Ukrainian American credit unions gear up for annual meeting in D.C. (06/20/99)

Ukrainian American credit unions gear up for annual meeting in D.C.

by Roman Stelmach

WASHINGTON - The Ukrainian National Credit Union Association (UNCUA) is preparing for its annual meeting of Ukrainian American credit unions in Washington on June 25-26.

The association which represents over 20 credit unions with more than $1.25 billion in combined assets, will discuss many issues, such as free life insurance for members, which each Ukrainian American credit union has been providing, for the past 45 years.

As technology is very much on the forefront of financial services, a seminar titled "Paving the Way To The Next Millennium," will be presented by the National Credit Union Administration. The afternoon sessions begin with an "Analysis of the Credit Union Movement in the Diaspora."

Bohdan Leshchyshen, president of the World Council of Ukrainian Cooperative, is scheduled to speak of the meeting. The day's final session is an "Analysis of the Credit Union Movement in Ukraine." Presenting the status of credit unions in Ukraine are Lucy Ito of the World Council of Credit Unions Inc., and Ivan Ivasiuk and Petro Kozynets, both from the National Association of Credit Unions in Ukraine.

Saturday's meeting comprises the annual meeting of the association and the general meeting of the board of directors.

Selfreliance Ukrainian Federal Credit Union (Chicago) has also scheduled its board meeting for Thursday afternoon.

The credit union's annual meeting is being held in conjunction with six other Ukrainian American professional organizations. The credit unions will participate, and are actively supporting, a number of joint events, including receptions at the Embassy of Ukraine, the U.S. Congress and the Department of State.

The highlight of the joint conferences is the Saturday evening gala dinner and dance. Music will be provided by Tempo and Fata Morgana. Scheduled to appear during Sunday's special brunch is the Lviv cappella group Pikkardiiska Tertsiia.

The credit union's annual meeting is hosted by the Ukrainian Washington Federal Credit Union, whose president, Stephen Kerda, stated that although that credit union may not be as big as others, it is perfectly positioned to facilitate these conferences as Washington is an excellent source for speakers on the credit union movement as well as an excellent recreational/historical area for spouses and children.

Both Mr. Kerda and Ann (Nusia) Kerda, manager of the Selfreliance Baltimore Federal Credit Union, have been instrumental in providing valuable on-site support to the Joint Conferences' chief planner, Dr. Roman Goy.

Dmytro Hryhorczuk, president of UNCUA, stated that the number of registered delegates is at a record level. He said he believes the idea of "joint conferencing" of Ukrainian American organizations is not only an ideal vehicle for the exposure of Ukrainian American credit unions, but also an excellent method of exchanging ideas and information with other professional Ukrainian American organizations.

The general public is invited to sections of the credit unions' annual meeting and to the conferences of the following organizations: Ukrainian Medical Association of North America, The Washington Group, Ukrainian American Bar Association, Ukrainian Engineers Society of North America, Ukrainian Library Association of America, Association of Ukrainian American Architects and the Ukrainian National Women's League of America.

Admission to the conferences is by advance registration only; seating at certain joint events is limited. The public is welcome to stop by any credit union for a brochure or call 1-888-798-6262 for information, further details and registration.

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