TXCUA hosts young professionals meet-up with Rep. Dan Flynn

Last night, as part of the events surrounding Cornerstone's Annual Meeting in Austin, the Texas Credit Union Association hosted a meet-up for Cornerstone's Young Professionals. The YPs wanted to meet with TXCUA Executive Director Jeff Huffman, Cornerstone's expert on the Texas Legislature, and visit the capitol.

Approximately 25 credit union YPs from credit unions in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas joined Huffman, as well as Cornerstone Chief Government Relations Officer Jim Phelps and Executive Director Gretchen Ziegler.

Huffman gave an update of current legislation that could impact credit unions and encouraged the YPs to read the daily Leaguer to stay informed.

"It was great to have such an enthusiastic group of YPs come to the Austin office and tour the Capitol," said Huffman. "We thank Texas Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Van) , who took the group on a behind-the-scenes tour, including areas that few have access to other than elected officials and select staff. We hope they are inspired to participate in government relations and become advocates for the League."

"Last night’s meet-up was such an amazing experience," said YP Kaela Ruiz, from A+ Federal Credit Union in Austin. "We were surprised by having Rep. Flynn actually lead our capitol tour. Flynn was so kind to lead us onto the floor of the Texas House of Representatives and share some of his favorite parts and pieces of history about the building he’s worked in for so many years."

Ruiz noted two of Flynn's more poignant quotes that speak to the importance of advocacy and credit union engagement. According to Ruiz, Flynn said, “Government is made up of people that show up.” He also said the state capitol is “the people’s house.”

"Rep. Flynn and Jeff Huffman are both very welcoming and passionate about helping credit unions," Ruiz said. "They have both inspired credit union Young Professionals to be more involved in the legislative process."

Flynn and Huffman also talked about the obstacles they overcame in their fight for credit unions during our sunset reviews in 1997 and 2009. Flynn repeatedly extolled the involvement of credit unions and our members.

“When bankers show up, they impress you with their suits," Flynn said. "But when credit unions show up, they bring four busloads of your constituents.”

"Our meet-up with the president of the Texas Credit Union Association, Jeff Huffman, and Rep. Dan Flynn was a sensational opportunity given to our group of Young Professionals," said Daniel Valdez of A+ Federal Credit Union. "The experience and knowledge we gained regarding their work in lobbying and government relations for credit unions sparked a fire within us all. It was truly a memorable experience."

“Advocacy and engagement are vital, and it’s when we start getting our Young Professionals involved that we can help them see that their voice matters when it comes to the future of credit unions and our mission of People Helping People," said Rachel Bond, president of the Austin Chapter of Credit Unions and community relations director with Greater Texas Federal Credit Union. "We sometimes forget that if we don’t start to step into the rolls of the leaders before us, then who will, and will they have our members best interest at heart?”

"Thank you, Jeff, for capturing so many fun moments from last night's YP meet-up," said Cornerstone Engagement Manager Kati Buchanan, who works with the YP Advisors. "More importantly, thank you for getting all of it put together—Dan Flynn, the tour, the Austin office—all of it was incredible."