Read more: National Mall a lesson in character …

NCUA Board Member Michael Fryzel spoke about thinking big, and used Washington's National Mall as a historical example. The land that is now a major tourist attraction, with grand monuments, museums and open space, was once a swampy garden with an open sewer and railroad tracks.

A 1901 Senate Commission researched and prepared the bold and radical plans. They were completed, but not without controversy and challenges.

“The story of America is the story of challenges faced and challenges wrestled. I can't tell you what challenges you are going to face, only that you will face them. But I believe you are as great as any challenge you face, because nearly all challenges are not natural disasters, but human-caused. Because they are human-caused, they can be human-fixed,” Fryzel said.

Read more: Washington gridlock isn't terminal …

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) said the record number of GAC attendees shows credit unions must believe, as she does, that thing can and still happen in Washington.

“I refuse to accept Washington is in terminal gridlock,” she said.

Sanchez, who serves on the House Ways & Means Committee, said her goals for tax reform included creating economic certainty and preserving the credit union tax exemption.

Read more: CUs are an economic cornerstone …

Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) comes from a geographically large district, larger than the state of Pennsylvania, she told her GAC audience Tuesday morning.

Kirkpatrick also represents the district with the most Native Americans. Her sprawling, rural district has economic challenges, but she said credit unions are the cornerstone of economic development in the area.

“You are key players in my vision of economic opportunity,” she said.

Kirkpatrick also voiced her support of the credit union tax exemption.

Read more: The passing of the gavel …

In the traditional passing of the gavel ceremony, outgoing CUNA Chairwoman Patricia Wesenberg handed over the symbol of office to newly elected Chairman Dennis Pierce, president/CEO of CommunityAmerica Credit Union in Lenexa, Kan.

Pierce then delivered his first address as chairman of the organization. He was elected Monday during CUNA's board meeting.