Hike the Hill news and remarks from CU advocates

Another Cornerstone League Hike the Hill has been logged into the history books. By all accounts, this year’s event, held Sept. 27–29 in Washington, D.C., was a rousing success. A group of 24 credit union leaders and young professionals (including three crashers) invested their time, money, influence, and energy in advocating on behalf of credit unions.

This year’s agenda featured CUNA’s Jim Nussle and Trey Hawkins, along with key officials from federal regulators, including NCUA’s Rodney Hood:

• Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
• National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
  

Credit union leaders discussed interchange, overdraft protection, board modernization, and NCUA authority over CUSOs, as well as the perennial issue of the credit union tax exemption.

Attendees also visited with 25 elected officials from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, during which they raised our key priorities to hear legislative perspectives.

“This year’s Hike the Hill provided us an opportunity to interact with representatives from the CFPB, FHFA, and the Financial Standards Accounting Board,” said Steve Gilman, director of political advocacy and community relations for First Service Credit Union. “In addition, we had several productive meetings with our elected officials, including an in-person visit with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. A measure of success for our efforts was the passing of H.R. 6889, the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives while we were in D.C.”

H.R. 6889 revises the frequency of meetings required by a board of directors. Specifically, the bill requires monthly meetings for new credit unions during their first five years and for credit unions with a low soundness rating. All other credit unions must hold at least six meetings annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter.

More reflections from this year’s Hikers

Karl Murphy, President/CEO, First Light FCU

“The Cornerstone League did a great job at organizing the Hike the Hill,” said Murphy. “The event was productive and gave credit unions the opportunity to speak with our representatives and get commitments from some of them to support credit union issues. Hike the Hill was a great and productive event.”

Karyn Davis, President/CEO, UP FCU

“Hike the Hill provided a great opportunity to have productive conversations with our legislators and regulators in Washington, D.C.,” said Davis. “Cornerstone staff gave us the tools we needed. I was pleased to see that our legislators were open to conversations about legislation concerning credit unions and supportive of our viewpoints. Our meetings gave us the chance to bring forth subjects that are on the minds of all credit union leaders right now. When you attend an event, such as Hike the Hill, you realize how important our advocacy efforts are to the future of the credit union movement.”

Stephen Lark, SVP Corporate Development/CMO, Communication FCU

“Cornerstone’s annual Hike the Hill event facilitates engagement with our congressional delegation by providing a small-group setting to form personal relationships and hold in-depth dialogue with our members of Congress and their staff,” said Lark. “It’s an excellent opportunity to make a difference and provide input on issues impacting credit unions and our members. The addition of Hike the Hill YP crashers amped up the event by introducing our next generation of credit union leaders to advocacy and demonstrated the bench depth of credit union professionals to our congressional delegation.”

Ronnie Anderson, Legislative Coordinator, Community Resource CU

“Having been involved in legislative activities with the credit union industry for the last 25-plus years, one thing I have learned is the value of building bipartisan relationships that will open doors of discussion and eventually create a basis for change,” said Anderson. “As a financial institution, we strive for a return on our investments. The investment of our time and resources with GAC and Hike the Hill will pay dividends that enhance the lives of our credit union members.”

Crasher Diana Padilla, Community Development Specialist, Raiz FCU

“I am happy and reassured to have witnessed that we are all working together to bring a secure and prosperous financial future for all,” said Padilla. “Those in place of authority in Cornerstone and in the U.S. House of Representatives are full of people who are passionate about implementing a change that is well-researched and contemplated. I am excited to see the outcomes of all the hard work.”

Crasher Tiffany Greenway, Lending Manager, TruService Community FCU

“I was honored to be one of the first YP crashers for Hike the Hill,” said Greenway. “I was surprised to find myself literally sitting at the table with Jim Nussle, Rodney Hood, Trey Hawkins, and others discussing the important issues facing credit unions today. To be able to take that information over to the House of Representatives and Senate for legislative meetings, be heard, and be supported was a great accomplishment. I highly encourage any credit union employees and board members to get involved with Hike the Hill. It’s a great opportunity for YPs to learn how to be advocates.”

“One thing that stuck out from our meetings was Rep. French Hill asking us to tell others how important it is for credit union employees and members to write them regarding the issues that are important,” Greenway added. “It’s easy to convince ourselves that no one will actually read our letters or that our voice can’t make a difference; however, his affirmation that it does matter was encouraging. I’m thankful for Cornerstone and CUNA educating and assisting us with making our voices heard, even when we aren’t on Capitol Hill.”