On January 28, over 250 Wisconsin Credit Union Activists shared The Credit Union Difference with their elected officials at The League's annual State Government Affairs Conference in Madison. During those meetings, attendees highlighted the International Year of Cooperatives, the positive impact credit unions make throughout Wisconsin, and introduced The League's new advocacy team (especially valuable with 34 newly-elected legislators). Our 2024 Scorecard was also unveiled, including a video demonstrating how serving the underserved and fostering financial well-being for all Wisconsinites is in credit unions' DNA, no matter their size:
Other accomplishments from 2024 include:
- Helped members keep $590 million in their pockets through better loan rates and fewer fees
- Returned $15 million directly to members in patronage or bonus dividends
- Donated $9 million to local charities and community and civic groups, along with countless volunteer hours
- Operated over 75, in-school, student-run branches
- Reported refinancing payday loan debt obtained elsewhere (84%) and provided 40,303 loans to individuals with no or low credit scores
- Worked to improve the financial well-being of 3.9 million credit union members and strengthen Wisconsin's economy with 11,727 credit union employees
In the morning, attendees heard from a panel on the federal advocacy landscape including League President & CEO Sarah Wainscott, TruStage SVP Corporate & Legislative Affairs Christopher Roe, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Director of External Affairs David Feldhaus, and America’s Credit Unions VP Research & Policy Analysis Mike Schenk. In the afternoon, a closing keynote was given by Professor J. Michael Collins on understanding financial security and expanding financial well-being for all.
Leading up to the conference, a tailgate fundraiser benefiting the Wisconsin Credit Union Legislative Action Fund (WCULAF) raised nearly $4,500 to support credit union-friendly candidates in Wisconsin, along with crowning yard pong & giant Connect 4 champions.
Snapshots from the day taken by The League and member credit unions can be viewed on The League's Facebook feed and a photo album of the day's events is coming soon. Thanks to the many new & familiar faces who joined us to advocate for The Credit Union Movement! We also would like to acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors, TruStage, Corporate Central Credit Union, FHLBank Chicago, and LaMacchia Group.