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Though Maine's credit unions have a presence in Augusta every day during the legislative session, representatives from credit unions are only in Augusta sporadically throughout the session to provide testimony occasionally and participate in the Maine CU League's Job Shadow a Legislator program. Otherwise, a team of lobbyists led by Elise Baldacci, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the League, provide strong representation for credit unions each day. While this approach is very effective, the opportunity to bring a large of credit union officials to Augusta is, as the famous commercial states, "Priceless."
(Pictured at left is a group from NorState FCU posing with Rep. Roland Martin in the Maine House, part of their CU Day experience last year.)
On Thursday, March 15, one of those priceless opportunities will come to fruition when the League hosts and coordinates the 2018 Maine CU Day at the State House. "There is nothing better than having legislators and credit unions connect to discuss issues of importance to credit unions, as well as challenges and opportunities unique to their various communities," Baldacci explained, adding, "Credit Union Day reinforces the positive impact that personal, face-to-face communications and interactions can have."
The 2018 Maine CU Day at the State House follows a very successful national advocacy event, the Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference. Baldacci is hoping to have an even stronger turnout on the state level. "We had nearly 110 Maine credit union representatives spend three or four days in Washington, so for a local event, we know we can have an even bigger turnout."
To better facilitate more opportunities for credit union attendees and legislators to connect, the League has expanded the hours for Maine CU Day with the event now taking place from 8 a.m. - Noon, in the Hall of Flags, at the State House. Baldacci noted that credit union officials can come for any amount of time that fits their schedule. "Our goal is to have a credit union representative from each region of the state, and the more that can attend, the better."
To register, please click here; download a registration form; or email Elise Baldacci.
The event will include breakfast, lunch and refreshments, as well as a Joint Resolution recognizing Maine CUs, and opportunities to sit in the House and/or Senate chambers to watch the Legislature in action.