ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson recently announced that the agency is initiating a series of free summits on economic empowerment under the Access Across America program. The first Access Across America Economic Empowerment Summit is slated for Milwaukee, Wis., July 20-21. The day and a half summit will focus on initiatives for creating economic empowerment in communities and the federal resources available. Johnson invited credit unions from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota to attend the Milwaukee event. “The summit will bring together the public and private sectors to discuss the underlying issues affecting economic empowerment,” Johnson said. “We plan to provide an overview of resources available for credit unions to augment their outreach efforts to promote financial education, homeownership, and member business lending. NCUA looks forward to facilitating this summit, so credit unions in the Midwest may have greater access to resources as they help families achieve the American Dream of financial self-sufficiency.” Fellow NCUA Board Member Debbie Matz will be helping to open the summit. “From federal agencies to community-based organizations, we are working to connect credit unions with partners who can offer innovative programs to current and potential members who need affordable financial services the most,” she said. “We hope to inspire credit unions to form creative partnerships that will leverage their resources and help members build wealth that they in turn can pass on to future generations of loyal members.” Panels during the summit will cover key topics, including financial education, homeownership, member business lending, and partnering opportunities. The second day will focus on effective grant writing and serving underserved areas. “Many credit unions do not have the resources available to apply for the numerous grants available through NCUA and other government entities. This session will assist credit unions to more effectively prepare for the granting process available from both public and private organizations,” Johnson said. Other participating agencies include the Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and Treasury, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, and Small Business Administration. The program targets CEOs, as well as volunteers. More information and registration materials are available at www.ncua.gov or e-mail [email protected]. The next event is scheduled for September in New Mexico. -

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