Economic update added, pre-conference workshop set for state Government Affairs Conference

The State Government Affairs Conference, Jan 22-23 in Madison, is a must-attend event to protect the interests of the 2.3 million credit union members in our state. Most credit unions and Activists will qualify for at least one of our registration discounts. Plus, we've added an economic update from one of the state's top economists, John Koskinen, and detailed the pre-conference workshop agenda that will super-charge the experience for young professionals.

John Koskinen, Chief Economist with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, will offer insights on the health of our local economy in 2013.

John Koskinen, Chief Economist with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (right), will offer insights on the health of our local economy in 2013. He'll share what different sectors of the economy – like construction and manufacturing – may experience as well as the prospects for recent graduates and what credit unions can expect by way of unemployment and economic growth in the first part of next year.

Attendees will also hear from award-winning University of Wisconsin Professor Charles Franklin, who will share post-election analysis from his nationally recognized Marquette Law School Poll and Jeff Mayers, President of WisPolitics.com, who will facilitate a panel discussion on politics and policies.

You'll also want to attend to help honor a long-time friend of credit unions, Racine Mayor and former League Director of Government Affairs John Dickert, who will receive a plaque recognizing his efforts to promote credit union business lending.

Young Professionals and first-time attendees will benefit from the pre-conference workshop that includes an intimate chat with legislators, Activist training and a panel of Activist speakers offering "best practice" ideas for increasing credit unions' political clout.

Your attendance is critical in that it will help:

Define the CU movement for lawmakers. Attendees will visit collectively with all 132 legislative offices to ensure our lawmakers understand the differences between credit unions and banks, the current regulatory environment and challenges facing your credit union and members.

Introduce legislators to new credit unions they represent. After the election and recent redistricting, there are lawmakers that are new and lawmakers that are representing new communities. Attend the State GAC to introduce these lawmakers to your credit union and communities and strengthen relationships with returning lawmakers. Then continue fostering these connections with additional follow-up year-round!

Offer guidance ahead of the budget process. The state budget process is critical in that measures that affect credit unions can become part of this massive legislation, making it difficult to call attention to each individual issue. By sharing our priorities and building relationships from the beginning, we ensure that legislators appreciate credit unions' perspectives and value and protect our issues.

Introduce yourself to top policy influencers. Learn directly from state lawmakers who—through their committee and leadership roles—influence financial institutions.

Take advantage of $99 registration for young professionals (includes a pre-conference workshop Jan. 21), first-timers and Conduit Account holders. Also get up to a free registration by being a payroll deduction CU and additional free registrations for each five new employees added to the program in 2012.