As I reflect on how proud I am of our industry,  I am particularly impressed by how credit unions serve their members on the micro level but also partner and collaborate both locally and nationally to help each other and our communities. We come together in so many positive ways and exhibit a commonality of purpose that more and more people–especially disenchanted bank customers–take notice.

During 25 years as a credit union executive, I've had the pleasure of working with many credit union executives at the local trade association, on advisory boards, professional organizations and roundtables. Where I'm located in the D.C. metro area, local credit unions and their associations have worked together on cooperative advertising to help raise the awareness of the credit union difference.

Credit unions also effectively ban together to participate in community outreach programs to help those in need. Many credit unions and trades are active in local charity work, sponsoring bowling or golf tournaments, or wine auctions to help community groups. There are thousands of volunteer hours dedicated to serving our communities.