To begin the second day of NAFCU’s Congressional Caucus, CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle – who will lead the proposed America’s Credit Unions – joined NAFCU Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Greg Mesack for a fireside chat about credit union industry advocacy and the proposed CUNA/NAFCU merger.

Nussle detailed his passion for advocacy and noted that, should the merger be approved and America’s Credit Unions be formed, formulating a bold advocacy strategy and agenda for the association is top priority.

“Advocacy is existential for us as chartered institutions,” said Nussle. “We are completely immersed in the advocacy, regulatory, and legal arenas on a constant basis.”

When discussing whether transforming into one advocacy organization could impact the credit union voice, Nussle explained that, while competition has helped to “sharpen the saws” of both CUNA and NAFCU, “the ability to amass our precious resources and steward them as effectively as possible under one united message” will have a huge positive impact on the industry.

He also reiterated that America’s Credit Unions will be the best of both CUNA and NAFCU – rather than a CUNA 2.0 or a NAFCU 2.0. Following the fireside chat, Nussle answered attendee questions regarding the proposed merger during a live Q&A and will continue the conversation via recently announced virtual forums for CEOs.