professional networking. By linking credit unions’ past and present, the program brings renewed relevance to credit unions’ seven cooperative principles and the philosophy of “People Helping People.”

The workshop was hosted at the Suncoast Credit Union headquarters in Tampa while PSCU proudly sponsored the Opening Reception dinner on the first day of the workshop. In addition to networking opportunities, the workshop allows credit union professionals from across the country to sharpen their skills in credit union outreach initiatives, technical assistance, public presentations and become passionate advocates of the credit union philosophy. Graduates of the workshop also earn certification as Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs).

“PSCU was proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Credit Union DE Workshop, as the valuable lessons and skills learned by attendees of the event are the same that our CUSO promotes every day,” said Tom Olney, PSCU VP, Learning Process & Architecture. “At PSCU, we encourage all of our associates to continue sharpening their skills in order to advance themselves individually, as well as the industry as a whole. Events like the Credit Union DE Workshop provide an opportunity for credit union professionals from around the world to come together over a shared passion which unites us all.”

Each year during the DE Workshop, a day is dedicated to giving back to the local community. This year’s charity of choice was Pinellas Hope, a non-profit organization that supports the homeless population in St. Petersburg. The organization provides shelter and job placement support and sets goals with residents that encourage self-sufficiency. At this year’s workshop, attendees banded together and raised over $25,000 in just 75 minutes to support Pinellas Hope’s newest housing project for veterans. The funds went toward furnishing and decorating 14 of the organization’s homes that await veterans.

“Each year, we are honored with the opportunity to come together as a credit union movement to advance the profession and give back to local communities in need. We are very proud of the funds raised during this year’s DE Workshop for Pinellas Hope,” said Lois Kitsch, the National Credit Union Foundation’s National Program Director.

For more information about the workshop or the National Credit Union Foundation, visit ncuf.coop.

About PSCU

Established in 1977, PSCU (St. Petersburg, Fla.) is the nation's leading credit union service organization (CUSO). The company was recognized as CUSO of the Year in 2016 by the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations. PSCU’s products, financial services solutions and service model collectively support over 850 Owner credit unions representing more than 20 million credit, debit, prepaid, online bill payment and mobile accounts; protect over 2 billion transactions annually from fraud; and optimize credit union performance and growth. Comprehensive 24/7/365 member support is delivered through call centers located throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.pscu.com.

About the National Credit Union Foundation

The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) is the charitable arm of the U.S. credit union movement and works as a catalyst to improve people’s financial lives through credit unions. Through grants and programs, the Foundation is strengthening financial well-being, igniting passion and instilling knowledge about the credit union difference, and uniting resources to help credit union people during disaster. Donations to the Foundation ultimately enable credit unions to help their members reach life-changing goals and achieve financial freedom. The National Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. The Foundation continues to earn the Better Business Bureau seal of approval as an “Accredited Charity” for meeting all 20 BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards for national charities.