WASHINGTON–The largest gathering of credit unions in the country will kick off this weekend when CUNA hosts its annual Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). Approximately 5,000 people are expected for the meeting at the Washington Convention Center.
And for the first time, a little piece of history will also be visiting the meeting.
Although CUNA and its state leagues host meetings in advance of the GAC itself, the conference officially launches on Sunday afternoon, beginning with a Small Credit Union Roundtable and first-time attendee orientation, before the first keynote address begins at 4 p.m. The opening keynote will be given by the portrait and documentary photographer who goes by the single name Platon. Platon has worked to promote inclusion and human rights around the world.
GAC will include full days of keynote addresses and breakout sessions on Monday and Tuesday, with a half-day scheduled for Wednesday. Wednesday afternoon and Thursday will include the annual Hike the Hill effort by credit union representatives as they meet with their respective members of Congress.
The Keynoters
Other keynoters for GAC include:
- David Plouffe, president of Policy and Advocacy at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Plouffe is most widely known for his role in crafting President Barack Obama’s campaign strategies
- Marcus Buckingham, a British author, motivational speaker and business consultant
- Nikki Haley, the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and governor of South Carolina
- A closing general session with Stephanie Cutter, deputy senior advisor to former President Barak Obama, and Nicolle Wallace, political analyst and MSNBC Anchor, and former White House director of communications for George W. Bush,
Message Focus
In a press call earlier this week, CUNA said it has begun to narrow the focus of the messages it wants attendees to be sharing on Capitol Hill. As always, one message will be to make sure members of Congress know the country’s credit unions represent approximately 115-million of their constituents, according to Eli Joseph, deputy chief advocacy officer with the association.
In addition to the annual focus on preserving the credit union tax exemption, CUNA said it has also identified other priorities it will be focused on this year, including:
- Passing a national data security and privacy framework to keep Americans safe
- Supporting community growth by modernizing credit union governance, allowing the needs of local families and businesses to be met
- Passing the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act to keep business owners and communities safe by providing protections to financial institutions serving legal cannabis businesses
- Ensuring more communities have access to safe, affordable homeownership by supporting responsible housing financial reform.
Other GAC notes:
First-Ever ‘Meet-Ups’ Scheduled
In conjunction with its annual Underground Collision in Washington, which is set for Sunday, Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates said it will host its first-ever “#MeetUps.”
“These events are intended to foster an environment where the ideas of the Collision can be put into action,” Mitchell, Stankovic said. “On Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, credit union advocates, thought leaders and Underground community members will gather to celebrate #CUPride and will discuss how to promote both the visibility of the LBGTQ+ community and inclusivity for all through programs, education and networking. The meet up will be open from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm at the Underground Suite in the Hay-Adams Hotel. Anyone interested is encouraged to stop by and say hello.
“Our purpose is to provide a safe place for anyone who supports this community and to allow for a conscious discussion around the needs, the ‘why’ of this collective,” said Brandi Stankovic, Underground Leader and Meet Up organizer.
CO-OP To Highlight ‘Life Moments’
CO-OP Financial Services said it will be demonstrating how it can help credit unions build deeper relationships with members by owning more “life moments” during three days of exhibition at CUNA GAC, starting Sunday afternoon.
“As the dedicated payments and digital engagement partner for credit unions, CO-OP has built an ecosystem of payments and fintech solutions designed to speed the path towards Primary Financial Relationship status with members,” CO-OP said. “During GAC CO-OP will showcase how payments are the way to increase member engagement, allowing credit unions to own more member moments and leading to more revenue opportunities.
The original St. Mary's Bank desk.
Added Samantha Paxson, chief experience officer with CO-OP, “Credit unions excel at helping members at key life stages, such as lending for education or a home; but they can also grow the overall relationship by being equally good at servicing their lifestyles through payments. At GAC, we will show how the CO-OP Pay, Integrate, Engage, Protect and Consult solution lines are designed within our ecosystem to maximize member engagement, usage and delight. It is what will help credit unions stay top of the wallet for the things their members do every day.”
CO-OP will be in booth 301.
Piece of History Visits GAC
For the first time, a little piece of America’s first credit union will be on hand at GAC. Manchester, N.H.-based America’s Credit Union Museum said GAC-goers will be transported back to 1908 as it will be bringing the desk used when St. Mary’s Bank first opened its offices. Attendees will be able to snap a photo and then post it online with the hashtag #MYACUM. Doing so will enter an individual into a contest to win a trip for two to Manchester for a guided tour of the Museum. The prize is being sponsored by PSCU.