MADISON, WI (January 25, 2021)—The Wisconsin Credit Union League is ready to kick off its Virtual State Government Affairs Conference. State lawmakers will hear directly from credit union leaders, giving a voice to its more than 3.4 million members. The annual event is from January 26th-28th. Each participant will have the opportunity to meet in groups with state legislators virtually. These meetings’ primary goals are to get introduced with new lawmakers, highlight the credit union difference, and share how credit unions are responding to COVID-19 and promoting economic recovery.
“This last year has been challenging for our credit unions and members,” said Danielle Frawley, Vice-Chair of the League Government Affairs Committee and Chief Lending Officer at Fort Community Credit Union. “And while the way we stepped up to serve members may seem very ordinary to us, it may have been extraordinary for many of our members, and that is important for our elected officers to hear. There is no doubt that there are still challenges ahead for our members and our communities. This event is our opportunity to share with lawmakers what we’re doing to help their constituents.”
Highlights:
- On Tuesday, January 26, David Wasserman will give his keynote address: 2020 Elections & Projections for 2021.
- On Thursday, January 28 at 3:00 pm, Governor Tony Evers will address Wisconsin’s credit unions.
- Tools to Prevent Elder Abuse: Credit unions strongly supported bills last session to empower credit unions to better prevent or alert others to potential elder abuse. Credit union staff can be the first line of defense if they are empowered with the right tools.
“Based on my prior experiences in meeting with legislators, they don’t know all the great things we’re doing unless we are the ones telling them,” said Brandon Riechers, Chair of the League’s Governmental Affairs Committee. “Even in a virtual environment, we can still show the high level of engagement, passion, and dedication we have for the credit union movement. We need to show support from every part of the state; credit unions make a real difference in our members’ lives. This conference is our time to work together and make sure the credit union difference is not a well-kept secret.”
Did you know?
n 2020, Wisconsin credit unions saved members:
- $263+ million in loan rates
- $36+ million in interest rates
- $18.5+ million in banking fees
- Total savings: $318+ million
Credit Unions Also Support Consumers, Small Businesses, and Wisconsin Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic:
- Business Loan Extensions: $1Billion
- SBA/PPP: $435Million
- Average PPP Loan: $40,958
- Mortgage Extensions: $419Million
- Consumer Loan Extensions: $708Million
- Fees Waived: $109k+
- 0% or Low Interest/Emergency Loans: $18Million
- Average Loan: $4,303
- Cash Contributions to Community Partners (Charitable donations, etc): $6.7Million
About The Wisconsin Credit Union League:
Founded in 1934, The Wisconsin Credit Union League is the dues-supported trade association for Wisconsin’s credit unions–not-for-profit financial institutions cooperatively owned by their more than 3.4 million members. The League is dedicated to serving Wisconsin’s credit unions and promoting the credit union difference through advocacy, education, and public service.
