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The League’s Jake Holmes, AVP of Strategic Engagement, recently joined America’s Credit Unions, along with representatives from credit union leagues and associations across the country, in Chicago for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Each year, the conference brings together thousands of lawmakers, legislative staff, policy experts, government officials, and private-sector organizations to discuss emerging policy issues, participate in educational sessions, and build relationships across party and state lines.
As part of this year’s conference, Holmes had the opportunity to lead an interactive and educational lunch session on Tuesday, July 28 that focused on the importance of financial education. During the hour-long presentation, he highlighted how financial education supports the collective mission of credit unions and aligns with our cooperative principles. Holmes also demonstrated Maine’s award-winning Financial Fitness Fair program, showcasing how credit unions can make a meaningful impact by equipping individuals and families with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial well-being.
The session also provided valuable time to connect directly with legislators, including several from Maine, to discuss how credit unions are strengthening communities through financial education and community engagement. Holmes found it encouraging to share the success of our programs and the positive impact they continue to have across the Pine Tree State. Representatives from other credit union leagues also expressed their appreciation for the work being done in Maine, applauding our leadership in advancing financial education initiatives.
“Credit unions have a unique perspective on the financial challenges facing consumers because we’re so deeply rooted in the communities we serve,” shared Holmes. “Speaking at the NCSL about financial education was a chance to showcase how credit union-led, community-based solutions can improve financial well-being and why it’s important for policymakers to understand the impact credit unions make every day.”
Networking opportunities extended beyond the conference sessions. The evening before presenting, Holmes joined America’s Credit Unions and representatives from other leagues and associations. The gathering offered an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas about the work taking place in our respective states, discuss shared challenges, and explore common advocacy priorities facing the credit union movement.
During those conversations, Holmes also heard numerous compliments about the League’s own Government Affairs team. Many of the attendees participate in weekly calls with Jared Gay, Director of Advocacy & Compliance, and Ethan Barber, Manager of Governmental Affairs, and spoke highly of their collaboration, professionalism, and the strong working relationships they have already established with colleagues across the country as they advocate on behalf of credit unions.
In reflecting on the experience, Holmes found that the conference reinforced the important role credit unions play in advancing financial well-being and ensuring policymakers understand the value of community-based financial education.