Category: Press Release

The credit union movement once again came together for #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day, demonstrating the power of a shared story and the collective impact of credit unions across the country and around the world.

The 2026 campaign generated 4.3 million in reach and 28,100 engagements, with credit unions, industry leaders, employees, members and partner businesses joining the conversation. The campaign was adopted in all 50 states and continued to grow as a worldwide celebration of the credit union difference.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Illinois Credit Union League spearheaded #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day, with strong support from America’s Credit Unions (ACU) leadership and enthusiastic participation from credit unions and partner organizations across the movement. Together, they showed the power of individual voices united around a common message: credit unions make a meaningful difference in the lives of their members and communities.

The campaign also extended beyond social media to make a tangible impact in Illinois. In conjunction with #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day, Envisant, the CUSO of the Illinois Credit Union League, donated $15,000 to Illinois Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, providing $5,000 to each of the state’s three CMN hospitals in support of children and families across Illinois.

But the heart of the campaign is not a single statistic, it is the stories behind it.

Every post shared on #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day offered a glimpse into the ways credit unions make an impact: helping someone achieve a financial goal, supporting a small business, investing in a community, creating opportunities or simply being there when a member needs someone in their corner. Individually, these stories are powerful. Together, they tell a much bigger story about the credit union movement and the people it serves.

“#ILoveMyCreditUnion Day is a powerful reminder that every credit union has a story worth telling,” said Libby Calderone, President/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League. “When we share those stories together, we give people a clearer picture of the difference credit unions make every day. That collective voice is important—not only for celebrating our movement, but for helping policymakers and communities understand why credit unions matter.”

Storytelling is an increasingly important part of strengthening the credit union movement. By sharing real experiences and demonstrating the impact credit unions have on members and communities, credit unions help build greater awareness and understanding of the cooperative model. Those stories can help shape the broader conversation around the value of credit unions and strengthen the movement’s collective advocacy efforts.

#ILoveMyCreditUnion Day will return Friday, July 30, 2027. Save the date and join the credit union movement to celebrate the people and communities we serve.

CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) and the Association of Vermont Credit Unions (League) Services Corporation today announced a collaborative, statewide initiative focused on working together to support Vermont credit unions as they strengthen revenue growth, enhance fraud prevention strategies, and accelerate innovation through hands-on collaboration and education.

Built on close coordination between CSS and the League, this initiative
emphasizes joint planning, shared engagement, and ongoing collaboration to deliver a high-touch, consultative approach to supporting credit unions across Vermont, connecting leaders with targeted solutions, facilitating meaningful dialogue, and delivering real-world operational insights that drive measurable
value and long-term impact.

“Credit unions are navigating increasing complexity, from evolving fraud threats to mounting pressure on revenue and member expectations,” said Barb Lowman, President, CSS. “This initiative is about more than awareness – it’s about action. Together with the League, we’re creating opportunities for credit union leaders to engage directly with proven solutions and strategies that can make an immediate difference.”

A Coordinated Approach to Value Creation
The initiative reflects a shared commitment between CSS and the League to work in partnership on a strategic program that not only enhances the value delivered to Vermont credit unions, but also drives incremental revenue opportunities for the League. Through this effort, both organizations aim to elevate awareness of specialized products and services offered by CSS’s alliance providers while fostering stronger, more enduring relationships with credit union executives across the state.

“This collaboration allows us to bring a new level of engagement and insight to our member credit unions,” said Carrie Allen, President/CEO, Association of Vermont Credit Unions. “By combining education, member feedback, and direct access to innovative solutions, we’re helping our credit unions stay competitive and better serve their members.”

Program Highlights
The initiative will be delivered through a series of integrated, high-impact
engagements, including:

• • • Regional Roadshows: Co-hosted educational sessions held across key regions in Vermont, spotlighting fintech innovation and advanced fraud prevention solutions tailored to credit union needs.
    • Executive Roundtables: Facilitated discussions with credit union leaders focused on pressing strategic priorities, operational challenges, and emerging industry trends.
    • Innovation Tours: Curated visits to leading organizations – such as Amazon distribution centers – to provide firsthand exposure to cutting-edge operational efficiencies and technology applications.
    • Onsite Engagements: Interactive working sessions at the League headquarters and individual credit union offices, offering personalized, consultative support and deeper exploration of solutions aligned to each institution’s priorities.

In addition, the program emphasizes ongoing collaboration with the League to amplify awareness of CSS and its vetted provider portfolio, ensuring credit unions have access to the tools and expertise needed to address their most pressing challenges. By establishing stronger relationships at the local level, the initiative is designed to complement and enhance existing League engagement efforts.

Driving Measurable Impact
By aligning education, innovation, and strategic connection, this initiative is positioned to deliver tangible outcomes for Vermont credit unions – from improved operational efficiency and fraud mitigation to new revenue streams and stronger member relationships.

As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, CSS and the Vermont League remain committed to equipping credit unions with the insights, partnerships, and solutions needed to thrive – today and into the future.

CSS-VT League Announcement_2026-05