Credit union associations in US states offer a slew of opportunities for positive exposure for your business. In addition to credit union members of the federal credit union associations, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other national credit union association members, including businesses and government organizations that support the credit union movement.

Affiliation with credit union organizations provides lobbying and network opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interest, while you support the industry. Membership in U.S. credit union associations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional credit union associations offer even more chances to network with local business and banking leaders in your community. Use your membership in credit union associations in US states in a number of different ways.

1. Expand your network through credit union organizations

2. Support the industry by participating in a credit union national association

3. Stay informed with United States credit union associations’ publications

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in a national credit union association

Federal credit union associations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At these U.S. credit union associations' events, as well as though various committees in which you could participate, you will have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support the non-profit banking industry. The business leaders could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: The Neutral Network is an information technology credit union association that links credit unions nationwide through a single source. Membership allows you to attend national IT seminars and conferences. The National Credit Union Foundation gives members a philanthropic venue while exposing them to other business leaders.

Show your interest by joining U.S. credit union organizations

Especially if you hope to do business with any US credit union associations and their members, you will want to express your support as well as meet the leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in credit union organizations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The Credit Union National Association is organization in which nearly 90 percent of credit unions nationally belong. You can participate in the Credit Union National Association through a number of committees, including legislative, regulatory, research and media relations. The National Association of Credit Unions is an association for U.S. credit union industry leaders that is an influential trade association with no local or regional chapters.

Keep your company in the loop with U.S. credit union associations

While you may not have time to participate in one more trade group or volunteer on another committee, you can take advantage of membership in credit union organizations through the myriad publications they put out. By keeping up with the reports and news in the industry, you can pick and choose which events will be most beneficial for you to attend while keeping updated on changes or news that affect the association for United States credit union industry.

I recommend: Credit Union Journal can send you email alerts on breaking industry news and regular news and analysis affecting the industry. A subscription also gives you access to the Journal’s searchable database. Credit Union Times offers readers regular news and reports and a weekly podcast with industry leaders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Send your top management team and salespeople to various regional credit union associations and US credit union associations so that your company is well-represented at every possible venue.