Credit Union House celebrates 20 years

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Credit Union House, the “home away from home” for credit unions in our nation’s capital. I also like to think of it as our “home field advantage” in the world of D.C. advocacy. 

As a member of Congress, I held events at Credit Union House and always remembered its convenient location (not an easy accomplishment in Washington, D.C.) and appreciated its potential to bring policymakers and advocates together. 

Built by and for the credit union movement, it’s among the first of its kind for a national association and has since become a model for other associations wishing to further their federal advocacy efforts. 

If you haven’t taken the time to visit CU House, I’d strongly urge you to stop by during the 2022 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference. 

Thanks to all who have supported Credit Union House these past 20 years, and to the outstanding staff who ensure it remains a top-tier venue in Washington, D.C. 

House passes bill without IRS reporting language

This morning the House passed the Build Back Better legislation without the language that CUNA, Leagues, credit unions, and members fought hard to exclude. House leadership had said this language would be included as recently as mid-October, but more than 800,000 credit union voices made it loud and clear that it must be removed. The bill now heads to the Senate, where substantial changes are expected, and we will remain vigilant. 

Read more here >

Nominations open for 2022 CU Hero of the Year

Nominations are now open for Credit Union Magazine’s 2022 Credit Union Hero of the Year Award, sponsored by Symitar. We’re searching for the unsung heroes of the credit union movement, the ones who go above and beyond every day to live the credit union philosophy and principles. Nominations close Dec. 13. 

Nominate a Credit Union Hero >

CUNA releases list of 2022 learning events

This week we released our 2022 calendar of credit union-specific events, more than 70 conferences (face-to-face and virtual), eSchools, and webinars. Our members continue to tell us that investing in themselves and their people is vital to continued success, and these events have been designed to support nearly every credit union professional area. 

Learn more here >

Welcome new CUNA Board members

Congratulations and welcome to the two newest members of CUNA’s Board of Directors, Peninsula Credit Union President/CEO Jim Morrell and Georgia United Credit Union President/CEO Debbie Smith. Both will take office in February following our Annual General Meeting, and we’re excited to bring their voices to the board! There are still four contested elections, and ballots have been sent to eligible credit unions and Leagues. Voting ends Dec. 17. 

Read more here >

Minn. Foundation partners to support Black-led CU 

Kudos to the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation for partnering with the Association for Black Economic Power, a nonprofit created to establish a Black-led credit union in Minneapolis to address systemic financial challenges. The Minnesota Foundation is seeking to raise $1 million to support post-operating expenses for Village Financial Credit Union, the new institution. I enjoyed hearing about this partnership and many other exciting things in Minnesota this week while speaking at the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s ACCELERATE 21 conference.

Read more here >

360-degree advocacy

• The House Financial Services Committee advanced two CUNA-supported bills this week. 
• NCUA finalized the shared facilities rule we supported at its meeting Thursday. 
• CUNA Chief Economist Mike Schenk will present at NCUA’s Dec. 8 public briefing on its 2022-23 proposed budget. 
• We called for the removal of a proposal in the Build Back Better legislation that would allow the Small Business Administration to become a direct lender. 
• We wrote in support of the bipartisan Senate bill we believe would help increase veteran homeownership. 
• CUNA Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan and Director of Federal Grassroots and Programs Adam Engelman were recognized for their leadership in the advocacy industry. 
• We shared our concerns about cryptocurrency, an unregulated financial sector, with the Joint Economic Committee. 
• We told the House Financial Services Committee that credit union relationships with small businesses are essential. 
• League leaders reflected on the announced retirements of three credit union supporters, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Jackie Speier, and Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC).