“Monumental” Issues And Speakers Highlight CUNA’S 2010 Governmental Affairs Conference

September 24, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Wolff
CUNA Communications, 202-508-6764
mwolff@cuna.coop

WASHINGTON -- Congress and Administration are pursing the most active agenda in a generation. For credit unions, the issues at stake are monumental. The Credit Union National Association’s 2010 Governmental Affairs Conference will give credit union leaders the opportunity to learn the latest from influential policy makers, speak out on these critical issues, and ensure the credit union difference is well understood on Capitol Hill. The 2010 GAC takes place February 21 – 25 in at the prestigious Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

“We have both serious challenge and real opportunity in the year ahead,” said CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica. “The challenge will be to ensure credit unions are not disadvantaged or overburdened by new regulation and reform. The opportunity will be to advance our goals on member business lending and capital reform at a time when Congress is seeking ways to spur economic growth. We really need to make an impact. The GAC is the place to do it.”

The 2010 GAC also will feature an array of prominent speakers. With the economy expected again to be the dominant issue in the year ahead, GAC attendees will hear from former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan on the economic outlook and what it will mean for the financial services sector. Dr. Greenspan will also field questions from the GAC audience.“Alan Greenspan last addressed the GAC in 2004 as Fed Chairman. In that role, his remarks were carefully measured. It will be very interesting to hear Dr. Greenspan’s take on the economy and current events given that he is no longer under those earlier constraints,” noted Mark Wolff, CUNA senior vice president of communications.

Also addressing the economy at the 2010 GAC will be Larry Kudlow, host of CNBC’s The Kudlow Report. Kudlow is a familiar face in Washington and on Wall Street -- a renowned free market, supply-side economist armed with knowledge and vision integrity acquired over a storied career spanning three decades. He offers a tremendous wealth of insight and expertise to help credit union leaders better navigate tomorrow's evolving economic and political terrain.

On the political front, the 2010 will offer a lively “point-counterpoint” discussion on national issues of the day from two of the most prominent voices on the left and right: Former Vermont governor and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean will pair with Joe Scarborough, the former Republican congressman who now hosts MSNBC’s popular “Morning Joe” program.

Additionally, key speakers from Congress, the Administration and the financial regulatory agencies will be announced in coming weeks as the agenda takes shape for a conference that continues to draw many of the most influential policy makers in Washington to provide the latest information on legislation and regulation that affects credit unions and their ability to serve their members.

The GAC’s on-point education sessions will ensure credit unions are fully briefed on credit union legislative priorities, the impact of coming regulations, and grassroots political and campaign involvement strategies.

As always, the conference will devote a day when credit union leaders deliver their message to Capitol Hill and meet personally with their state congressional delegations.

“It’s important for meetings with members of Congress to take place year-round through such efforts as our Hike the Hill program. But the GAC is the one time during the year when thousands of credit union people are here together to deliver our message, tell our story and demonstrate our support to our friends on Capitol Hill,” says Mica. “As a former member of Congress, I can tell you for a fact that this has a great impact. But it all starts with you, and your own commitment to be involved and participate.”

The 2010 GAC will again feature a special kickoff concert on Sunday evening, February 21, presented by the CUNA Councils and preceded by a dessert reception in the Convention Center’s Grand Exhibit Hall. The band as well as more of the GAC’s featured general session speakers will be announced in the weeks to come. Keep an eye on CUNA’s website, www.cuna.org and biweekly NewsWatch newsletter for details.

For more information on the 2010 GAC, call CUNA Meetings and Special Events at 1-800-356-9655, ext. 5700, email gacinfo@cuna.com or visit www.cuna.org. For program information, call CUNA’s Washington office at 1-800-356-9655 ext. 6759. All GAC 2010 information will be periodically updated on www.cuna.org. Click GAC 2010 on the homepage or enter GAC2010 in the search box.

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About CUNA
CUNA is the nation’s largest credit union trade group, representing more than 90% of the nation’s 8,000 state and federally chartered credit unions, which today provide affordable financial services to more than 92 million Americans. www.cuna.org.

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