Bringing the credit union difference to statehouses

CUNA and Leagues launched geotargeted ads about the credit union difference around every statehouse in the month of April to celebrate Financial Literacy Month. The ads reached policymakers across an array of different websites while they spent time in and around each statehouse.

Our ads received more than 4.6 million impressions and an average click-through rate that was significantly higher than the industry average. Thirteen states used customized language, and those states performed even better.

These efforts kept the credit union difference—and its positive impact on consumers and communities—top of mind as state legislators went through their sessions.

As state sessions wrap up, Leagues in several states worked to defeat interchange legislation, while others helped advance bills to increase consumer access to credit unions. State issues are a vital component of our 360-degree advocacy, and we couldn’t do it without our League partners.?

Workshop explores service to Hispanic communities

Registration is open for the National Credit Union Foundation’s Workshop 2023 set for Oct. 10-13. This immersive learning event takes place in El Paso, Texas, to explore the numerous opportunities in better reaching, engaging, and serving Hispanic communities. Coopera Consulting, Inclusiv, and National Association of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals (NLCUP) are also event partners, and GECU will be the host credit union.

Register for the workshop here

CCUA, MECUL host Young Professionals Summit

Shout out to the Cooperative Credit Union Association and Maine Credit Union League for their joint Young Professionals Summit. More than 140 young professionals from five states gathered for networking, idea sharing, professional development, and a great roundtable discussion. Thanks to the Leagues for an amazing collaboration to benefit our next generation of leaders.

Read about the summit here

Sharing AAPI Heritage month stories

Credit Union Magazine is commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with interviews of several credit union leaders. National JACL Credit Union President/CEO Dean Hirabayashi shared the story of a credit union growing from a World War II-era Japanese internment camp. Tinker Federal Credit Union Assistance Vice President/Branch Manager Chih Wei Chen discussed coming to America from China when he was 12 and how credit unions’ culture appealed to him.

Read their stories here

360-degree advocacy

• We told Treasury its proposed Emergency Capital Investment Program data collection would cause more harm than potential benefits.
• We called on congressional leaders to ensure credit unions have parity with banks in any potential deposit insurance reform legislation.?
• We wrote the House Small Business Committee in strong opposition to proposed changes to the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan program.
• We supported the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act in a letter to the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.
• The MD|DC Credit Union Association joined Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and state leaders for the signing of legislation to allow credit unions to expand economic opportunities in underserved communities.
• The Cornerstone League’s action alert helped gather more than 900 letters of opposition to a Texas interchange bill, which was not considered by committee before this week’s deadline.