CTCU Celebrates International Credit Union Day, Oct. 18

Popular Gurnee Financial Institution Takes Part in Global Celebration and Reminds Area Residents That "Together We're Better"

(Gurnee, IL September 26, 2007) - More than 172 million credit union members around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day on Oct. 18, 2007, to commemorate the credit union movement's history and achievements with the theme "Together We're Better."

In honor of this special day, Community Trust Credit Union invites its members and neighbors throughout the community to visit its main headquarters at 1313 Skokie Highway in Gurnee, its Route 83 branch, or its Route 120 branch (both in Grayslake), to take part in a daylong "International Credit Union Day" celebration.

"It's been an exciting year for credit unions worldwide and especially for Community Trust," said CTCU's President/CEO Madeline Lipka, who recently presided over a groundbreaking ceremony that marked the beginning of construction on the credit union's newest branch office in Lake Villa.

"The purpose of International Credit Union Day is to raise awareness about the great work that credit unions are doing to help our members succeed financially, and to give everyone the opportunity and motivation to get more involved," Lipka explained. "By building a branch in one of Lake County's fastest growing communities, Lake Villa, we are expanding Community Trust's presence in the area; thereby making it even more convenient for people to enjoy the advantages of credit union membership."

Credit unions provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit banks for more than 172 million members in 97 countries. They are member-owned and exist to provide a safe place to save money and access affordable loans.

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. Each year, it affords the opportunity to remember our proud history and promote understanding and support for the credit union difference. This year's theme, "Together We're Better," reflects the value of credit union cooperation on all levels for members from all walks of life. Working together, credit unions build stronger institutions and more effectively serve their members.

Internationally, credit unions are recognized as a force for positive economic and social change and have found great success in both industrialized and emerging nations. They are built on a one member /one vote model that provides members with a unique opportunity to experience democracy firsthand.

International Credit Union Day is sponsored by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the international trade association and development organization for credit unions, and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), the premier trade association for America's credit unions.

About Community Trust Credit Union (CTCU) - Founded in 1933, Community Trust Credit Union serves members throughout northeastern Illinois and southern Wisconsin at its main headquarters located at 1313 Skokie Highway in Gurnee, as well as its north Rt. 83 branch in Grayslake and its Rt. 120 branch also in Grayslake.

To learn more about International Credit Union Day, or CTCU's comprehensive savings programs, financial products and services, stop by any Community Trust location, visit www.CTCU.org or call Michelle Fairbanks at (847) 662-2050.

Community Education Programs and Speakers Bureau - CTCU Education programs bring financial literacy and a "common sense approach" to money and financial responsibility to classrooms through Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois. Programs are available for first through 12th grade students, and are available to learning institutions at no charge.

Civic groups, and charitable organizations in Lake and McHenry counties, Illinois can take advantage of CTCU's financial expertise by contacting their Speakers Bureau. Experts are available on topics ranging from business and organizational financial management to investment strategies for individuals. Speaking services are available to quality groups at no charge.