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Recent Press Releases:

Credit Unions Provide Answer to Financial Literacy and 2010 Mandate
(
April 30, 2008)
Columbus, Ohio – Less than one quarter (23 percent) of Ohioans make any effort to encourage financial literacy in their families according to research conducted by the Ohio Credit Union League.  The Ohio General Assembly addressed this growing public need by requiring financial education be taught in all public high schools by 2010 (SB 311, 126th GA).  The Ohio Credit Union League launched MoneyAndStuff to help educators meet the state’s requirement and to arm parents with tools to teach money matters at home.

ZENITH08 Welcomes Ohio CU Leaders to Columbus
(April 22, 2008)
Dublin, Ohio  – Nearly 700 credit union leaders from Ohio and 300 exhibitors will descend on Columbus for the state’s annual credit union convention, ZENITH08, April 24 - 25.  The state’s largest gathering of credit unions boasts an agenda attractive to credit union CEOs, staff, board members, and guests.  The range of educational topics include enhancing technology for member services, benefits and drawbacks of mergers, “greening” your operations, tapping key members, and capitalization. 


Parents, Educators Should Spotlight Financial Literacy in April

MoneyAndStuff.info has free financial education curricula, games, and tips
(April 1, 2008)
Dublin, Ohio  – Ohio credit unions are recognizing April as Financial Literacy Month and reminding parents and educators about the importance of teaching financial education at home and in the classroom.  In 2006, the Ohio General Assembly created a mandate requiring financial education in all Ohio high schools by 2010.  However, the need for financial education is immediate, and the Ohio Credit Union League is arming parents and teachers with educational tools through their MoneyAndStuff initiative.

Shared Branching Sets Credit Unions Apart
(March 27, 2008)
Dublin, Ohio  – More than 80 credit unions in Ohio participate in Shared Branching, which allows credit union members to conduct brick and mortar transactions in all 50 states and in six foreign destinations.  Created with members’ convenience in mind, Shared Branching allows credit unions across the country to actually "share" their participating branches with each other, providing service to other credit union’s members.  Branches participating in the network are being added at a rate of 1.5 per day.

StretchPay Saved Consumers More Than $3 million in 2007
(February 28, 2008)
Dublin, Ohio  – A credit union alternative to traditional payday lending, StretchPay, saved members of thirty-one credit unions more than $3 million in 2007.  Collectively, credit unions in Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, and District of Columbia made 64,400 StretchPay salary advance loans last year totaling nearly $25 million. They accumulated $476,000 in fees and $187,000 in interest at an annual percentage rate (APR) of 18%. Members borrowing the same amount at traditional payday lenders – which typically charge $15 per $100 borrowed and up to 391% APR -- would have paid more than $3.7 million in interest and fees.

Ohio Credit Unions Launch Effort to Improve Financial Literacy
(February 19, 2008)
Hamilton, Ohio – Have you had the “talk” with your kids yet? Most parents try to talk to their children about making the right choices when it comes to smoking, drinking, and dating.  But how many parents educate their children about making wise decisions when it comes to money and credit? Not many, it turns out. That’s why the Ohio Credit Union League (OCUL) launched a financial education initiative today in Hamilton, called MoneyAndStuff™.

Ohio Credit Unions Launch Effort to Improve Financial Literacy
(February 19, 2008)
Cincinnati, Ohio – Have you had the “talk” with your kids yet? Most parents try to talk to their children about making the right choices when it comes to smoking, drinking, and dating.  But how many parents educate their children about making wise decisions when it comes to money and credit? Not many, it turns out. That’s why the Ohio Credit Union League (OCUL) launched a financial education initiative today in Cincinnati, called MoneyAndStuff™.

Ohio Credit Unions Launch Effort to Improve Financial Literacy
(February 11, 2008)
Toledo, Ohio – Have you had the “talk” with your kids yet? Most parents try to talk to their children about making the right choices when it comes to smoking, drinking, and dating.  But how many parents educate their children about making wise decisions when it comes to money and credit? Not many, it turns out. That’s why the Ohio Credit Union League (OCUL) launched a financial education initiative today in Toledo, called MoneyAndStuff™.

Ohio Credit Unions Launch Effort to Improve Financial Literacy
(January 9, 2008)
Lima, Ohio –
Have you had the “talk” with your kids yet? Most parents try to talk to their children about making the right choices when it comes to smoking, drinking, and dating.  But how many parents educate their children about making wise decisions when it comes to money and credit? Not many, it turns out.

Make Your Financial Well-Being a Resolution in 2008
(January 04, 2008)
Dublin, Ohio  – The New Year is traditionally a time to reflect upon the past year and plan for the future.  Ohio’s credit unions and the Ohio Credit Union League are offering five resolutions that can help almost anyone improve their current financial status, an important aspect of overall health and happiness.  From learning how to monitor expenses through budgeting, to understanding and managing debt, make 2008 the year you improve your overall financial well-being.

Ohio Credit Unions Launch Effort to Improve Financial Literacy
(December 13, 2007)
Youngstown, Ohio –
Have you had the “talk” with your kids yet? Most parents try to talk to their children about making the right choices when it comes to smoking, drinking, and dating.  But how many parents educate their children about making wise decisions when it comes to money and credit? Not many, it turns out.

Spending Tips for Holiday Shoppers from Credit Unions
(November 30, 2007)
Dublin, Ohio  – Ohio’s credit unions are reminding shoppers to spend wisely this holiday season by offering tips on how to spread holiday cheer without falling into unmanageable debt. It is common to open your hearts, and your wallets, when looking for the perfect gift. However, the holiday season can often leave those who overspend seeing more red than green.  Credit Union National Association Chief Economist Bill Hampel says that even though consumers are concerned about rising expenses, such as the price of gas, spending is likely to increase slightly this year over last.

Ohio Credit Unions Launch Effort to Improve Financial Literacy
(November 20, 2007)
Kent, Ohio – Have you had the “talk” with your kids yet? Only 23 Percent of Ohioans Encourage Financial Education. Most parents try to talk to their children about making the right choices when it comes to smoking, drinking and dating.  But how many parents educate their children about making wise decisions when it comes to money and credit? Not many, it turns out.

Ohio Credit Unions Launch Effort to Improve Financial Literacy
(November 20, 2007)
Cleveland, Ohio – Have you had the “talk” with your kids yet? Only 23 Percent of Ohioans Encourage Financial Education. Most parents try to talk to their children about making the right choices when it comes to smoking, drinking and dating.  But how many parents educate their children about making wise decisions when it comes to money and credit? Not many, it turns out.

Lack of Financial Literacy in Ohio Discussed at Forum
(October 29, 2007)
Only five percent of Ohio adults recall being taught personal finances when they were younger.  This lack of financial literacy prompted the Ohio Credit Union League to focus on the critical need for financial education at the League’s 2007 Credit Union Forum on Public Affairs in Columbus.  Ohio Governor Ted Strickland addressed credit union leaders at the forum, reinforcing the importance of financial education and thanking credit union leadership for their commitment to providing financial education opportunities within their communities.

 

Credit Unions Celebrate Serving Their Members
(October 17, 2007)
Credit unions across Ohio and around the world will commemorate International Credit Union Day on Thursday, October 18, under the theme, “Credit Unions: Together We’re Better.”  Ohio’s 438 credit unions and 2.7 million members will celebrate the unique service that credit unions provide and the many ways families and communities benefit from the credit union difference.

 

 

Members pass Ohio Credit Union League’s dues proposal by wide margin

(September 10, 2007)
The Ohio Credit Union League’s proposed new dues model has been passed by its member credit unions by a margin of 77 percent. Fifty-eight percent of the League’s membership participated in the ballot process. The League’s 347 member credit unions voted via mail ballot between August 1 and August 31. The proposal was unanimously supported by the League’s board of directors.

 

 

Ohio credit unions feed neighbors in need with third annual Ohio Credit Union Food Drive

(November 22, 2006)
One in eight Ohioans went hungry during the past two years – making Ohio the 13th hungriest state and the third fastest in growing hunger in the nation. Three chapters of the Ohio Credit Union League and 27 credit unions across the state collected thousands of pounds of non-perishable food to help restock the depleted shelves of local food pantries and feed community members in need. During October, Ohio’s credit unions collected non-perishable food items and monetary contributions as part of the third annual statewide Ohio Credit Union Food Drive. All donations were given to food pantries and charities in each credit union’s local community.

Students learning critical financial skills thanks to Ohio credit unions
(October 31, 2006)
Students returned to school this fall to learn about subjects that will help them succeed in life. But one critical element missing from most Ohio primary and secondary school students’ curriculum is financial education. The average teenager has at least $1,500 of personal credit card debt when they enter college, according to MSNBC.com, because they didn’t learn personal financial skills at home or in school and fell into a cycle of debt early in life. Ohio’s credit unions are working to change that by teaching students sound financial practices that will result in a lifetime of wise financial decisions.

 

Lower-income Americans can buy first homes

thanks to Ohio credit unions

(September 25, 2006)
As home prices rise along with interest rates, the dream of homeownership becomes more and more distant for many Americans. But Ohio’s credit unions are helping lower-income Americans buy their first homes and begin building personal wealth.

 

 

Credit Unions Reach Out, Offer Consumers Alternative to Payday Loans

(June 15, 2006)
A group of Ohio credit unions and the Ohio Credit Union League have unveiled a new low-cost loan alternative to help consumers who are caught up in the payday lending treadmill and paying as much as 400 percent APR (annual percentage rate) for a short-term loan.

Ohio Credit Unions explore ways to
innovative ways to reach out to Ohioans

(May 15, 2006)
The Ohio Credit Union League is hosting the 2006 Outreach Forum -- Living the Mission -- on May 23-24, to showcase new ways that Ohio credit unions are serving modest means Americans. “The credit union industry is at an inflection point in our history … a point that has us facing a permanent and lasting shift in what it means to be a credit union,” according to Ohio Credit Union League Chairman Doug Fecher.

One-of-a-kind mobile branch debuted
at Ohio Credit Union System ZENITH06

(May 5, 2006)
A state-of-the-art, amenity-laden, full-service mobile branch unlike anything else in the country debuted at a special exhibit at the Ohio Credit Union System’s ZENITH06, April 20-21 in Cleveland. More than 800 Ohio credit union officials attending ZENITH06 took guided tours of Romary Associates’ “Bankroll,” a prototype 46-foot mobile branch built on a semi-truck chassis.

AurGroup Financial CU's CEO elected chairman
of Member Business Lending CUSO

(April 6, 2006)
Tim Boellner, CEO of AurGroup Financial Credit Union in Fairfield, is the newly-elected chairman of Cooperative Business Services (CBS). CBS is a member business lending credit union service organization (CUSO) cooperatively owned by the OCUL Services Corporation and eight Ohio credit unions.

Ohio Credit Union League announces 2006 Leadership Award winners
(February 23, 2006)
The Ohio Credit Union League has announced the winners of its annual Leadership Recognition awards, the top awards of the Ohio credit union movement. The awards recognize outstanding performances by credit unions, individuals, and chapters within the credit union industry and movement.

Credit unions across Ohio gather food to feed neighbors in need
(November 14, 2005)
The Ohio Credit Union League and 32 credit unions across the state helped restock the depleted shelves of local food pantries and feed community members in need. During October, Ohio’s credit unions collected non-perishable food items and monetary contributions which were donated to charities in each credit union’s local community. This is the second year the Ohio Credit Union League has coordinated a statewide Ohio Credit Union Food Drive.

Credit unions rank #1 in consumer satisfaction for 21st consecutive year
(Oct. 18, 2005)
For 21 years in a row, credit unions ranked #1 in the "customer satisfaction" category of the 2005 American Banker/Gallup Consumer Survey. Seventy-one percent of members said they were very satisfied with their credit union.

Ohio Credit Union Foundation aids Hurricane Katrina victims with $25,000 grant; Ohio credit unions contribute to disaster relief
(Sept. 15, 2005)
The Ohio Credit Union Foundation has contributed $25,000 to the National Credit Union Foundation’s Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund.
The Ohio Credit Union Foundation is also accept contributions to its Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund to aid credit unions in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Many of Ohio’s credit unions have answered the call to assist credit unions in the affected states.

Manager of Southeastern Ohio Credit Union receives Ohio Credit Union Foundation’s Humanitarian of The Year Award for flood relief work (High Resolution photo available)
(May 10, 2005)
A credit union manager who organized a major relief effort after flooding devastated the City of Marietta, Ohio, has been honored with the Ohio Credit Union Foundation’s inaugural Humanitarian of the Year Award. Marsha Leasure, the manager of $12 million Southeastern Ohio CU in Cambridge, was honored for her exceptional leadership

Ohio Credit Unions donate 343 hours of phone cards to let troops overseas call home  (High Resolution photo available)
(May 4, 2005)
Ohio credit unions have donated more than 100 long-distant calling cards to the USO in a project that will allow troops overseas more than 340 hours of talk time to speak with loved ones back home.

Ohio Credit Union League says new bankruptcy reform bill will benefit credit union members
(April 15, 2005)
The state trade association representing nearly 400 credit unions in Ohio supports Congress' passage of a new bill that will reform the way individuals declare bankruptcy. The Ohio Credit Union League said the reforms will benefit Ohio's nearly 3 million credit union member/owners.

Credit union legislation introduced in Ohio General Assembly
(Feb. 24, 2005)
Legislation introduced this week in the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate would update the Ohio Credit Union Act for the first time in 18 years, and benefit Ohio’s 2.8 million credit union members and other consumers who are eligible to join credit unions.

 

Credit Union Statistics

In Ohio:

  There are 431 credit unions in Ohio, with total assets of $17.02 billion.

  184 Ohio credit unions are state-chartered, while 247 are federally-chartered.

  Ohio credit unions serve
2.6 million credit union members.

  The average Ohio credit union has 6,090 members, $39.8 million in assets, and $25.6 million in loans.

 

Nationally:

  There are 8,268 credit unions in the United States. 5,038 are federally-charted, while 3,230 are state-chartered credit unions.

  Nationally, credit unions serve more than 88.5 million members. The average credit union has only approximately 10,704 members.

  The average credit union has $93.1 million in assets

Source: Ohio CU League

As of Dec. 31, 2007

5815 Wall St., Dublin, Ohio 43017 
Phone: (614) 336-2894, (800) 486-2917 
Fax: (614) 336-289
We are the state trade association for Ohio credit unions. We help credit unions help their members. Read More