More than 70 Tennessee credit union leaders were in Washington, D.C., this week for America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference. The national event features educational sessions, networking events and advocacy visits with state legislators.
The four-day conference allows attendees to highlight the credit union difference to lawmakers.
“As a small CDFI credit union, it is important we participate in advocacy efforts, such as GAC, to be a voice for our members,” said Vicki Gobble, chief financial officer at Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union. “We have important member stories to share with legislators illustrating the impacts CDFI credit unions make in our communities. I believe the attendance of smaller credit unions is additionally critical. The financial investment to attend GAC solidifies our commitment to making the voices of our members’ heard.”
The event helps showcase credit unions’ impact on the financial well-being of Tennesseans.
“We are always encouraged to share the credit union story, and I loved hearing so many examples of how credit unions make a difference in people’s lives,” said Terri Lyon, board treasurer at Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union. “And I was delighted to learn about the Global Women’s Leadership Network, whose mission is to empower female representation in credit union management and on boards. Tennessee has a group forming, and I hope to get involved. Credit unions are laser-focused on doing good.”
The enthusiasm at GAC is incredible, almost like a pep rally for the credit union movement.
“This was my first year attending GAC, and as someone who came not knowing much about the behind-the-scenes of the credit union industry, I’m leaving with butterflies in my stomach at how much our credit union leaders care about our members and want to fight for them,” said Sarah Rodgers, graphic designer at ORNL Federal Credit Union. “I love working for a credit union, and I see first-hand how we impact and care for the community. To see that EVERY credit union is like that… it blows my mind and makes me so happy for how we are each making the lives of our members and community better day-by-day, person-by-person. I learned how much we genuinely care, and the push to provide more financial education to our members and community so they can lead their best lives.”
Next Steps If you are interested in learning more about how you can better advocate for the financial well-being of your members:
Share a member story on Advancing Tennessee Communities let our lawmakers know the impact credit unions are having on the lives of Tennesseans.
Contact the League with questions about how you can grow your advocacy efforts.
“For those who weren’t able to attend, keep pushing for your membership and your community,” said Rodgers. “Be there for them when they need the help. Connect with them on a personal level and show them the hospitality they won’t get at a big-bank.”
ORNL Federal Credit Union representatives take a group picture overlooking D.C.
ORNL Federal Credit Union GAC attendees tour the Washington Monument.
TVFCU employees and volunteer leaders gather for a group picture outside of the main exhibit hall at GAC 2024.
Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union, ORNL Federal Credit Union and Y-12 Credit Union meet with Rep. Tim Burchett.
Amy Banks, CEO at Clinchfield Federal Credit Union, Allison Sams, senior vice president at Clinchfield Federal Credit Union, Jimmalyn Hancock Signet Federal Credit Union, and Vicki Gobble, CFO at Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, attend a keynote session.
Chattanooga Federal Employees Credit Union, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Trust Federal Credit Union, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union and Y-12 Credit Union meet with Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.
Chattanooga Federal Employees Credit Union, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Trust Federal Credit Union, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union and Y-12 Credit Union meet with Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.
Ascend Federal Credit Union, Enbright Credit Union, Trust Federal Credit Union and Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union meet with Rep. Scott DesJarlais.
Ascend Federal Credit Union and Heritage South Community Credit Union meet with Rep. Andy Ogles.
Ascend Federal Credit Union and Heritage South Community Credit Union meet with Rep. Andy Ogles.
Ascend Federal Credit Union, Enbright Credit Union and Heritage South Community Credit Union meet with Rep. John Rose to discuss the financial well-being of Tennesseans. Rep. Rose received the League’s Tri-Star Federal Legislator Award of the Year in 2023.
Ascend Federal Credit Union, Enbright Credit Union and Heritage South Community Credit Union meet with Rep. John Rose to discuss the financial well-being of Tennesseans. Rep. Rose received the League’s Tri-Star Federal Legislator Award of the Year in 2023.
Ascend Federal Credit Union, Enbright Credit Union, Fortera Credit Union meet with Rep. Mark Green to discuss the credit union difference.
Ascend Federal Credit Union, Enbright Credit Union, Fortera Credit Union meet with Rep. Mark Green to discuss the credit union difference.
Leaders Credit Union meets with Rep. David Kustoff to discuss key issues impacting Tennessee credit union members.
Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, Clinchfield Federal Credit Union, Eastman Credit Union and United Southeast Federal Credit Union meet with Rep. Diana Harshbarger and her office to discuss policies that help East Tennesseans achieve their best lives.
Tennessee credit union leaders meet with Tennessee senators, Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Bill Hagerty (not pictured).
Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League, sees Allison Sams, senior vice president at Clinchfield Federal Credit Union, and Amy Banks, CEO at Clinchfield Federal Credit Union, in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport on the way to D.C.
From left, Jason Waller, operational training manager at TVFCU, Paul Pettaway, loan support and quality control manager at TVFCU, Ryan Henn, commercial/business lender at TVFCU, and Kim Gunter, vice president of marketing at TVFCU, take a quick picture while on the plane to D.C.
Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League, David Smart, president and CEO of Trust Federal Credit Union, and Matt Bechtol, relationship manager at Confluent Strategies, pause for a photo.
Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League, and Sarah Waters, chief advocacy officer, at GAC's Parade of Flag Ceremony.