ASUNCION, Paraguay -- Two representatives from the Minnesota Credit Union Network participated in an internship program in Paraguay from May 23 through June 3, as part of the two groups' ongoing WOCCU partnership.
Heather Hernandez, associate vice president of human resources at $163 million Anoka Hennepin Credit Union in Coon Rapids, and Jaroslav Mendoza, assistant branch manager and loan officer at $511 million City-County Federal Credit Union in Brooklyn Center, both participated in event, which shared Paraguayan credit union philosophy and best practices.
Hernandez and Mendoza also visited eight Paraguayan credit unions, which allowed them to see the unique ways the credit unions serve their members, including microfinancing programs, the use of palm pilots for remote decision-making and price discounts at community retailers.
"Credit unions educate their members on what a cooperative is and what it means to be part of a cooperative," Mendoza said. "There is transparency at the credit unions. Members know exactly how the credit union is doing and where it is going."
--handerson@cutimes.com
