On October 16, AM Community Credit Union (AMCCU) will join with other credit unions and their members around the world to celebrate International Credit Union Day.

Credit unions are not-for-profit, democratically controlled, volunteer-run, member-owned cooperatives. They exist to serve their members. Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, earnings are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees.

Because they are unique in both structure and purpose, credit unions provide a viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions for more than 177 million members in 96 countries. At AM Community Credit Union, we take pride in our heritage as a cooperative financial services provider and our connection to the 49,000 credit unions worldwide. On October 16, we'll join with credit unions and their members around the world to celebrate International Credit Union Day in recognition of the benefits credit unions bring to their members.

At credit unions, every customer is both a member and owner. This year's International Credit Union Day theme – It Belongs to Me – celebrates the economic democracy and equal ownership rights of each credit union member, regardless of how much money that member may have in savings. Please join us on October 16 as we honor our most valuable asset: our members .

AMCCU will be celebrating International Credit Union Day on October 16, 2008 with refreshments in the lobby for members and visitors. Anyone opening a new account or service on October 16 will receive a commemorative gift while supplies last. Throughout the month of October, AMCCU employees in celebration of International Credit Union Day will have the opportunity to dress casually on Fridays for a contribution to the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). WOCCU's mission is to empower people to grow through access to high quality and affordable financial services.

We invite you to learn more about the credit union difference and the history of credit unions by visiting the link “The Credit Union Difference” under the about us tab on AMCCU's website and to visit us on October 16 th and help us celebrate.