Credit unions from across Alabama gathered in Montgomery on February 23 – 25, for the Alabama Credit Union Association’s Alabama Advocacy Summit, coming together to engage with lawmakers and advance key priorities during the Alabama General Assembly session.
This year’s Summit brought together 149 attendees, representing credit unions from across the state, who convened to share the credit union difference with policymakers at the Alabama State Capitol. Participants engaged in advocacy-focused programming designed to strengthen their understanding of legislative issues impacting credit unions and the members they serve.
Notable attendees included Senator Garlan Gudger, vice chair on fiscal responsibility and economic development for Alabama State Senate, Brian Yates, head of state and local overnment affairs at Visa, and Sarah Moore, founder and principal of Sarah H. Moore and Associates. Members of The League’s advocacy team also led sessions focused on current policy priorities, emerging legislative trends, and effective strategies for engaging with lawmakers throughout the session.
“During the Summit, speakers, presentations, and discussions centered on our top legislative priorities, including protecting Alabamians from financial fraud, strengthening consumer protections, and ensuring a fair and competitive financial marketplace,” said Michelle Roth, vice president of advocacy at The League. “Engaging directly with lawmakers is essential to preserving financial choice, supporting local communities, and making sure credit unions can continue meeting the evolving needs of the people we serve.”
By expanding the Summit to include three-day programming, the Alabama Credit Union Association was able to dedicate additional time to advocacy training, issue education, and celebrating recent legislative and advocacy accomplishments. Attendees left better equipped to represent their credit unions and advocate on behalf of their members at the state level.
“The Alabama Advocacy Summit reinforced the importance of credit unions being present, informed, and engaged at the State Capitol,” said Caitlin Brothers, External Affairs Manager of Southern Energy Credit Union. “Direct dialogue with lawmakers helps ensure policies reflect the real needs of our members and communities and allows credit unions to continue delivering value in a competitive environment.”
The Alabama Credit Union Association also extends its gratitude to the system partners who helped make the Alabama Advocacy Summit possible, including TruStage, whose support continues to strengthen advocacy efforts across the credit union movement.