Monday, April 22, 2013

Advocacy ‘Key’ for Credit Union ONE


Kieran Marion, Michigan Credit Union League vice president of legislative
and regulatory affairs, introduces political activism panelists Steve Dedene,
left, of Credit Union ONE, Lon Bone of Genisys CU and Cheryl
Sclater of ELGA CU.

Ferndale, Michigan – As an advocate for its members, Credit Union ONE is always concerned about political issues and how they may affect the membership of the credit union.

At the Michigan Governmental Affairs conference held on April 9-10th in Lansing, over 125 credit union leaders convened to hear from their state legislators and to discuss issues that are pertinent to credit unions.

One of the highlights of the conference was a panel discussion on political activism and how to create and foster a culture of advocacy for employees and members of credit unions. Credit Union ONE had the honor of being one of three credit unions that were asked to be part of the panel based on the cutting edge advocacy initiatives that it is currently using.

Credit Union ONE launched an internal advocacy blog for its employees late in 2012 that keeps them abreast of the latest developments on the political front, as well as gives them the opportunity to take part in reaching out to legislators to either thank them or ask for their support when necessary. The credit union also reaches out to its members and gives them the information they need to contact lawmakers about important credit union issues, and to keep them informed with impactful information. Lastly, as part of the media strategy of the credit union, legislators received every news release that is issued by the credit union to keep Credit Union ONE top of mind with them.

Said Steve Dedene, Manager of Compliance and Regulation at Credit Union ONE, “Our employees and members really appreciate being kept up to date on political issues and the opportunity to be able to correspond with our governmental representatives. Advocacy is a key initiative for the credit union, and the response from the legislators in regards to our efforts has been phenomenal.”

Credit Union ONE, headquartered in Ferndale Michigan for seventy-five years, offers a wide array of financial services and access to over 30,000 ATM’s nationwide, serving 106,000 members, with eighteen offices in three major metropolitan areas, including Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. For more information go to cuone.org or "like us" on Facebook

Contact Judi Desilets, Director of Public Relations for Credit Union ONE, 248-584-5224, Judi_Desilets@cuone.org