On Tuesday evening, January 23 credit union staff and volunteers attended the ACUL-PAC Awards Dinner held in conjunction with the Arizona State Governmental Affairs Conference.

The Awards Dinner recognized Capitol Club Members, 100% Credit Union Board participation in along with a tribute to retiring Congressman Jim Kolbe for his longtime support of the credit union movement in Arizona and around the world as chairman of the Financial Ops Committee. A special lifetime Credit Union Advocate Award was presented to Gary Plank, President/CEO of the Arizona Credit Union System.

The conference was designed to provide credit union professionals with an exciting opportunity to interact with important legislators and policy-makers whose impact is felt in Arizona. It also provided credit union leaders with an overview of where government is headed in 2007, and will assist the lobbying efforts for credit union sponsored legislation.

One of the conference’s featured speakers was Christopher Kush, President of Soapbox Consulting who has trained thousands of citizens from all over the United States to effectively influence Congress, state and local governments. Christopher spent the morning empowering participants to become grassroots advocates.

Kate Abel, Political Program Specialist for CUNA provided information on political programs including CUNA’s political action committee, CULAC, as well as the payroll deduction fundraising program.

Conference attendees also had the opportunity to meet with their State Legislators to discuss credit union issues during the ACUS hosted barbeque lunch attended by over 190 participants, lawmakers and staff at the State Capitol.

“We are pleased with the turnout for this year’s State GAC. It gives attendees an opportunity to participate and provide input in the Arizona Credit Union League’s government relations efforts, stated Pat Bodnar, Senior Vice President.

For more information please contact Austin De Bey or Sandy Watts at (602) 264-6701.