Oct. 17 is International Credit Union Day around the world, and inMinnesota and Iowa it's officially Credit Union Day.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed a proclamation this week declaringThursday as CreditUnion Day in his state, which has more than 1.5 million membersat 133 credit unions.

“Credit unions embrace the 'people-helping-people' philosophy bypooling personal resources and leadership abilities for the good ofthe cooperative, empowering members to improve their financialfutures and uniting to help those in need,” the proclamationstates.

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a proclamation last weekdeclaring Thursday, October 17, 2013, as Credit Union Day in Iowa,where 116 credit unions with more than one million credit unionmembers.

International Credit Union Day has been marked on the thirdThursday of October since 1948. This year's theme is “Credit UnionsUnite for Good: A Better Way.”

(Click on image at right to see expanded image ofMinnesota proclamation.)

“For credit unions in Minnesota and around the world,International Credit Union Day is a time to recognize what theindustry has achieved and to highlight the difference credit unionsmake in their communities. Credit unions truly unite for goodwherever they are,” said Minnesota Credit Union NetworkPresident/CEO Mark Cummins.

Meanwhile, the World Council of Credit Union's chairman,Grzegorz Bierecki of Poland, and WOCCU President/CEO Brian Branchhave posted their annual video greeting at that organization'swebsite.

“Cooperation within the financial cooperative industry hashistorically been considered a philosophical principle,” Branchsaid, “but today there is a market-driven business rationale forfinding cooperative solutions to consumer demand.

“It is fitting that we celebrate this year's InternationalCredit Union Day with this recognition — that credit unions unitingfor the good of our consumers truly is a better way of doingbusiness.”