PHOENIX, Ariz. – Achieving 100% member participation in state League annual meetings is a "once in a lifetime achievement," claims the Arizona Credit Union League, and the organization was expected to mark that milestone at this year's conference in Tucson. The purpose: to show "complete unity and commitment" in the face of banker attacks, explained Gary L. Plank, president and CEO All 64 members agreed to attend the annual business meeting June 19 at a Tucson hotel and take part in a special document signing ceremony to demonstrate solidarity. "Our chairman, Brian Barkdull, suggested the idea that we in Arizona show we are unified in this struggle and are willing to commit resources," said Gary L. Plank, president and CEO. To help ensure smaller CUs (under $20 million) attend, the League and its foundation agreed to subsidize one day hotel's expense and registration fee. Plank said such an offer is probably unusual for a state League, but "there seems to be no better time than now" considering the organization must be prepared for what lies ahead from banker attacks. Arizona, dominated by large West Coast and Midwest banks and with fewer community banks, has been spared the worst of the banker onslaught taking place in legislative halls and the media elsewhere, but Plank said the League wants to be ready. In ensuring attendance, Barkdull, who also is president/CEO of Huachua FCU in Sierra Vista, urged 100% attendance to help foster "political involvement and awareness," said Plank. There are approximately 30 Arizona CUs at $20 million whose fees will be subsidized. "We just didn't want to hear any more from some of these credit unions that it was too expensive to come to the annual meeting," said Plank. At the business meeting, attendees will be asked to sign a "pledge" poster "of cooperation and commitment on behalf of all Arizona credit unions and their members," said the League. -

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