SEATAC, WA (October 17, 2018) — The Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) kicked off its annual MAXX Convention Oct. 16 against a backdrop of unprecedented state and federal policy advancement wins, and impressive 55 percent market share of membership.
In his opening keynote address,NWCUA President and CEO Troy Stang offered high praise for the Northwest Credit Union Movement’s commitment to advocacy and engagement.
“Your united advocacy efforts have resulted in measured progress in advancing the credit union cause at home and in the public policy circles at every level,” Stang said. He specifically cited passage of credit union charter improvements in all three states NWCUA represents – Idaho, Oregon, and Washington – and the landmark passage of the federal Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act this year.
Such wins for credit unions, Stang said, are “good public policy. Credit unions provide a balance to the credit structure in this nation. And it’s important we underscore the vital nature of this balance regardless of the political climates in the state capitols or in the DC Capitol Beltway.”
While celebrating the fact that 55 percent of Northwest residents are credit union members, Stang also encouraged NWCUA’s member credit unions to support “aligned and coordinated public messaging strategies,” including the national “Open Your Eyes” public awareness initiative launching in 2019.
“All of us know that credit unions can help consumers achieve their fantastic future faster,” Stang said, “but it’s time to do something bold to make sure the other 45 percent of the population places credit unions in their consideration set and turns to credit unions to help them achieve their dreams.”
Stang believes credit unions hold the power to generate a new level of excitement and understanding of the importance of credit unions. Cooperative principles, Stang said, “define the difference between credit unions and the greed of Wall Street.”
Stang said the Credit Union Movement’s founders would be proud of how credit unions have “evolved to become a relevant thread in the fabric of society while remaining solidly connected” to their core mission.
The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing more than 175 not-for- profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 8.1 million consumer members. As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions look out for their members’ financial well-being. Everyone should open their eyes to a credit union. For more information, please visit: https://yourmoneyfurther.com
Lynn Heider
503.329.7208 | lheider@nwcua.org
Jenny Miller
jmiller@nwcua.org
208.713.9596 (Mobile)
