BOSTON – For the first time ever, corporate credit unions are participating in political conventions, and Association of Corporate Credit Unions Executive Director Mike Canning says so far it's been worth it. Corporates really have two representatives at the Democratic National Convention in Boston – Canning and U.S. Central SVP and General Counsel Francois Henriquez. "It was a difficult decision not to have corporate CEOs attend. We thought there was so much time of just standing around, that it would not be a good use of their time," said Canning. The ACCU and U.S. Central teamed with NAFCU to co-sponsor an event saluting Delaware Senator Tom Carper. It was held on the third floor of the historic Faneuil Hall and featured a concert by Little Feat. "We were able to socialize with a bunch of members of Congress and other trade association people, which is important," said Canning. For example Canning met with people from the National Association of Realtors who have their own battle going on with bankers. "I got them the tickets to last night's event and they got me tickets to an event surrounding national housing this afternoon. So there's a lot of trading and swapping going on. It really allows you to have solidarity with other interest groups in town," said Canning.