Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone, Powered by NAFCU

Credit unions are an industry. So, while each of us plugs away at our own job, in our own credit union, in our own little part of the country – we are all connected to each other. All of us add up to “credit unions.”

It is so important to be involved politically. Why? Because Congress is akin to a consumer. Every consumer has wants, needs and priorities. But consumers have limited resources and only so much time.  Congress is no different.

Credit unions are an industry. So, we pool resources to be heard. But we are not alone. Electric coops, florists, grocery stores, hospitals, bakers, farmers, and the list goes on. All industries try to get the attention of Congress. As you can see, it is a crowded playing field.

Oh, and it gets worse. Some industries not only want to gain that attention, but they (bank lobby) want to do it at our expense.

So, I repeat - It is vital to be politically active.  One way? Come to NAFCU’s Congressional Caucus.  September 11-14.

And for those who say – why push credit union issues. So little gets accomplished in Congress? I’ll say this.  Sometimes when you push against a wall, you don’t know that someone is on the other side pushing against you.  Status quo can be a huge win.

Let me know if we can count on you to attend.  Now – on to this week’s reading pile.

• Bank branch closures will surge again. (FB)
• Problems now – problems later. (Godin)
• The eight secrets to a fairly fulfilled life. (The Guardian)
• Solve life backward. (Of Dollars and Data)
• Nearly half of workers are “definitely looking” to work remotely. (SHRM)
• FOMC announces largest rate hike since 1994. (NAFCU Today) I’m sure you’ve heard of this, but don’t forget NAFCU’s Chief Economist – Curt always relates economic news to how it affects credit unions.  You can sign up for the NAFCU Today here.
• Why rural American keep waiting for fast internet, despite billions spent. (WSJ)