More than 120 Mississippi and Tennessee credit union advocates were in Washington, D.C., this week for America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference. The four-day conference focuses on advancing, empowering and protecting credit union priorities.
Here’s a few attendee takeaways.
For those who couldn’t attend GAC, I would emphasize just how important it is for credit union leaders to spend time face-to-face with legislators. Advocacy is one of the most powerful ways we protect the credit union movement and the members we serve. With significant issues on the table—including legislation like the Credit Card Competition Act—it’s critical that lawmakers hear directly from us and understand the real impact these decisions have on our members and communities. When credit unions show up together with a united voice, it truly makes a difference.
Ashley McDurmon
President and CEO
Orion Financial
I have learned so much during my time at GAC. Being in a room with people from so many different states each sharing the same passion for the credit union movement has been absolutely incredible. Despite our different backgrounds, we are united by the same goal and motto: “people helping people.” Having the opportunity to meet with our Senators and Representatives to discuss policy changes impacting credit unions was truly inspiring and reinforced why this work matters.
Ruthie Murray
Mississippi GAC Crasher
Service Specialist
Statewide Federal Credit Union
Attending GAC for the first time and stepping into the opening session filled with thousands of credit union voices was unforgettable. The energy in the room—the collective passion and purpose—was inspiring. The experience was energizing, refreshing, motivating and empowering all at once. I know that I am blessed to be part of the credit union movement! I also know I will be back next year!
Ginger Carter
President and CEO
Bowater Credit Union
One lasting memory was the acceptance speech shared by Herb Wegner Awardee Kathy Chartier. Kathy is a dear friend who I have gotten to know in our work on the board of Inclusiv, the national network of community development credit unions. During the speech she reminded us that our worth is not about asset size, it is about impact and with scale comes responsibility. Our charge is to serve the immigrant and the single mom—it is people helping people and why credit unions were created.
Ed Sivak
President
Hope Enterprise Corporation
This week in D.C has made such an impact on me. Seeing firsthand so many young and seasoned professionals all come together for the same passion of the credit union movement is truly inspiring. My favorite quote I heard from this conference is that we all have the same last name, and WOW, the power of that is truly incredible. We all come from different credit unions, different states, different job titles, but we all share the same last name of “Credit Union,” and that’s something so special no other industry can understand. I’m truly grateful for this experience and for all the knowledge and connections I’ve gained.
Hannah Hutchins
Tennessee GAC Crasher
Marketing Manager
Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union
