America’s Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer Carrie Hunt outlined how the new organization will advocate for and advance an environment where credit unions thrive during her inaugural speech at the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) Monday afternoon.
“Together, we need to make that happen,” Hunt said. “Advocacy is part science, part art. It’s engagement, it’s relationship building, it’s grassroots, it’s campaigns, it’s data, it’s money, it’s timing, and it’s grit…It requires the right agenda and that comes from you.”
Hunt reiterated the principles – protect, empower, and advance – outlined earlier in the day by America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle that will guide the organization’s efforts to build a unified voice and successful advocacy strategy, providing examples of the types of judicial, legislative, and regulatory reform America’s Credit Unions will elevate.
Hunt stressed the importance of relationships, data and anecdotal evidence showing the credit union difference, credit union champions, and cooperation.
“At America’s Credit Unions we want nothing short of success for everyone in this room. We want to see credit unions thrive today and well into the future,” Hunt said. “…We want the reason a young person chooses to join a credit union is because of cutting edge service delivery, not simply because their parents are members. We want to make it so that we never have to mention a bank in the same sentence as credit unions ever again.
“I know it’s a lot to accomplish. But it’s achievable through strong leadership and constant collaboration. We can do it and we can do it together with a unified voice.”
GAC continues through Thursday. Use #GAC2024 on social media to engage with America’s Credit Unions and industry advocates throughout the event.
