FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- November 10, 2023
CCU Sponsor Offers Over $100,000.00 in Scholarships
Waukegan, IL, November 10, 2023: Consumers Cooperative Association (CCA), sponsor for Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $2.9 Billion, Waukegan, IL), is pleased to announce they will award over $100,000 in scholarships and are excited to reveal more opportunities to the credit union membership community.
CCA will award Thirty-one (31) scholarships to eligible high school seniors graduating from the class of 2024, totaling $70,000 in 2024. Thirty (30) of the selected high school seniors will each be awarded a scholarship worth $2,000. One (1) high school senior will be chosen to receive the Bill Reidel Memorial Scholarship worth $10,000.
CCA also opened more scholarship opportunities to eligible members pursuing their undergraduate degree. CCA will award sixteen (16) scholarships totaling $38,000 in 2024. Fourteen (14) selected students will each be awarded a scholarship worth $2,000. One (1) student will be selected to receive the Gayhart Silvola $5,000 Honorary Scholarship, and one (1) student will receive the Dorotha Betke $5,000 Honorary Scholarship. These named scholarships honor Gayhart and Dorotha, who each graciously shared their time and talents over 40+ years of devoted service as enthusiastic, loyal, and faithful CCA board members.
Additionally, for the second year, CCA is offering a scholarship opportunity to support eligible members with student loan debt. The scholarship seeks to alleviate the burden of student loan debt by helping members who have graduated and are in the workforce but still have student debt to pay.
"CCA is excited to provide various opportunities to help reduce the financial burden of a college education. It’s a great honor that CCA has been able to assist high school seniors in strengthening their education through this scholarship program for the past forty-six years," said Kathleen Crews, Consumers Cooperative Association (CCA) Chairman. “In the spirit of supporting and investing in our membership community, we are thrilled to be able to open the scholarship program to more members this year.
Details on the various scholarships, as well as applications and eligibility, are available on CCU’s website on the Consumers Cooperative Association’s page; myconsumers.org/cca. The deadline to apply for the high school and undergraduate scholarships is January 14, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. CST. The deadline to apply for the student loan scholarship is December 01, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. CST, providing ample time for eligible individuals to apply.
“Recognizing our youth’s academic achievements has always been very important to CCU. It is strongly encouraged that all eligible students apply for one of the offered scholarships,” noted Sean M. Rathjen, CCU’s CEO. “Both the credit union and the Association are committed to providing our youth with guidance and support through their educational journeys. This incredible initiative would not be possible without Consumers Cooperative Association, CCU’s sponsor.”
For more information about the Consumers Cooperative Association’s scholarship program, contact Kathleen Crews, CCA Chairman, by email at [email protected]. Consumers Credit Union, recognized as one of Forbes Best in State Credit Unions, is member-owned and proudly serves over 198,000 members in Illinois, Wisconsin, and across the country. Visit myconsumers.org for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- August 7, 2023
Call For Nominations to Apply for CCU’s Board of Directors
Member-owned credit union offers unique opportunity to serve on Board
Waukegan, IL, August 7, 2023: While there are many reasons people trust credit unions to handle their financial needs, perhaps the most important reason is this: credit union members are also the owners, with a voice in the governance of their financial institution. That voice includes the opportunity to run for the credit union’s Board of Directors. In that spirit, Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $3.32 Billion, Waukegan, IL) is accepting applications for members to run for its Board of Directors.
Members interested in applying to serve on CCU’s Board should send a statement of intent via e-mail to [email protected], or by mail to Consumers Credit Union, Attention: Nomination Committee, 1075 Tri-State Pkwy Suite 850, Gurnee, IL, 60031-1811. Applicants must include their name, address, daytime and evening phone numbers to be considered. Candidates must meet the CCU Nomination Policy requirements, which shall be provided with the Volunteer Board Member Application to be eligible. The deadline for applying is 5 pm on Friday, September 15, 2023, with the election to be held at the CCU’s Annual Meeting on March 13, 2023. Four (4) of those elected to the Board will serve a three (3) year term and one (1) will serve a one (1) year term If you fail to submit a Volunteer Board Application Form by the due date established by the Nomination Committee and then seek to be nominated from the floor at the Annual Meeting, you MUST submit the Application Form no later than twenty-one (21) days prior to the Annual Meeting. Your submission will be evaluated by the Nominating Committee to determine if you meet all applicable qualification standards established by the Board of Directors. If you do not meet those standards, your nomination from the floor will not be considered.
Consumers Credit Union is looking for members with an interest in guiding the future of CCU,” said Sean M. Rathjen, CEO. “The ability to serve on our all-volunteer Board of Directors is a privilege unique to credit unions. Our Board consists of thirteen members, with this year having four of the members up for election. Our Board Members come from many different backgrounds. This diversity ensures we explore opportunities and challenges from numerous points of view.”
Volunteers serving on the Board of Directors are required to attend meetings approximately once per month throughout the year. “Our Board takes their responsibilities very seriously,” continued Rathjen. “Their focus and insight on strategy and regulatory aspects of CCU have helped us grow and evolve since the credit union was founded in 1930. We encourage all members to consider serving on our Board and look forward to receiving applications from many qualified candidates.”
For more information about applying for the Board of Directors, contact Lauren Collins, Executive Assistant, at [email protected]. Consumers Credit Union, recognized as one of Forbes Best-in-State Credit Unions, is member-owned and proudly serves over 219,000 members in Illinois, Wisconsin, and across the country. Visit myconsumers.org for more information.
PR - FINAL Call For BOD Press Release 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 20,2023
CCU Holds Grand Re-Opening Celebration for Branch in Waukegan, IL
Waukegan, IL, July 20, 2023: Consumers Credit Union (CCU) recently held a grand “reopening” celebration for its branch in Waukegan, IL. Visitors and local dignitaries met our branch staff, enjoyed refreshments and spun a wheel for prizes.
“Our employees think of themselves as ‘The people in your corner’,” said Sean Rathjen, CEO of Consumers Credit Union. “We couldn’t be more proud to open this reimagined, state-of-the-art branch in this great location in Waukegan.”
Located at 2750 Washington Street, the new branch features seven Interactive Teller Machines (four in drive-up lanes and three in the lobby), mobile & text banking capability, a coin machine, a modern tech bar and more.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 12, 2023
Consumers Credit Union Named to the Forbes List of
America’s Best Credit Unions
Gurnee, IL. (July 12, 2023) – Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $3.28B, Gurnee, IL) is proud to announce that it has been recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Credit Unions for 2023. "Consumers Credit Union is honored to have been chosen by Forbes as being among the best credit unions in the country. We are very proud that our continued focus on providing exceptional service across all delivery channels is appreciated by members," said Sean Rathjen, CCU's CEO. “CCU is a people business, not a money business, and we always begin with our members’ best interest at heart.”
Forbes identified America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2023 based on averaged star ratings of credit unions that were the top finishers across more than 20 of their “best of” banking studies, such as lists of the best high-yield savings accounts, best free checking accounts and best CD rates.
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Consumers Credit Union Holds Grand Opening Celebration for New Branch in Arlington Heights, IL
Gurnee, IL, June 14, 2023: Consumers Credit Union (CCU) recently held a grand opening celebration for its new branch in Arlington Heights, IL. A day-long community open house was followed by a formal ribbon cutting attended by local and state dignitaries.
Our employees think of themselves as ‘The people in your corner’,” said Sean Rathjen, CEO of Consumers Credit Union. “We couldn’t be more proud to open this state-of-the-art branch on this convenient corner in Arlington Heights.” Located at 950 E. Rand Road, the new branch features four Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), mobile & text banking capability, a modern tech bar, coin machine and drive-up access.
Arlington Heights Press Release_v4
Great Lakes Credit Union and Consumers Credit Union Team Up to Support Waukegan Public Library
Waukegan, IL. (May 2, 2023) - Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU; $1.38, Bannockburn, IL) and Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $3.28, Gurnee, IL) have teamed up to purchase a mobile library van for the Waukegan Public Library. The credit unions each donated $25,000, for a total of $50,000, to enable the library to purchase the vehicle.
The vehicle will empower the library to directly visit schools and community events and serve individuals who are homebound.
"This is a great example of the cooperative credit union model working to positively impact a community," said Steve Bugg, President and CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union, and a trustee on the Waukegan Public Library board. "We owe it to the communities we serve - especially those that have seen hardship over the years - to pool our resources to give back for a greater good."
Both Great Lakes Credit Union and Consumers Credit Union operate branches in Waukegan, and both value the opportunity to help in efforts to revitalize the city. "Consumers Credit Union proudly supports the communities where our members and employees live and work," said Sean Rathjen, Consumers' CEO. "The Waukegan Public Library is an invaluable resource for local families, and our joint effort with Great Lakes Credit Union will extend its reach to even more users."
Expanding the library's ability to serve the community is important to both credit unions. Waukegan Public Library, which has served the community since 1898, is a resource not only for books, but also for parenting, small business, employment, education, and other resources. "We're very excited to see the library on the move," said Waukegan Public Library Foundation President Loretta Pable.
"We've raised additional funds to support its ongoing use in community events and mobile services and are thankful to Great Lakes
Credit Union and Consumers Credit Union for their donation."
About Great Lakes Credit Union
Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, Great Lakes Credit Union is banking for a greater good. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over $1 billion in assets, GLCU is proud
to serve around 80,000 members in Chicagoland and surrounding areas, and to give back to its members and communities through education, volunteerism and partnerships. Learn more about GLCU's accounts, educational initiatives and community development
programs at glcu.org.
About Consumers Credit Union
Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Gurnee, IL, Consumers Credit Union (CCU) has $3.2 billion in assets and serves more than 200,000 members, making it of the largest credit unions in the state. CCU
believes that nobody needs banks on every corner, but everyone needs people who are in their corner. To learn more about CCU's products and services, or for information on how to join, visit myconsumers.org.
Consumers Credit Union Announces Board of Directors Election Results
GURNEE, IL - Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $3.2 Billion, Gurnee, IL) today announced the results of the 2023 election for its Board of Directors. Nominated candidates were considered and voted on by members of the credit union at its annual meeting on March 8.
Incumbent directors Denise Charts, currently board secretary; Scott Drabicki, who serves as the board’s chairperson; John Fiore, currently vice chair; John Janezic and Kenneth Robinson were re-elected to 3-year terms. Miten Champaneri and Kenya Tassin have accepted one-year terms as Associate board members.
“Throughout our history, Consumers Credit Union has benefited from the guidance of our Board of Directors, whose diverse perspectives and substantial business experience are invaluable in advising our leadership team,” said Sean Rathjen, CCU’s
Chief Executive Officer.
Consumers Credit Union Awarded “Great Places To Work” Certification
GURNEE, IL - Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $3.2 Billion, Gurnee, IL) is thrilled to announce it has been certified as a “Great Place To Work” by the Great Place To Work Institute in Oakland, CA.
"Consumers Credit Union is a business about people," said Sean Rathjen, CCU's Chief Executive Officer. “The Great Places To Work certification is a wonderful honor, and reflects our commitment to fully supporting our employees, who in turn provide great service to our members.”
Great Place To Work Certification recognizes employers who create an outstanding employee experience. Certification is a two-step process that includes an employee survey and providing other company information, including community involvement efforts and a commitment to diversity. Read more about CCU’s certification, including employee survey results, at Working at Consumers Credit Union | Great Place To Work®
2023 Annual Meeting Board Election Results Press Release Final
About Consumers Credit Union
Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Gurnee, IL, Consumers Credit Union (CCU) has $3.2 billion in assets and serves more than 200,000 members – one of the largest credit unions in the state. CCU believes that nobody needs banks on every corner, but everyone needs people who are in their corner. To learn more about CCU’s products and services, or for information on how to join, visit www.myconsumers.org.
Consumers Credit Union Wraps Up Summer Internship Program
2018 participants enjoy unique opportunity to gain workplace experience
Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $1.25 Billion, Waukegan, IL) hosted their third annual internship program this summer, providing nine students a unique opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience. Participants in the 2018 paid internship program worked in different areas of the credit union, based in part on their own career goals.
CCU’s internship program was developed with the primary goal of providing real world work experience so the interns could gain exposure to their chosen career path. Most of the participants are college- students looking for summer
work while continuing their education. An advantage of interning at the credit union is the variety of career opportunities in financial services: human resources, lending, technology, administration, and sales, just to name a few.
“Our program is designed to create work opportunities and experience for college students. In addition, the intern program creates a pipeline of future talent for CCU,” said Kubas, Vice President of Talent Management. “In fact, we have had five of our prior interns become full time employees for us. They have brought great new ideas and innovative thinking to the team. We plan to continue to grow and expand our intern program opportunities next year.”
How did CCU’s interns view their experience? Here’s what some participants had to say …
- Gaby Alcala, Marketing Intern: “Consumers Credit Union has given me numerous opportunities to network and learn from leaders in the credit union, learn new skills, and explore different aspects of marketing. I enjoyed this role because I know the work I am doing is helping make the credit union an even greater financial institution and an employer of choice. Following my internship, I have learned how closely Marketing collaborates with all other departments in the credit union industry, and I am very thankful for this invaluable learning experience.”
- Lucy Zeng, Payments Intern: “Consumers Credit Union has given me the chance to learn more about the financial industry in a friendly and diverse working environment. This internship has provided me with the opportunity to apply what I have learned in school while at the same time helping me to improve my interpersonal skills.”
- Garrett Bronn, Accounting and Finance Intern (second year in the internship program): “Consumers Credit Union has been a great opportunity for me the past two summers. Both years have offered an extremely varied and beneficial program to gain skills outside of the classroom and to help prepare me for life in the financial and business sector.”
- Trey Fuchs, Sales Intern: “Consumers Credit Union gave me great workforce experience and allowed me to expand my skills through a variety of projects and customer interactions. The experiences I had at CCU were personal and professional, allowing me to form great relationships with the people I worked with.”
“The credit union highly values the internship program and feels it is an opportunity to find future talent for the organization,” continued Kubas. “Our interns have brought fresh perspective and ideas to the products and services we offer our members. As we strive to innovate and bring in new talent, we expect the intern program to be a key driver to future success.”
For more information about the program, please contact Gracelyn Goldensoph, HR Analyst, at [email protected] . CCU is Member-owned, with offices in Waukegan, Mundelein, Round Lake Beach, Gurnee, North Waukegan, Volo, Palatine, Schaumburg, Northbrook, Des Plaines and coming soon to Kildeer, Illinois.
Consumers Credit Union’s 2018 summer interns
For more information or to apply by phone, please call 877.ASK.CCCU (877.275.2228).