MADISON, Wis. — CUNA Mutual Group and state CU leagues represented by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues have agreed to a three-year $64 million marketing contract expected to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.
The agreement is intended to help ensure that CUs continue to have a strong local voice advocating on their behalf. Each state league must finalize the document, which is part of CUNA Mutual's attempt to deepen its investments in products, technology and services to benefit policyholders.
"CUNA Mutual Group is the largest financial supporter of the credit union system by far, and that will continue," said Robert N. Trunzo, president & CEO. "Credit unions are critical to the financial futures of millions of Americans, and we are proud to support the state leagues that help credit unions thrive."
To ensure that CUNA Mutual can make the investments it intends to its advocacy and marketing support for state leagues is actually expected to decrease next year when compared with 2015, though the level of change each state sees will vary.
"Leagues continue to be at the forefront of advocacy efforts that create a better operating environment for credit unions," said Tracie Kenyon, AACUL Chair and president/CEO of the Montana Credit Union Network. "League advocacy has led to many positive advancements for credit unions and CUNA Mutual Group alike, and we are committed to ensuring those advocacy efforts continue.
"CUNA Mutual Group shares in our vision of creating a vibrant credit union system that provides the most opportunities for Americans to choose credit unions as their best financial partner. Our collaboration better ensures the viability of the ageless credit union value of 'people helping people' through cooperative financial services," said Kenyon.
CUNA Mutual will also continue to support CUNA, the Filene Research Institute, National Credit Union Foundation and the Cooperative Trust, and will offer targeted assistance when needed, such as its work to promote H.R. 1151 or, more recently, donttaxmycreditunion.org and stopthebreaches.com.
