DENVER -- After months of preparation and hard work, credit union representatives at the Democratic convention kicked back and relaxed.
After hearing speeches from former President Bill Clinton and vice presidential nominee Joseph Biden, delegates and their friends poured into a former warehouse to let their hair down.
They talked among themselves, listened to a blues band and ate snacks like quiche and egg rolls.
"You probably didn't realize that credit unions had so many cool people," said John Dill, president/CEO of the Credit Union Association of Colorado and Wyoming.
The party, which was attended by several hundred people spread out among three floors, was sponsored by CUNA, CUNA Mutual Group and CO-OP Financial Services.
The venue demonstrated credit unions' ability to help individuals and communities transform their lives. It was held in a part of Denver called Lower Downtown (Lodo) that not so many years ago was rundown and where people rarely ventured after dark. Now, it is a booming neighborhood that is a magnet for young people with an active nightlife.
CUNA President/CEO Dan Mica, a former congressman who has been attending conventions for 40 years, and much of his staff were there as were representatives of 13 credit union leagues that also hosted the event.
It was one of many events that CUNA and other credit union groups participated in throughout the convention week.
"It's an excellent opportunity to be front and center when you have power brokers as a captive audience," said CUNA Political Director Trey Hawkins.
NAFCU kept a lower profile throughout the week. It co-sponsored a party honoring moderate Democrats as well as events benefitting a program for at-risk youths.
--cmarx@cutimes.com
