WASHINGTON-CUNA CEO Dan Mica used what is expected to be his last Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) to essentially call for a merger with NAFCU.
While never mentioning the other trade group across the Potomac by name, Mica told several-thousand people at an opening general session that it is important that "credit unions speak with one voice." Mica, who has long supported a merger with NAFCU and who received a standing ovation from a GAC audience, went on to add, "As long as we are structured the way we are I don't think we will ever have a major accomplishment" in Congress.
The comments, which came at the end of what Mica said was his advice for credit unions and his successor, were met with applause by many in the audience. "I hope you come together for the sake of the credit union system," Mica said.
Mica's other thoughts:
* "The Congress is anti-bank, pro-credit union right now. If we can't get this MBL bill through, we will never get anything. If a rep says to you that they just can't do the credit union bill right now, you say 'Sorry, that's not acceptable this year.' Now is the time to stand up and be counted. I have told the PAC no more money going to those who aren't helping us."
* Mica noted that when he arrived at CUNA the trade group's political action committee had approximately $400,000 in it. Today, it's at $4 million, with an average contribution of $25 to $30.
* Mica said his other advice for credit unions after he leaves is this: "Continue to build political strength. We must do more as we are not getting our legislative goals enacted. Resist partisanship with every fiber of your body. This country is being torn apart by partisanship. Never allow CUNA to be an arm of the Republican or Demoratic party. We are an arm of America. Stick to your philosophy of helping people. We have a glorious future."
Mica plans to retire by January, 2011, after 14 years with the trade group.
