Print
Though the 2018 Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) 2018 Governmental Affairs Conference is still nearly a month away, the two individuals selected to represent Maine as part of the 2018 Crash the GAC, are both looking forward to the experience. Last week, it was announced that Evergreen CU's Edward Budway and Infinity FCU's Christine Black were selected by the Cooperative Trust as Maine's GAC Crashers. This is the first year that Maine has had two individuals selected to Crash the GAC.
Budway, a Marketing Assistant at Evergreen CU, said he submitted his application to be considered for the Crasher Program because "I know there's a big credit union-powered movement out there fighting for regulatory freedom in order to better serve their members. Plus, a chance to attend a gigantic, week-long conference in our nation’s capital with boundless opportunity for growth, learning, and experience? To be a representative of Maine credit unions? Count me in."
Black, a Member Service Specialist in the CU's Bangor branch, had a similar motivation to apply. "I submitted an application for crash the GAC, because I am very passionate about the role that credit union’s play in the community. Credit Unions help drive social and economic change by providing financial education as well as quality products that help members achieve financial wellness. I felt so honored to be chosen for the opportunity to advocate for Credit Unions on Capitol Hill."
Elise Baldacci, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Maine CU League, said, "It's great to see young CU professionals excited about getting involved in legislative and political advocacy. We must get the next generation of credit union leaders involved and help them understand the importance that grassroots participation has in our legislative and political success. I look forward to spending time with Edward and Christine, and hearing about their experiences and ideas on how we can get more younger CU staff engaged in governmental affairs."