Credit union leaders gathered last week at Credit Union of Southern California’s Whittier branch for a meeting with California State Senator Tony Strickland (District 36) to discuss the important role credit unions play in strengthening communities, supporting small businesses, and serving nonprofit organizations.
Strickland represents portions of Orange and Los Angeles counties in the California State Legislature, a district that’s home to 294,203 credit union members.
Attendees shared how their credit unions support local businesses, uplift nonprofits, and invest in community outreach. By aligning industry data from Project Zip Code and personal stories of impact, local leaders painted a picture of how credit unions are pillars of economic opportunity and consumer protection across Southern California.
Overall, the meeting helped strengthen relationships with Strickland while providing a deeper understanding of the issues facing California’s credit unions. The discussion highlighted the important role credit unions play in supporting first-time homebuyers, working families, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, while creating an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the issues affecting the industry.
The afternoon wrapped up on a lighthearted note. Attendees headed outside for a friendly basketball free-throw competition featuring Strickland, Dave Gunderson, CEO of Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal), and CU SoCal Board Member Chris George. The shootout carried significance, as Strickland and George were former collegiate basketball teammates during their time at Whittier College.
In a display of care and honor for the local community, the basketball hoop was donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier.
California’s Credit Unions helped coordinate and host the event, which drew representatives from Arrowhead Credit Union, Rize Credit Union, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Southland Credit Union, Wescom Financial Credit Union, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, and Financial Partners Credit Union. By collaborating with the senator, credit union leaders can continue making sure that Sacramento understands the unique “people helping people” philosophy.
