Study: CUNA/Leagues = Most Influential DC Financial Services Advocates Posted by Association of Vermont Credit Unions on 11:23 AM

CUNA and the State League system are seen as the most influential financial services organizations and one of the most effective advocacy organizations in Washington, according to an independent study conducted by Ballast Research (formerly National Journal Research). This is the 2nd year in a row CUNA is the leading association at representing the interests of its members, due to its success in creating the credit union narrative and sharing their story among Washington policymakers.

Association of Vermont Credit Unions president Joe Bergeron commented on the study, saying that AVCU is "fortunate to be part of such a highly regarded advocacy team, both in Washington, DC.  In  Montpelier, VT we shoulder all of the responsibility for safeguarding Vermont credit unions and their members, and garner similar regard from statehouse officials."

Ballast Research gathers policymakers’ perceptions for the 100 of the most prominent advocacy organizations.  The research findings are based on two key measurements:

• Long-term reputation, which is calculated by a combination of scores in four distinct measures: respect, consideration, influence and sharing; and
• Advocacy tools/tactics to include media, lobbying and research.

More than 1,200 policymakers were surveyed, and more than 400 senior policymakers were interviewed for the 2018 report.

Other highlights of the study include:

• CUNA is named number one #1 in representing the views of credit unions among organizations studied;
• For the 3rd year in a row, the CUNA-League System is rated the most influential financial services organization among organizations studied;
• Policymakers have greater respect for CUNA’s role in policymaking than its peers;
• Policymakers see CUNA as the best in the industry – and in the top 25% of all associations studied – at talking about the financial services industry in ways that matter;
• CUNA leads all associations studied in representing the voice of its membership for the second year in a row; 
• Significantly more so than its peers, policymakers see CUNA as setting high standards for the financial services industry and pushing industry practices that are beneficial to consumers
• In a comparison of the 48 most prominent associations in the study, CUNA and the leagues’ reputation is rated number nine by Washington’s senior policymakers.