Washington Advocates: All in for Advocacy at Credit Union Day at the Capitol

January 30, 2024

The credit union family showed up in big numbers for Washington’s Credit Union Day at the Capitol Jan. 30. It was impossible to miss the fact that the day belonged to CU advocates — the famous blue and yellow scarves were everywhere. So was the good news to share with policymakers about credit unions’ services to rural and metro communities, services for underserved communities, free financial education, and lending that helps Washingtonians buy vehicles, farm equipment, and homes, and to open small businesses.

Doing the Honors

Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), himself the owner of four small businesses, was presented with the GoWest 2023 Community Impact Award for his support of credit unions serving Washingtonians during the last legislative session.

During the morning program before advocates went to the capitol building to meet with lawmakers, GoWest recognized Jennifer Kutcher, WECU’s President and CEO, as the 2023 Advocate of the Year. She promotes a strong internal advocacy culture for the WECU team, has testified in legislative hearings to support CU priorities, and regularly hosts legislators in her credit union. (Jennifer could not be present for the event; Reid Fredrick accepted the award for his colleague.)

For full engagement in advocacy committees, political fundraising, attendance at advocacy events such as Day at the Capitol and the National Governmental Affairs Conference, WECU and HAPO credit unions were presented with awards as 2023 Top of the Hill credit unions.

But on this historic day in Olympia, all advocates were on top of their advocacy game, and every credit union in Washington was truly represented by the well-prepared advocates who were part of Washington’s 2024 Credit Union Day at the Capitol!

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Washington Advocacy.