Iowa Credit Union Leaders Advocate in Washington, D.C.

November 20, 2024

Iowa credit union executives and ICUL staff traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to meet with Iowa's federal delegation and their staff. The annual trip is a cornerstone of ICUL’s Principal Key Contact (PKC) program, which pairs each Iowa elected official with a credit union leader from their district to foster collaborative relationships.

Representing Iowa’s credit unions were Linda Andry (Ascentra Credit Union), Dave Cale (Financial Plus Credit Union), Renee Christoffer (Veridian Credit Union), Joe Hearn (Dupaco Community Credit Union), Greg Hanshaw (Community 1st Credit Union), and Scott Zahnle (Greater Iowa Credit Union). They were joined by ICUL staff members Murray Willams, Justin Hupfer, and Madison Grady.

This year’s trip was especially timely, as critical credit union legislation and amendments were under consideration in both the House and Senate chambers as the end of the congressional session nears. Iowa credit union leaders were able to speak with the Iowa delegation about credit and debit card interchange and the negative effects the Credit Card Competition Act would have on Iowa credit unions and their members. Additionally, other discussions highlighted the importance of regulatory relief to support credit unions’ ability to serve their communities effectively.

Another key focus was fraud prevention efforts. Iowa’s credit union leaders shared insights on their proactive measures to protect members from financial fraud, showcasing the innovative steps credit unions are taking to ensure financial security.

These meetings reinforce the vital role credit unions play in shaping public policy and ensuring the voices of Iowa members are heard at the federal level. Through the PKC program, Iowa’s credit union leaders continue to advocate for policies that empower credit unions to better serve their communities.