HCU Welcomes Members of the Credit Union Network of the Dominican Republic
Six delegates from the credit union network of the Dominican Republic, Asociación de Instituciones Rurales de Ahorro y Crédito (AIRAC), visited Heritage Credit Union along with members of the Wisconsin Credit Union League (The League) and the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).
This was the first visit from AIRAC as part of a partnership agreement with the Wisconsin Credit Union League. The agreement is a binding contract that promises the free exchange of information, knowledge and cooperation between the two entities. The partnership will also make way for additional study trips between the two countries.
During their visit, the group traveled to Heritage Credit Union to learn about IT systems, targeted marketing and product innovation.
The new alliance will foster a positive exchange of knowledge within the cooperative system, specifically in the areas of regulation and technology. Currently in the Dominican Republic, credit unions are not prudentially regulated. The League and WOCCU have agreed to assist AIRAC in designing a regulatory framework for credit unions. In the area of technology, The League will provide AIRAC guidance on developing drive-through capability in the country’s credit unions.
"We are honored to share our expertise with this group as they continue growing the credit union movement in their country," said Robert F. Lestina, President.
Robert Lestina (left), Heritage Credit Union president and CEO, Victor Corro, International Partnerships Manager, World Council of Credit Unions, Ramón Ventura Serra, President of the Mamoncito Branch, Naila Yissel Sánchez, Legal Department of the Multiple Entrepreneurial Services branch, Virginio Rafael Gerardo, AIRAC CEO, Anita Rauch, Heritage Credit Union Vice President and COO, Alfredo Darío Dorrejo, General Manager of the Mamoncito Branch and Vice-President of AIRAC, Cindy Schrader, Heritage Credit Union Marketing Director, José Joaquín Suriel, General Manager of the Multiple Entrepreneurial Services Branch and President of AIRAC and, Richard Borden, Heritage Credit Union Information Technology Director.
