It is that time of year again, time for the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference. Thousands of credit union professionals and volunteers will come to our nation's capital to hear speakers ranging from television and sports personalities, authors, senators and congressman to federal regulators. They will attend numerous workshops, receptions and have an excellent opportunity to network with their counterparts from across the country.

They will walk up the long flight of steps to the Capitol doors and enter the office of the elected representative from their home districts as they hike the hill. They will have the chance to look at the photographs hanging in the reception area along with the artifacts that identify the state of the elected official. Then they will be escorted into the inner chamber, the private office, where they will have a short period of time to make their case. A few minutes to explain who they are and why they are there.

In recent years, the conversation has focused on increased member business lending and alternative capital. Two important issues that credit unions should be afforded. Two important issues that thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears have been expended in an effort to put together the vote to get it done. Two important issues that have not been realized in spite of the efforts made.