Press

NAFCU’s Berger: ‘It’s a Great Time to Be a Credit Union’

BOSTON, MA (July 11, 2013) — National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) Executive Vice President of Government Affairs B. Dan Berger told credit union professionals and volunteers attending the 46^th Annual Conference and Solutions Expo, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, that they will remain the association’s top priority after he takes the reins as NAFCU president and CEO.

“Above all, I promise you this, NAFCU will continue to have a relentless focus on our members. You are job one,” Berger said today in his remarks to credit unions. “From the smallest member to the largest – we are here for you.”

Berger will take his new post after NAFCU President and CEO Fred Becker retires July 31. During his remarks, Berger thanked Becker, who hired him nearly eight years ago, for his steadfast support. “Wow. Fred, you have led NAFCU for over 13 amazing years! You are a mentor and a friend,” he said.

Berger also praised the NAFCU staff. “From top to bottom, my colleagues at NAFCU wake up every day looking for ways to not only help you survive the economic crisis we are coming out of, but to grow and thrive,” he told conference attendees.

Going forward, Berger said NAFCU will focus on three key priorities:

• running the association with financial prudence while maintaining its effectiveness and efficiency;
• continuing to serve as credit unions’ chief advocate with NCUA, the CFPB, and key members of Congress and the White House; and
• investing in technology and expanding education and training programs for credit unions’ staff and leadership teams.

Berger told those in attendance that it is a great time to be a credit union despite the ongoing challenges facing them. He praised credit unions for continuing to serve Americans during the financial crisis.

“When Wall Street turned its back on the American economy, when big banks stopped lending to small businesses and when payday lenders stalked the most vulnerable consumers, credit unions were there,” he said. “The American consumer not only wants us – they need us.”

“As we look to the future, we’ll keep our eyes open for opportunities and ways to move our industry forward, together,” he concluded. “Remember, it’s a great time to be a credit union!”

For a complete schedule of conference events, visit http://www.nafcu-annual.org/program_at_a_glance.html. For up-to-the-minute information on the conference, follow the #NAFCUAnnual hashtag on Twitter and download the conference app at http://eventmobi.com/NAFCUAnnual/#!/.

---