It's Time to Unite to Face Tax Challenge

In light of the recent House Ways and Means Hearing and the grilling by Chairman Thomas, maybe it is time for our industry to take a look at our long range goals and plans. It could never be more apparent that the majority of Americans have little understanding of how a credit union is different from a bank. Our collective industry is one of a multitude of fractured acronyms that rarely can agree, let alone work towards the same goal. Developing a collective goal and/or vision could never be more paramount for success in our movement. One would surmise that if nationally members and non-members alike cannot discern the credit union difference, who will we be able to rely upon when the next onerous legislator decides his re-election coffers are thin. If we want to have the biggest stick, we need to come together as a movement and have a focused national publicity campaign. The problem is large and so should be the solution, I challenge the leadership of our movement to develop a plan that can be adopted by credit unions of all size and structure to ensure the future choice of all American consumers. The leadership of our movement has been successful in the past and we need to once again unite and create an informed public who will champion our cause forward. As non-profit entities we are the best kept secret in America and it is now incumbent upon us to change that fact. Dean Wilson President/CEO Wauwatosa Credit Union Menomee Falls, Wis.