Alberta credit unions celebrate good financial results on Credit Union Day

CALGARY , Oct. 15 /CNW/ - As credit unions and cooperatives around the world celebrate Credit Union Day today, October 15 , Alberta credit unions are proud to be celebrating another year of good financial results. "The Alberta credit union system remains a well-managed and financially sound system with a bright and prosperous future ahead," says Graham Wetter , Credit Union Central Alberta's President & CEO.

Despite recent uncertainty in the global economy, Alberta credit unions have continued to demonstrate solid financial performance throughout the first three quarters of 2009. With $78.8 million in net income before taxes and dividends and a steady 6.3% of asset growth over the last year, Alberta credit unions are both profitable and growing. "Our Alberta credit unions are trusted financial institutions for many Albertans, and with combined assets exceeding $17 billion , the Alberta credit union system is more robust and stronger than ever", explains Wetter. "Albertans can be confident that credit unions in the province will continue to provide superior financial services for many years to come".

Alberta credit unions are not only trusted financial institutions for Albertans; they are also active participants in the community. Credit unions across the province share a common vision of working together to make Alberta's communities better places to live. And year after year, Alberta's credit unions and their employees demonstrate they care about their communities by donating generous amounts of time and money to local causes and associations.

Wetter says, "credit unions have been recognized as leaders in their communities since their very inception. Today, Alberta's credit unions and their staff continue to uphold this commitment of making a positive difference in their communities".

The Alberta credit union system is comprised of 43 member-owned, community-focused credit unions and the provincial support service organization, Alberta Central. The system employs over 3,200 Albertans and serves over 725,000 members through its 216 branches, a Canada-wide ATM network and online banking.

For further information: Pamela Bennett, Manager, Communications & Events, Alberta Central, at [phone]