Simpson: Credit unions facilitate economic freedom every day

Kicking off the Small Credit Union Conference Monday in Kansas City, America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson said, “it’s good for the soul when the credit union family gets together.” The sold-out conference addresses the needs of credit unions with under $250 million in assets. The 140 attendees came together from across the country to learn more about small credit union-focused strategies, share information, and network with their peers.

“The most powerful things happen when you’re together and you’re sharing,” Simpson said, adding that he’s made it a point over the past few weeks to meet with credit unions and leaders as much as possible to hear their goals, concerns, and more.

“The fact that I get to defend what you all do for a living, to work to preserve, protect, and enhance cooperative finance in America, is an absolute honor,” he said, adding “one of the foundational freedoms of this country is economic freedom, and you all facilitate that every day.”

“One of the other things I’m focused on is, in spite of the fact that we brilliantly defended the credit union tax exemption this year…we’re here because the government says we’re here at the end of the day. All your financial institutions are here because the government permits its existence, and that could change tomorrow,” he said. “This ongoing fight for existence...is one of the biggest advocacy challenges facing the system.”

Simpson thanked the Small Credit Union Committee for their work to elevate small credit unions, and encouraged attendees to connect with the America’s Credit Unions team for any needs.

Multiple credit union, league, America’s Credit Unions and industry presenters joined Simpson in addressing a variety of needs and issues over several days of learning.

America’s Credit Unions advocates for all credit unions, and is dedicated to helping small credit unions grow, adapt, and thrive with tailored advocacy, compliance assistance, and training.