WHEREAS, credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, democratically owned and operated and founded by people working together toward economic advancement; and

WHEREAS, credit unions embrace a “people-helping-people” philosophy through the pooling of personal resources and leadership abilities for the good of the cooperative, empowering members to improve their financial futures and uniting to help those in need; and

WHEREAS, credit unions have demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout the communities in which they have served since their founding more than 150 years ago; and

WHEREAS, credit unions have championed the idea that people from all walks of life should have access to fair and affordable financial services; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is home to 99 credit unions, operating 548 branches, employing more than 35,000 individuals, and serving over 19 million members around the globe, promoting broader access to financial services and economic opportunities for individuals, families, and small businesses; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s credit unions have a storied legacy of serving diverse communities, including educators, healthcare professionals, military members, first responders, and those residing in rural or underserved areas, providing them with vital financial services tailored to meet their unique needs; and

WHEREAS, credit unions in Virginia actively contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the Commonwealth by offering critical financial products, including small business loans, mortgages, and consumer credit, benefiting businesses and individuals; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s credit unions are deeply engaged in community service, providing financial education, supporting disaster relief efforts, and partnering with local charities and communities to improve the quality of life for citizens across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, International Credit Union (ICU) Day® has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948 with the goal to raise awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more engaged;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 17, 2024, as CREDIT UNION DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.