The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) welcomed more than 650 attendees and  nearly 200 exhibitors to for its their 88th annual convention, April 19-21.   

This year’s convention focused heavily on the league’s continuing state and federal advocacy efforts. Members of the ICUL advocacy team provided a legislative and regulatory update during the event. The session highlighted the progress achieved by the league’s advocacy efforts over the past year, despite a highly contentious legislative session in Springfield. The advocacy team also reviewed the regulatory issues that are currently impacting credit unions. 

“As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts, ICUL staff presented our annual federal and state legislative and regulatory update during the League’s Annual Convention, which was very well attended,” said Keith Sias, ICUL senior vice president of governmental affairs.  

Added Stephen Olson, ICUL executive vice president and chief advocacy counsel: “We provide credit unions with information regarding bills we have initiated on their behalf, but we also feel it is important to let them know about bills we oppose because of the operational burden they would generate.”  

In that regard, Ashley Sharp, ICUL vice president of state advocacy and legislative counsel, presented details regarding several initiatives, including efforts to negotiate an acceptable resolution concerning the new Unclaimed Property Act administered by the State Treasurer.  

Adam Engelman, CUNA grassroots manager, provided attendees with information about new national advocacy programs meant to enhance the credit union grassroots movement and make lobbying more effective. 

Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.) addressed more than 130 convention attendees during Saturday morning’s Credit Union Political Action Council (CUPAC) breakfast. Hultgren said that he is happy to be a friend of credit unions and believes in the credit union mission. He provided a status report on pending bills of interest to credit unions and appreciated the joint letter sent by ICUL and Illinois banking trade associations on S.2155. He promised he would continue to support credit unions in their fight for regulatory relief.