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As our group of nearly 30 individuals from all over the state get ready to depart for Hike the Hill this week, communicating the credit union difference is top of mind. Starting Tuesday morning, we will be meeting with Senators Collins and King, and Representatives Polliquin and Pingree. Thankfully each of them are credit union supporters, and so winning them over to our side won't be the key issue.
Instead, our mission will be to hit on the importance of reducing regulatory burdens (including the CFPB), enabling credit unions to do more for small businesses and, of course, protecting our tax status. We'll address other issues too, such as the Equifax breach, and foreclosure and mortgage reform to name just a couple. We have a strong contingent going to tell our story, and am confident we will make a positive impact.
Whether in DC or back home, that impact relies on being able to effectively communicate the credit union difference. As financial cooperatives, we are different. Our foundation is rooted in people coming together for a common purpose, rolling up their collective sleeves and taking control of their own financial futures. Our cooperative principles are alive and well today. As a result, credit unions are economic engines of their communities because of their willingness to support members, especially those of modest means, and small business owners get that new piece equipment, build a building or simply grow.
Our difference matters, and will be critical as work with our legislators to maximize the good credit unions can do for the people and communities in Maine. I'm looking forward to Hike the Hill, bolstered by our difference as financial cooperatives, and our strong group of credit union professionals and volunteers to carry our message and make the case for our issues.
(Note, if you haven't reviewed them for a while, you can see the Seven Cooperative Principles for Credit Unions them on CUNA's site at https://www.cuna.org/Footer/About-CUNA/Seven-Cooperative-Principles-for-Credit-Unions/).