A group of 140 people from around the Sunflower State gatheredin Topeka for the Kansas Credit Union Association's Annual Day atthe Capitol on Feb. 7.

The Kansas Senate and House of Representatives recognized 2012as the International Year of Cooperatives during their sessions andKansas credit unions were acknowledged for their role in thecooperative industry. The credit union staffers then met withlawmakers and each other to discuss the issues of the day.

That included 13 members of CUnext, the KCUA's YoungProfessionals Council. That group met with Department of CreditUnions administrator John Smith and House Speaker Pro TemRepresentative Jene Vickrey and also met Gov. Sam Brownback.

“Since joining, I have been given excellent opportunities that Iwould not have had otherwise to meet and exchange ideaswith my colleagues in the credit union world, “ said Farron Lynch,member services and Gen Y rep at the $69 million Central Star CU inWichita. “I was introduced to a passion for the CU movement thatwas evident in all the executives, association staff and thelobbyists that work extremely hard to ensure the future of allKansas credit unions.”

Kansas has 100 credit unions with about 625,000 members.

KCUA President/CEO Marla Marsh and Kansas Treasurer Ron Estes.Kansas credit unions partner with Estes' office to bring financialliteracy programs like Money$mart camps to Kansas schools.

CUnexter Jaclyn Lawson, left, from Quest Credit Union, joinsseasoned advocates and fellow Quest colleagues Vickie Hurt andValerie Taylor, in meeting with State Rep. Kay Wolf, second fromright, at the KCUA legislative reception.

The CUnext Young Professionals Council met with Kansas Gov. SamBrownback during the annual Credit Union Day at the Capitol inTopeka on Feb. 7.