Our GAC keynoters are ready!

Advocacy. Politics. News. Pandemic.

This week, we finalized our exciting lineup of keynote speakers for CUNA GAC. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel round out a lineup of experts on politics, news, social change, and even the current pandemic response.

I’m excited for a lively discussion between Christie and Emanuel on the hottest issues in Washington and how they affect our advocacy moving forward. 

Other speakers include:

• Former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster will address the importance of leadership and resilience;
• Award-winning journalist, documentarian, and author Soledad O’Brien will share her thoughts on income inequality, the current political landscape, and more; 
• Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb will provide insights on how health care policies drive innovation, including developing the COVID-19 vaccine; and 
• Author, speaker, and agent for social change Kevin Carroll will discuss the power of play, innovation, and chasing your dreams.

Of course, our thought-provoking keynote speakers are only part of what’s in store for this year’s CUNA GAC. We have breakout sessions tackling the most pressing credit union issues, unparalleled virtual networking and advocacy opportunities, and much more.

Don’t forget, the first 2,000 registrants will receive a work-from-home kit sponsored by PSCU and be entered to win a Lululemon MIRROR (plus a one-year subscription). 

What breakout sessions will you attend?

Restart and Recovery Task Force issues industry outlook

The Credit Union Restart and Recovery Task Force issued its latest industry outlook providing guidance and strategies for credit unions working through the pandemic. It covers ways to promote financial well-being for all, shifting the employer-employee relationship, Inclusiv’s new secondary capital investment fund and more. The task force has officially disbanded, and we are thankful to Task Force members for their hard work. We will soon shift our focus to digitization with a new working group focused on leveraging industry voices to help credit unions execute on digital transformation.

New Compliance email update with video

Our compliance team is proud to announce its latest offering—a monthly email update with video that will highlight important topics and information for those interested in taking a deeper dive into the compliance landscape. If you’re already getting compliance emails, you should find the updates in your inbox. Others can register under their communications preferences on your “My CUNA” homepage.

Maine credit unions break aid record for food relief

Major kudos to the Maine Credit Union League and credit unions across Maine for collectively raising a record-breaking $969,775 for Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger! There was an urgent need for food assistance due to the pandemic, and every credit union in the state stepped up to help those in need. The campaign, launched in 1990, has contributed over $10.4 million to end hunger in the state since its inception.

360-degree advocacy

• We strongly supported NCUA’s proposal to include any shared branch, ATM where the credit union is a member of the network, or electronic facility in the definition of “service facility” for a federal credit union adding an underserved area to its field of membership. 
• I spoke with FHFA Director Mark Calabria this week to express our appreciation for the pandemic relief actions he has taken and to discuss our housing priorities. 
• We supported the inclusion of housing assistance funds for struggling borrowers in the House Financial Services Committee’s budget reconciliation bill. 
• Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) introduced a CUNA-supported bill to create a $75 billion Housing Assistance Fund.