DES MOINES -- Governor Chet Culver and NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson were featured speakers at the annual Iowa Credit Union League Legislative Issues Conference.
Over 100 Iowa credit union representatives convened to learn more about what legislative issues are affecting the credit union industry and how to engage their legislators.
Governor Culver focused on the need for financial literacy in Iowa. He acknowledged that Iowa credit unions have been actively involved with financial education with their members and he is excited to invite the Iowa Credit Union League to join the Governor's Financial Education working group. As a former teacher at Roosevelt High School, Culver recalled teaching his students how to balance a checkbook and save money.
"It's important we teach our children and young adults the importance of managing money at a young age," said Culver.
NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson began her presentation by stating "I'm not here to preach to the choir. I'm here to thank the choir." She also addressed some of the issues NCUA is working on including improving member business lending regulations and an anticipation of proposed rule concerning mergers and acquisitions.
Iowa State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald encouraged Iowa credit unions to take part in the Linked Investments for Tomorrow program. Two credit unions are already participating in this program that works to invest capital into small businesses owned and operated by Iowa residents.
"We want to grow our economy and keep young people in Iowa," he said. "Iowa credit unions can help us be successful by participating in the LIFT program that will ultimately help hundreds of Iowans fulfill their dreams."
Conference participants and state legislators were also introduced to the Little Guy, who represents hard working men and women of Iowa that credit unions serve.
Other conference speakers also included Representative Swati Dandekar (D-36, Marion) and Senator Mike Connolly (D-14, Dubuque), and motivational speaker James T. Harris, who challenged credit union attendees to be more innovative in their approach to reaching out to the younger generation. Sara Taylor, a former Dubuque native, spoke about her time in the White House as the first female political director for President George W. Bush.
--mdigiovanni@cutimes.com
