Umholtz: It's About Options, Not Money

It is very clear to me that we see the issue of charter options very differently. Neither of us is likely to change the other’s point of view. One of these days I would like to hear more detail about your definition of “credit union philosophy.” It has been my experience that if you put 100 CEOs and volunteers in a room and ask for a common definition, you will get 200 varied responses. Frankly, I am comfortable with that diversity and hope we never settle for one definition. I prefer to see each credit union’s leaders define and re-define credit union philosophy by their actions each and every day. I also find it unfortunate that you have met so many unpleasant people during your career. For the record, my work with the Coalition for Credit Union Charter Options is structured similar to a consultant and client relationship. My involvement is driven by support for charter choice and not by money. I have no credit union consulting clients that want to convert to a mutual structure. I do not own bank stock. I don’t intend to invest in any former credit union’s stock. Neither I nor the Coalition for Credit Union Charter Options has deep pockets. What we have is an abundance of commitment to ensure all strategic choices remain viable, including conversion. The Coalition for Credit Union Charter Options clearly states its mission on its web site www.ccuco.org as “an education and advocacy group formed to represent the interests of credit unions that want to preserve charter choice under reasonable rules and at a reasonable cost. We promote and defend the right of credit unions to choose the type of financial services charter and organizational structure that best suits the needs of their customers and the communities they serve.” I know that I am not the only credit union industry leader who believes in promoting and defending choices. The Coalition for Credit Union Charter Options welcomes their involvement. Marvin C. Umholtz Membership Director Coalition for Credit Union Charter Options Castle Rock, Colo.