WASHINGTON–CUNA has officially kicked off its Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) with the trade group saying more than 5,000 attendees, vendors, staff and others are in attendance.
The five-day meeting is being held at the Washington Convention Center and will conclude on Wednesday with the annual Hike the Hill lobbying efforts by various state associations visiting with their respective delegations.
Credit unions here are receiving several updates on advocacy efforts, with the program and messaging being updated to respond to recent attacks by 52 state bankers' associations and the Independent Community Bankers of America over the credit union tax exemption.
Credit unions will also be working to have their message heard as Congress returns from recess and much of the attention being on what, if any, action will be taken related to gun laws in the wake of the massacre of high school students in Florida.
Among those scheduled to address the meeting today is former President George W. Bush. As part of Bush's speaking contract, the media has been banned from providing any coverage of his remark; the prohibition was not put in place by CUNA. Audience members are also being told they may take no photos or videos, or take notes. CUToday.info will have coverage.
This evening the National Credit Union Foundation will also host the Herb Wegner Memorial Dinner at which the highest honors in the credit union community are presented.