Unitus Has Its GAC 2018 Crasher!

Portland, Ore., February 22, 2018 – Unitus Community Credit Union is pleased to announce that Blaine Bartholomew has been selected to attend Crash the GAC 2018 by The Cooperative Trust and Credit Union National Association to represent the Northwest Credit Union Association!

“I could not be more excited to represent Unitus Community Credit Union, Oregon credit unions, and young professionals in the credit union movement,” said Bartholomew, Assistant Vice President of Member Experience. “I am very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the GAC.”

Crash the GAC is a career-changing program for credit union young professionals that allows them to experience CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference in a dynamic way with exclusive networking opportunities and mentoring sessions with industry leaders, previously from organizations such as Filene Research Institute, National Credit Union Foundation, Credit Union National Association, and CUNA Mutual Group.

“The work the crashers are doing is so important in helping to bring open, honest and transparent financial services to more communities around the world.”

“The Crashers program is great for young credit union professionals, for GAC, and for the entire movement,” said CUNA CEO and President Jim Nussle. “The Crashers get to network and participate in the premier event of the credit union industry, the GAC benefits from their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives, and the movement is invigorated by a new generation of fired-up advocates who have learned how to reach out to legislators to effect change.”

Credit Union National Association provides Crashers with a complimentary registration fee to attend the conference, and many state leagues and associations provide scholarships or other financial assistance. This year 78 Crashers will attend Crash the GAC, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are proud to have one of Unitus’ own representing the credit union movement in Washington, D.C. this year,” said Steven Stapp, President and CEO of Unitus. “The work the crashers are doing is so important in helping to bring open, honest and transparent financial services to more communities around the world.”

“As we continue to grow The Cooperative Trust and Crash opportunities, we’re always challenging ourselves to elevate and advance the program to provide the most impact for young professionals and the credit union system,” says Lauren Culp, Manager of The Cooperative Trust. “We know that it’s more important than ever that young people have a voice and are included in the conversation as we look to the future of our industry. This year, thanks to the generous donations of several forward-thinking credit unions, we’re thrilled to provide the Crash the GAC opportunity to an additional 26 young professionals.”

The Crash the GAC is brought to you by The Cooperative Trust and CUNA, in association with Credit Union Leagues/Associations.

About The Cooperative Trust

The Cooperative Trust, with its award-winning Crash programming, is the international community of young credit union professionals, brought to you by Filene Research Institute and made possible by Credit Union National Association. To learn more, check it out live at http://trust.coop/.

About Filene

Filene Research Institute is an independent, consumer finance think and do tank dedicated to scientific and thoughtful analysis about issues affecting the future of credit unions, retail banking and cooperative finance. Filene is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Nearly 1,000 members make the Institute’s research, innovation and impact programs possible.

About CUNA

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions, which are owned by more than 100 million consumer members. CUNA, along with its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, delivers unwavering advocacy, continuous professional growth and operational confidence to protect the best interests of all credit unions. For more information about CUNA, visit cuna.org.

About Unitus Community Credit Union

Unitus Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution serving people living or working in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Benton, Columbia, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Linn and Lane counties in Oregon and the state of Washington. Additional information about Unitus is available at www.unitusccu.com or by calling (800) 452-0900.

Media Contact

Laurie Kresl
lkresl@unitusccu.com
503-423-8310