Patrick La Pine, president/CEO of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU), welcomed America’s Credit Union Conference attendees at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida during Monday’s opening general session.

He says credit unions have taken advantage of Florida’s strong economy following the Great Recession.

“Every day, 1,000 people move to Florida,” La Pine says. “It’s been a great environment for credit unions.”

Today, assets of state-chartered credit unions exceed those of state-chartered banks, he adds. “Before the recession, there were double the number of community banks than there are today. Credit unions have filled that void,” he says. “Credit unions have become the hometown financial solution for Florida.”

LSCU, which serves credit unions in Florida and Alabama, soon will serve Georgia, La Pine says. The association will vote on the proposed merger during its annual meeting Wednesday.

“We’re looking forward to the next evolution of our trade association,” he says.

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