HR0537 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0537 LRB097 13628 KXB 58255 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union (SUAFCU) on 60 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union (SUAFCU) celebrated 60 years of service on September 21, 2011; the organization has helped countless Ukrainian families and businesses in the State of Illinois live the American dream; and

WHEREAS, SUAFCU was founded on May 12, 1951, by Anton Artymowycz, Roman Mycyk, Alexander Atanowsky, Stefan Sambirsky, Bohdan Bilynsky, Elias Semianczuk, Joseph Datzko, Walter Tymciurak, Gregory Masnyk, and Elias Wytanowycz as a financial cooperative whose mission was to benefit local members of the Ukrainian American community; and

WHEREAS, The men signed the Organization Certificate of Selfreliance Federal Credit Union and the Certificate was approved on June 20, 1951 by the Director of the Bureau of Federal Credit Unions; on July 2, 1951, William T. Breitzke, representing the Illinois Credit Union League, presented Federal Credit Union Charter #7346 to the credit union's newly elected board of directors; and

WHEREAS, Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union is open to anyone of Ukrainian descent or members of other Ukrainian organizations, SUAFCU stays very focused on its original mission; the democratic tenets to which the Union strictly adheres make it a unique institution that provides an example of what hard working communities can achieve; and

WHEREAS, During its first 15 years, SUAFCU was incredibly active, providing its members with over $4,156,000 in loans; thanks to the responsible lending practices of this community, many Ukrainian doctors, dentists, and veterinarians were able to found successful practices; dozens of other businesses opened thanks to SUAFCU, but just as important, 1200 families were able to purchase homes in the Chicago area; and

WHEREAS, This community came together to exemplify the American dream through smart practices and a closely-knit community; around these businesses, the "Ukrainian Village" prospered into a network of interconnected community organizations including cultural and social clubs and churches; SUAFCU works closely with churches and others to ensure the assimilation process is less difficult for Ukrainian immigrants, a population that brings diversity and new ideas to the area; and

WHEREAS, SUAFCU continues to prosper and help families and businesses under current President and CEO Bohdan Watral and Chairman of the Board of Directors Michael Kos, two strong advocates for Ukrainian Americans; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union on their anniversary and wish them the best for years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union President and CEO Bohdan Watral and Chairman of the Board of Directors Michael Kos as a symbol of our respect and esteem.