Page 9 - MCUL: Contact Magazine - Q4 2019

UNITED FOR PROGRESS:
HOW THE LARGEST CHAPTER
STAYS CONNECTED
By Chris Ison

United for Progress is the slogan of the U.P. Chapter of Credit Even though our chapter is vast in coverage, most of our
Unions, covering Michigan’s entire Upper Peninsula. For those fi elds of membership don’t overlap. As a result, we usually
of us living and working up here, it truly is our way of life. don’t view each other as competitors, and we look forward
to events that provide a chance to share information and
Geographically, the U.P. Chapter is the largest of the Michigan ideas. One such event is our annual managers conference.
Credit Union League’s 15 chapters. Even though the Upper
Peninsula covers more than 16,000 square miles, we are In early August, leaders and their families from Upper
a unique group in that we don’t let physical distance stand Peninsula credit unions big and small gather on Mackinac
in the way of sharing the bond of being credit union people. Island for classroom training and networking sessions. With
the relaxed and family-friendly setting, the atmosphere could
For the 25 credit unions that comprise our chapter, our mar- easily be described as a gathering of friends who all happen
quee event is our annual meeting. Credit union leaders and to work in the fi nancial services industry.
directors from across the peninsula gather for a weekend of
meetings, training, networking and a vendor exposition. With The end of August brings about the last big event of a typical
our credit unions being spread out across such a large area, year for the U.P. Chapter: our annual charity golf scram-
we all really appreciate the rare opportunities we have so ble. This outing gives our credit unions the chance to come
we can come together as one chapter. This was evident in together in a purely social setting and raise money for a
the turnout for our annual meeting in April when we hosted selected charity.
550 attendees, with 28 vendors participating in our expo.
For the last three years, Upper Peninsula credit unions have
Throughout the year, members of the Chapter stay in touch generously given their time in support of the Upper Peninsula
with each other using our website and the Michigan Credit hub of the Honor Flight Network, a nonprofi t organization
Union League U.P. Chapter Listserv. This Listserv provides a created to honor American veterans. It has been a privilege
forum to distribute announcements about upcoming events, for us to give back to these veterans who have selfl essly
as well as allow for the exchange of information between given so much for us all.
credit unions on a variety of topics.
Upper Peninsula credit unions share a kinship. Most of us
With our distance from most urban centers, staff training are small credit unions in small towns working to help our
can be challenging. Our education committee works hard to friends and neighbors with limited resources. Being in this
schedule accessible education events throughout the year. environment really has taught us to embrace the cooperative
In 2019, the committee was able to coordinate training spirit that gave birth to the credit union movement.
on collections, mortgage loan origination and a payments
academy. And we have plans to offer centralized IRA training Chris Ison is the chair of the U.P. Chapter of Credit Unions
to Upper Peninsula credit unions soon. and the president/CEO of Tahquamenon Area Credit Union. ■

FOURTH QUARTER 2019 I CONTACT 99

12/18/19 1:48 PM
143171_Contact_Q4_19_F4.indd 9
143171_Contact_Q4_19_F4.indd 9 12/18/19 1:48 PM