Greater Iowa Credit Union hosts Juntos Avanzamos Proclamation ceremony, highlighting commitment to Hispanic communities
AMES, IA (October 17, 2024) — Greater Iowa Credit Union (GICU) celebrated its ongoing dedication to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities by hosting a Juntos Avanzamos Proclamation Ceremony. The event marked the official recognition of GICU’s Juntos Avanzamos designation, which was awarded in December, symbolizing the credit union’s commitment to inclusivity and financial empowerment.
The ceremony, held at GICU’s Westown branch in West Des Moines, brought together community leaders, members, and local partners to celebrate this significant achievement. By raising the Juntos Avanzamos flag, GICU visibly reaffirmed its pledge to provide accessible, relevant financial services to the Hispanic community across central and western Iowa.
“The Juntos Avanzamos designation is a powerful testament to our mission of financial inclusion,” said Scott Zahnle, CEO of GICU. “Our credit union is committed to helping all members, regardless of their background, achieve financial success, and this ceremony is a celebration of the progress we’ve made and the work that lies ahead.”
The Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) designation is awarded to credit unions that go above and beyond in providing services to Hispanic and immigrant consumers. GICU has actively implemented initiatives to remove barriers for these communities, including offering ITIN loans, bilingual financial education, and culturally relevant financial products. This recognition highlights GICU’s efforts to ensure that every individual, regardless of immigration status or language, has access to safe and affordable financial services.
During the ceremony, GICU leaders and community members celebrated the ongoing partnerships and collaborations that have been key to their success, including relationships with national organizations and local Hispanic advocacy groups. These partnerships have enabled GICU to better understand and meet the financial needs of the Hispanic population.
About Greater Iowa Credit Union (GICU)
Headquartered in Ames, Iowa, Greater Iowa Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative offering a full range of financial services to people in communities throughout Iowa. The credit union was founded in 1932 by Iowa State University buildings and grounds crew employees and has since grown to $650 million in assets and serves 36,000 members worldwide. They are committed to advancing positive change and financial empowerment in a socially conscious way to promote financial inclusion. For more information, visit GICU.org.
About Juntos Avanzamos:
Juntos Avanzamos (Together We Advance) is a designation for credit unions committed to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers by providing safe, affordable, and relevant financial services. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions employ bilingual, culturally-competent staff and treat all members with respect, regardless of immigration status.
