I just read Frank Diekmann’s article, “Three Little Letters, GAC, Are Demanding Three More: ROI,” (CU Journal, March 10), and would like to offer my response. I agree with several of Mr. Diekmann’s points, and found his assumptions on the collective expenditures of CU folks interesting. Those are some big dollars, which reflect how much economic stimulus can be created by having a significant CU gathering.
Mr. Diekmann closed by noting that CU members have “every right to ask what was in it for them and to demand the same documented and detailed ROI that credit unions expect of their own vendors.” I agree, but only to a certain extent. Transparency is critical, and credit unions ought to be expected and prepared to illustrate to their members the importance of traveling to D.C. and meeting with their congressional delegation. Part of the ROI equation ought to also include the negative implications to the credit union industry and our 90-million members if we were to make a decision to not show up.
Our presence in the halls of Congress and the convention center sends a strong message to those that make laws and protect the credit union structure; a message that would not be heard nearly as loud if we were to stay home. That’s part of the equation that’s hard to assign a number to, yet it is the very reason we flock to D.C.
Mr. Diekmann’s article may serve as a reminder that when we attend GAC, we need to make the most of that opportunity. Credit union members across the country depend on it!
Scott Burgess, President/CEO
Rivermark Community CU,
Beaverton, Ore.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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