Kohl-Welles honored by state’s credit unions

OLYMPIA – Lauded for her positive contributions to credit unions, Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, was presented with one of two Anchor Awards by the Washington Credit Union League at a recent celebration in Olympia.

The award was established to recognize government officials who have contributed to the well-being of the 2.4 million members of nonprofit credit unions in Washington and the promotion of affordable financial services to all consumers.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” Kohl-Welles said. “I have been a huge supporter of the vital and innovative services offered by nonprofit credit unions. They have been pivotal in helping our communities and businesses grow.”

In making the presentation, Susan Streifel, co-chair of the league’s governmental affairs committee and president and CEO of Woodstone Credit Union in Federal Way, complimented Kohl-Welles for her support and understanding of credit union issues, which are “tremendously appreciated in the credit union community.”

U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks was also honored with an Anchor Award at the event, which was held Jan. 20.

Credit unions trace their history back to 1848, when the mayor of a small district in Bavaria saw cooperative credit as an answer to the pressing economic and social hardships fueled by a depression. In 1864 the first credit union was established based on operating principles still maintained today: democratic control, equal rights of members and volunteer operation. Since then, 123 million people worldwide have joined one of more than 40,000 credit unions located in 84 countries.

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