WASHINGTON -- In what may be his last speech at a CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference, President/CEO Dan Mica said having a positive attitude and taking advantage of technological advances will help credit unions grow and play a strong part in creating a long period of prosperity.
"Having the right attitude and philosophy is half the battle," he said during the opening session of the conference.
He said that credit unions of all sizes can play an important role and "with technology, the smallest of credit unions can seem like giants to their members."
Mica has announced this will be his final year at head of CUNA. The association's search committee is in the middle of the hiring process for a successor.
Mica urged attendees to "be respectful but insistent" when talking to lawmakers about pushing for more member business lending, alternative capital and other legislative priorities for credit unions.
As parting advice, he urged CUNA members not to be seen as an arm of either the Democrats or Republicans. Mica reiterated his suggestion that the credit union movement speak with one voice, rather than spreading its resources between two competing trade associations.
During a separate session, NCUA Chairman Kris Mecham thanked Mica for his contributions to CUNA. Mecham also announced that there will be a plaque in Mica's honor to be hung in Credit Union House, the association's lobbying facility on Capitol Hill. CUNA's board also approved a resolution praising Mica's service to the association.
--cmarx@cutimes.com
