How do we ensure credit unions are part of the conversation before policymakers make decisions that affect our members and communities?
That question helped drive discussion at “Breakfast With Jeremy,” where 55 professionals from eight credit unions gathered to discuss advocacy, industry challenges, and leadership development. Five credit union CEOs joined the event, featuring Jeremy Empol, president and CEO of California’s and Nevada’s Credit Unions, and Stephanie Cuevas, senior vice president of federal governmental affairs.
Cuevas thanked credit union leaders for their continued support of advocacy efforts and encouraged them to keep sharing stories about how they help members navigate economic challenges.
She also shared takeaways from the recent Hike The Hill event in Washington, D.C. last week. With close to 50 Californians in attendance, credit union advocates spoke about the importance of credit card interchange, fraud prevention, and charter modernization.
On Capitol Hill, members of Congress shared that their top priority for communities is “affordability.” During the breakfast this week, credit union leaders in the Pacific Coast Network shared exceptional examples of providing affordable financial options for members and serving the community.
Empol shared how California’s Credit Unions is strengthening its advocacy efforts through three priorities: building champions, telling the credit union story, and demonstrating impact.
He emphasized the need for credit union professionals who can engage with elected officials and advocate for the movement. Networks play an important role by helping professionals build those skills while developing relationships with policymakers.
Empol also stressed the importance of partnerships and sharing the positive impact credit unions make in their communities. By collecting and amplifying member stories, the movement can better demonstrate its value to decisionmakers.
His goal is for credit unions to be a “forethought, not the afterthought” when elected officials consider policies affecting members and communities.
The discussion included ways participating in Local Networks can help develop the next generation of advocates.
Suggestions included inviting emerging leaders to Network events, connecting them with professionals from other credit unions, and encouraging participation in programs such as REACH, the California Government Relations Rally (GRR), and the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). These experiences help employees see themselves as part of a larger movement, not just their individual organizations.
This year, 16 Network board members received scholarships to attend the GRR in April and the Network Leadership Summit in May, and two additional REACH scholarships are currently being awarded.
Empol also addressed challenges facing credit unions, including technology, talent recruitment and retention, threats to the state charter, data security, and cybersecurity. Meeting those challenges, he said, will require a connected and engaged movement.
The event was planned by Pacific Coast Network board members April Remnant, Stacy Wilson, Regina Cotton, Tina Estes, Anne Milne-Rampone, Jake Harbour, Alex Gallardo, and Rachel Nielson. Their efforts brought together professionals from across the region to learn, connect, and strengthen the future of credit union advocacy.
For information about local Networks and opportunities to get involved, contact Director of Professional Development Elise Schexnayder.
