LAS VEGAS–The California and Nevada leagues kicked off their annual REACH Conference here by bringing back a well-known CU leader to mark the 20th anniversary of their unique management partnership, with additional discussion around what tax code changes might mean to CUs.
“Twenty years ago the California and Nevada leagues entered into joint management structure,” observed Wally Murray, chairman of the Nevada league. “At a time when many leagues across the country have made an alternative decision to give up their state identities, the largest and most influential league in the country continues to subscribe to a unique concept.”
Murray said the joint structure in which both leagues maintain their own boards but share backoffice management has “proven to be wildly effective,” and credited the relationship to the “vision of a single leader (who) stepped up and offered a fresh idea and a real solution. Without a doubt, the Nevada Credit Union League owes its continued existence to the vision of this man.”
That one man was former California and Nevada Leagues president Dave Chatfield, who was on hand for the meeting. Chatfield recalled several options were discussed back in 1996, including a merger of the two leagues. “But it was pretty clear to us that maintaining the culture and advocacy of the Nevada league was pretty important to what we wanted to do.”
Before closing Murray called for more cooperation among credit unions, observing that “We are more than a bit foolish when we invest any time in competing against one another.”
- In her remarks, CNCUL President/CEO Diana Dykstra dedicated the REACH Conference to long-time credit union leader Richard Myles Johnson, who died earlier this year. She read the final lines of the eulogy he had written for himself. “I suppose some of you will be sad this is my final report. But if you must reflect on my passing, here are a few considerations. First, always remember I am a Marine and as a Marine I am now reporting to duty to protect the streets of Heaven. Second, we created a lot more together than any of us could do alone.”
Moving forward Dykstra urged credit unions to keep a wary eye on Washington, as any tax code overhaul could end up targeting credit unions. “I want to warn you now, no matter who wins Congress and the White House, our tax code is broken and we must remain vigilant.”
Dykstra said the Plexcity, a CUSO launched by the California and Nevada leagues in conjunction with the Maryland/DC and New Jersey leagues as a means of consolidating backoffice expenses, said nine state associations and NASCUS are all now using the company. She said more will likely be added in 2017.