<p>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – With the GAC setting, all eyes are on CUNA's strength in Washington, but the trade association is much more than that. There are a number of arms to CUNA, and Credit Union Times has compiled them here to give readers an idea of the scope of the organization. Some readers may be surprised to learn that some of these groups have ties to CUNA, while others are readily identified with it. American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) Susan Newton, Executive Director www.aacul.org AACUL was founded in 1942 as the National Association of Managing Directors (NAMD). Membership is comprised of credit union leagues representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. An Executive Board of League Presidents, elected annually from the membership, governs the Association. An Executive Director manages the activities and programs, and its administrative offices are housed in CUNA's League Relations division. AACUL's mission is based on the premise that the vitality of the credit union community is enhanced by a strong three-tiered system that has advocacy as its primary focus. ——————————————————————— Campus Credit Union Council (CCUL) Bradford Caldwell, Executive Director www.ccuc.org The Campus CU Council was created in 1985 and serves to educate and assist credit unions that serve or are interested in serving college students. The CCUC also promotes credit union careers for college students and other young people. ——————————————————————— CUNA Strategic Services, Inc. (CSSI) Wes Millar, Vice President Through established relationships with carefully chosen suppliers, CSSI makes available the products, services, and technology credit unions need to compete effectively in the modern financial marketplace. They increase credit unions' purchase power by negotiating volume pricing, combining the buying power of America's credit unions to deliver discounts. CSSI also works closely with state leagues to share information on a variety of products and services for credit unions. ——————————————————————— CUNA Councils Michael Millis, Director www.cunacouncils.org In 1994, a group of marketers approached CUNA & Affiliates to assist them in starting a national marketing council. Their mission was to provide a forum for discussion of issues relevant to marketers, offer opportunities for education, and provide information relevant to their jobs. This was the basis for the founding of the CUNA Marketing Council. Today there are six CUNA Councils: Marketing, Human Resources, Chief Financial Officers, Lending, Chief Operations Officers, and Technology. They each offer members a sense of community in their professions, practical resources through a listserv and shared file archive, updates on recent trends in their areas through white papers and newsletters, and an annual conference during which they present formal educational sessions and many opportunities for networking and brainstorming. ——————————————————————— Credit Union House Kyle Noble, Director Credit Union House opened in 2001 as a home for credit unions on Capitol Hill. Just four blocks from the Capitol Building, the house has facilities to host receptions for members of Congress, provide a forum for issues briefings and board planning sessions, and showcase the credit union movement's history to educate policymakers. State credit union leagues have established a limited liability corporation to fund Credit Union House. ——————————————————————— Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC) Karen Kincer, Director, Political Affairs CULAC is the federal political action committee of the Credit Union National Association. CULAC raises funds from individuals and uses its resources to support credit union friendly candidates who are running for federal office. In the 2000 election cycle, PACs & Lobbies ranked CULAC 25th of all PACs in terms of contributions to candidates seeking election to the U.S. House and Senate. ——————————————————————— CUNA Network Services John Hobko, President/CEO www.cunanetworkservices.com Established in 2001, CUNA Network Services focuses on the development and delivery of e-commerce products and services, providing efficient, advanced online business and communication products and services exclusively for the credit union movement. The company's mission is to develop technology and delivery systems for future credit union e-commerce initiatives, allowing credit unions of all sizes to provide competitive e-commerce solutions to their members. ——————————————————————— National Association of Community Credit Unions (NACCU) Ray Burnett, Chairman NACCU is a professional association of community credit union CEOs and directors. The organization provides networking opportunities, educational resources and legislative support for community credit unions. ——————————————————————— Defense Credit Union Council Arty Arteaga, President/CEO www.dcuc.org The Defense Credit Union Council, Inc. is an organization of credit unions whose membership consists wholly or in part of personnel of the U.S. Department of Defense, both military and civilian. The Council is comprised of 281 credit unions with over 10 million members. Organized in 1963, the Council is governed by a seven-member board of directors consisting of a representative from each of the services – Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps – plus three representatives at large. About two-thirds of the Defense Credit Unions are federally chartered, and one-third are state-chartered. All are insured by either the NCUA or an independent or state agency that meets federal standards. ——————————————————————— Filene Research Institute Bob Hoel, Executive Director www.filene.org The Filene Research Institute examines vital issues affecting the future of credit unions and consumer finance. Through this unique, non-profit organization, leading scholars and consultants analyze managerial problems, public policy questions, and consumer needs. The Institute's name honors Edward A. Filene, the "father of the U.S. credit union movement." Filene, a brilliant businessperson and wise philanthropist relied on solid, innovative research when encouraging credit union development. His spirit lives on as the Institute pursues knowledge that will benefit credit unions, their members, and all consumers of financial services. ——————————————————————— Member Access Network John Hollander, Director, Business Development The Member Access Network was formed in 1991 in an effort to create a national electronic service delivery network for credit unions. With more than 9,000 ATMs in 42 states, it is the only credit union EFT network that provides access to credit union terminals throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico and the only network in the U.S. that offers nationwide deposits. Member Access strives to deliver the most cost-effective ATM/POS transaction by bypassing more costly bank-controlled networks and gateway arrangements. ——————————————————————— National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) Gary Officer, Executive Director www.cuna.org/ncuf.html As the charitable arm of the credit union movement, the National Credit Union Foundation leverages non-dues dollars to fund projects, which support industry-wide development initiatives, including consumer financial education, homes for low-income people, and strengthening credit union movements in developing nations. Their mission is to promote consumer financial independence through credit unions. They meet that mission through the administration of grants focused on building strategic partnerships and incubating national model programs. The National Credit Union Foundation receives its primary direction from a board made up of credit union professionals from across the country.</p>