Representatives from the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates recently joined representatives from credit unions in Alabama, Florida and Georgia in Washington, D.C., for the annual Hike the Hill.

Between Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, more than 60 credit union advocates discussed industry concerns with NCUA Board Member Todd Harper as well as policymakers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia on Capitol Hill.

 “It’s important for credit unions to come to the Hill to meet with members of congress and their staff,” said Jared Ross, executive president of advocacy at the LSCU & Affiliates. “While the League keeps a constant presence in D.C., hearing from their constituents always makes a difference to lawmakers. Credit unions need to be the ones telling the true credit union story, or banks will tell their own version.”

A recent increase in aggression from bankers across the country – and by the Florida Bankers Association in particular – in trying to fight the tax status of credit unions lent added significance to the messaging at this year’s Hike. Credit union representatives discussed the tax status issue with policy makers as well as the National Defense Authorization Act, the SAFE Banking Act and cybersecurity concerns.

Both Ross and Cindy Connelly, the executive vice president of government influence for LSCU & Affiliates, said the messages seemed well received. Connelly said the impressive turnout of representatives from credit unions in all three states gave the talking points added power at the Capitol.

“The personal involvement made by LSCU credit union leaders to attend the annual Hill Hike not only provides a powerful illustration of cooperation but emphasizes to our respective delegations the importance of the issues to our industry that the participants discussed with our elected officials,” Connelly said. “The annual fall trip provides credit unions an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our congressional delegations.”

Connelly, Ross and Jason Cochran, senior director of governmental affairs at LSCU & Affiliates, said they felt elected officials and staff from Alabama, Florida and Georgia seemed to understand how policy decisions could positively influence the lives of credit union members and their constituents. Many representatives pledged to continue an open dialogue with credit union advocates.

“We had one of the most successful Hike the Hills in recent history,” Cochran said. “Meeting with all the delegations, member after member reiterated his or her support for the credit union tax exemption and other priorities in Washington, D.C. We appreciate all of the credit unions that participated, because this type of success would not be possible without their involvement.”