COLUMBIA, Mo, – The Missouri Credit Union Association is beefing up its presence in Jefferson City, the state capital, with the purchase of a building that will become "Credit Union House." MCUA is mimicking CUNA with the purchase of a historic building in downtown Jefferson City, north of the Missouri state capitol. In 2001, CUNA purchased a building for its headquarters near the U.S. Capitol. "We are becoming a powerful influence in Missouri politics, and it's important that we establish a permanent home in Jefferson City to maintain that level of involvement," said MCUA President Rosie Holub. MCUA is headquartered in St. Louis. Staffers, including Peggy Nalls, senior vice president for legislative/public affairs, have been shuttling the 120 miles between St. Louis and the state capital to meet with legislators. The building will be a credit union resource center, a historical museum of the credit union movement, and a place to meet with legislators. It will be available to credit unions as a "home away from home" when they come to town as well. Harold James, president of Mizzou Credit Union of Columbia and chairman of MCUA, said the lobbyists have used the offices of Jefferson City credit unions when they have met with legislators away from the capital. "The primary object is to have a physical presence in the state capital," James said. With term limits for legislators, James said, "it's a larger effort to keep in touch with people and spend time with them." James said the purchase should be completed by the middle of June, after inspections and due diligence are completed. The association had considered a variety of options, including leasing space, before deciding to buy. "From a financial point of view, for any long-term stretch, it's going to make a lot more sense to own rather than lease, property," James said. The plan is for Nalls to move to Jefferson City. James said he was unsure whether or not the association will have any other staff in the building. -

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