WASHINGTON-The two major credit union trade associations are at a crossroads as to how to handle further consideration of the Renaissance Commission results, to be approved by the board October 30. CUNA's Governmental Affairs Committee has amended its Renaissance Commission's Vision Statements to what NAFCU President and CEO Fred Becker said "appears" to be amenable to NAFCU's on-going positions, but wants CUNA to make its final decisions before it agrees with any of the results. On the other hand, CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica said that he would like NAFCU's input before the CUNA Board makes any final decisions. Mica sent a letter to Becker last week, requesting a meeting of the National Credit Union Legislative and Regulatory Coordinating Council, so the two trade associations could hold further discussions before final decisions are made. NAFCU, in a September 28 letter to Mica, said that it did have concerns about certain issues in the original Renaissance Commission draft, but according to Becker, "The Vision Statements have substantially changed [in the amended version]," and "appears to address" NAFCU's concerns. Becker said NAFCU's letter included an invitation for a face-to-face meeting of the Council. However, according to Mica (who had initially proposed a face-to-face meeting), an in-person meeting may not be possible due to scheduling conflicts; and he suggested a teleconference. Becker said that an in-person discussion offers some benefits in discussions that do not come across over the telephone. The two groups have also had conflicts as far as scheduling a teleconference. "I'm a little displeased at this point, but I hope we can get this on track," Mica commented. He feels that the credit union movement would be best served if credit unions and their organizations presented a unified front on the Renaissance Commission issues. In NAFCU's defense, Becker pointed out, "NAFCU has made every effort to participate." He noted that NAFCU presented its opinions at the first Renaissance Commission hearing, has met with CUNA through the Coordinating Council in February and August of this year, and is "trying to work with Dan through this process." Becker added that he feels the timing of the meeting is not right. "We don't want to intercede with CUNA's internal deliberation process.If I were going to make a decision on something, would it be appropriate for me to call CUNA and ask `what do you think of this before my board votes on this?' " he asked. By contrast, Mica feels it would be better " to workout or positions so there are no differences when our respective boards vote." He believes this is a realistic goal and "this is not something that takes brain surgery." However, if "one-ups-manship" is the goal, then it is impossible. "You don't hurt CUNA in this, you hurt credit unions," Mica said. "If trade association politics get in the way.that's a sad thing." He explained, "CUNA represents the entire credit union movement. Just because this is a `CUNA thing' doesn't mean they automatically have to oppose it.the work I am doing here is for the credit union movement. CUNA is just the vehicle." "I don't understand that," Becker responded. "We're not trying any one-ups-manship at all. And whether we oppose it depends on what they come up with." [email protected]