If you are a member of a credit union, each year you've received an invitation to the Annual Meeting. However, you might not have given it much thought. After all, it sounds kind of boring. 

That's understandable, but the truth is that a credit union's Annual Meeting isn't boring at all. In fact, it's part of what really makes a credit union special. 

What is a Credit Union Annual Meeting?

The credit union Annual Meeting is actually the annual meeting of the membership. This a huge part of what makes credit unions different from banks. It is at the Annual Meeting that members get to choose the volunteer Board of Directors for the credit union. You also get to hear about the plan the credit union leadership has for the year. You have the opportunity to ask questions, voice your opinions and be involved in making your credit union better!

You'll also get to meet the credit union's board of directors, President/CEO, and the management team, as well as the staff that you see in the branches and talk with on the phone with everyday! Plus, you can meet with other credit union members. This too, is a fundamental difference between a credit union and a bank, it's what makes us a family!

Each credit union, does things a little differently for their Annual Meetings. At First Alliance Credit Union,  for instance, every member receives a special gift just for attending. We also have activities and food before the meeting starts. Plus, our members are entered into prize drawings at the end of the meeting.

The Annual Meeting is definitely one of the many benefits of credit union membership, and if you've never attended before you should definitely make plans to. You're in for a treat.