COLUMBIA, SC (September 1, 2023) — The Carolinas Credit Union League and representatives of more than 20 credit unions capitalized on the August congressional in-district work period, connecting locally with ten members of Congress and two legislative staffers on priorities affecting service to consumers and their financial well-being.
An August 11 meeting with a member of Senator Ted Budd’s (NC) staff began a 17-day stretch crisscrossing both states, including four meetings over five days and a three-meeting flurry on August 28. While the League has consistently engaged delegation members at home each August, active issues this year brought added urgency. Meeting away from Washington, DC also allows elected officials to dedicate more time and attention away from potential votes, hearings, and other distractions.
“With so many timely issues such as interchange, CFPB regulation, digital currency proposals, and general state of the financial industry following the recent bank failures, our credit unions were eager to meet with our elected officials,” notes League Federal Affairs Manager Nate Lane. “They have had much to talk about and appreciate being included in these conversations.”
In each meeting, advocates focused on:
Those were of particular interest to Sen. Thom Tillis (NC) on the Senate Banking Committee and Reps. Ralph Norman (SC-05) and William Timmons (SC-04) on the House Financial Services Committee, each visiting credit union locations along their itineraries.
“It’s always great to get a chance to sit down and talk face to face with any elected official, especially a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee,” said Skyla Chief Administration Officer and General Counsel Joe Clark, who alongside the League and leaders of three other credit unions met with Sen. Tillis on August 16. “I appreciate Senator Tillis’ candid remarks and his continued support of the credit union movement.”
Every opportunity was invaluable, with others joining credit union advocates with Reps. Joe Wilson (SC-02) in Aiken, SC; Chuck Edwards (NC-11) in Fletcher, NC; Kathy Manning (NC-06) in Greensboro; Reps. Jeff Duncan (SC-03) and Russell Fry (SC-07) in Anderson; and Rep. David Rouzer’s (NC-07) Legislative Aide Chris Zhou in Wilmington, NC. As Congress returns to Washington and credit unions plan an October trip there, the League has an eye on an even more active August 2024 schedule.
“No occasion is too big or too small for welcoming our elected representation,” Lane adds. “These are unique opportunities for us to not only educate but also form and strengthen relationships with members of Congress who have direct oversight of the policies that govern our industry.”
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) (far right) presents special congressional recognition to SRP FCU’s Aiken team for their work in supporting the local community.
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (NC) (second from left) enjoys a lighthearted moment with League and credit union advocates in Charlotte on August 16.
U.S. Rep. William Timmons (foreground), member of the House Financial Services Committee, meets with three Upstate SC credit unions on August 17 at Carolina Foothills FCU in Spartanburg. (Note: Alternate landscape-format image available upon request.)
The League and leaders from three Triad-area credit unions pause with U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning (NC-06) (right-center) on August 22 in Greensboro.
The Carolinas Credit Union League is the not-for-profit association of credit unions throughout North and South Carolina. Established in 2014 with a commitment to the cooperative spirit, the Carolinas Credit Union League is credit unions’ primary advocate and much more, promoting their success through risk and compliance resources, professional development, product and service enhancements, and back-office support.
Brandon Pugh
VP, Public Relations & Communications
Carolinas Credit Union League
800.822.8859, ext. 410
bpugh@carolinasleague.org
Courtney Jackson
Director, Integrated Communications
cjackson@carolinasleague.org
800-822-8859, ext 076
