SPIRE Credit Union staff pictured with representatives from the Kenyan Delegation

Falcon Heights, MN - Through a partnership with the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN), SPIRE recently had the opportunity to host 30 representatives from 12 credit unions in Kenya, where they are known as Savings and Credit Co-operatives, or SACCOs.  

The visit, coordinated with the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), was a program designed to explore the operational environment of credit unions in the United States and witness first-hand how they serve and support their communities.

“The SPIRE team who met with the 30-person Kenyan Delegation were able to demonstrate their passion for SPIRE, and the global credit union community,” said Dan Stoltz, SPIRE President and CEO, “The focus of our presentation was on the overall SPIRE culture, how we serve members, employees and community; and our overall commitment to improving lives.”

The SPIRE visit was part of a weeklong event where the Kenyan delegation spent time at four Minnesota credit unions, as well as the MnCUN.  “The meetings were an opportunity to strengthen connections between financial co-operatives around the world through an exchange of ideas about the shared challenges we face,” said WOCCU Program manager Thomas Belekevich.

About SPIRE Credit Union: A full-service financial institution, proudly serving Minnesota and Wisconsin residents since 1934. SPIRE is committed to providing smart products, great rates and excellent service with a goal to improve the financial lives for both personal and business members. SPIRE has 17 branches across the metro and throughout northern Minnesota.

For more information, please visit www.myspire.com.

About the World Council of Credit Unions:  On behalf of their member organizations in nearly 60 countries, the World Council of Credit Unions:  Advocates internationally to achieve a better legislative and regulatory outcome for credit unions and their members; provides education and global networking for the exchange of information and ideas; champions the credit union and cooperative financial institution model worldwide; and grows and strengthens the credit union system with technical assistance, training and tools for management, outreach and networking.

For more information, please visit www.woccu.org.