CEO Update: DCUC is a Stronger Trade Association Now Than Ever Before!

​Having completed the first year of our three-year strategic plan, DCUC is reviewing its recent accomplishments across the board, vis-à-vis specific milestones and desired conditions. I knew long before preparing my annual presidential report that our association has accomplished many things over the last year. However, as I started linking outcomes with objective throughout our plan, it was amazing how much progress and growth DCUC experienced in 2024.

Last year was a phenomenal year. Without a shadow of a doubt: DCUC is the strongest we have ever been in our entire history!
​
We are much more invigorated by what we’ve been able to accomplish amidst a changing industry environment, the aftermath of the Presidential election, and many challenging situations we successfully navigated along the way. Yet, we are not resting on any internal or industry laurels. We continue to pick up momentum, share and grow in our mission, and drive results for our members and the entire industry. Given our success, we are confident 2025 will be another break-out year for DCUC and our member credit unions!

Today:

• Our letters to Congress, the NCUA, and DoD continue to drive a new industry standard which forces others to match our pace—a testament to our dedication with our small but highly capable staff and limited operating budget.
• Our prompt press releases and articles are leading the industry’s ability to shape conversations on the Hill, especially as we respond to attacks or proposals that threaten our industry.
• Our member communications and accessibility (CEOs know how to directly connect with me) have filled an important void in our industry. We know and prioritize the importance of clear and open lines of communication with each of our member credit unions.
• Our conferences and events continue to improve and inspire our member credit unions. In fact, sponsorship offers are increasing as a result. Plus, we emphasize “win-win” in each of our unique partnerships and shared goals.
• Our dues remain the lowest in the industry despite the growing value of DCUC’s advocacy, representation, resources, and networking provided to our members!

We are proud to be an association committed to measurable impacts that yield results: dollar-for-dollar, and person-to-person.

Maybe this sounds a bit prideful, but as we all can relate, when you commit to goals, push through challenges or adversity, and see the results of perseverance and good faith—being proud is well-earned! Plus, if we don’t celebrate our shared success, who will?

In the last year, I’ve seen and heard how DCUC’s efforts and results have garnered the attention of others in the industry, encouraging their stride, and influencing more voices to take shape. This is something we value as well! On the flip side, celebrating wins or influence earned by hard work and determination will always bring some scrutiny. While some may resort to labeling this as “showboating,” it doesn’t distract us from our responsibility to share with our members how their investment is rewarded with higher levels of value as we push forward!

We’re doing exactly what our members pay us to do. Plus, a basic tenet of being a trade association is advocating for ALL members, not just one member, a select group, and no favorites here. DCUC advocates for ALL members along with all that encompasses for the rest of the movement. This is the centerpiece of success in implementing our strategy.

I recently heard a well-known industry speaker say, “I am surprised you’re surprised” when people have a hard time understanding their current situation. We know exactly why we are here. So, I am surprised people are surprised to
see a “niche” trade association transform into a credible and capable industry alternative.

We will push forward to ensure our movement together remains strong and successful. DCUC’s growth has never been about divisiveness. It is based on being decisive, minimizing consequences, while always emphasizing why our members do what they do. Our industry will have a stronger future when we keep things that simple.

Highlighting our success is not showboating. Comments and labels, both positive and negative, regarding DCUC’s transformation simply affirm our efforts. We see both as recognition that we are serving our mission well and building our momentum within our industry. It is an exciting time to be a part of DCUC!

We are not the same organization we were in 2017, our impact and value has grown immensely. I guarantee next year we will be even stronger!

If you know of other credit unions looking for an alternative voice on Capitol Hill, or throughout the Executive Branch, we encourage you to recommend DCUC. We have a tremendous opportunity for affiliate members both at the federal and state levels.

You can always pay more for your advocacy needs, but you will not find a better deal anywhere in the industry.

Please direct all membership inquiries to me—I’m always available to current members and prospective members. A trade association president should be accessible, and I take that commitment seriously.

Once again, thank you for your support! We wouldn’t be where we are today without it, and we will never take it for granted!

A final note: If you haven’t already registered, there's still time to join us for our 2025 Defense Matters on Tuesday, March 4, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. You’ll enjoy a networking lunch buffet, followed by two engaging discussions with insights from Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) Majority Whip U.S. House of Representatives, and DCUC’s advocacy panel covering our top priorities to prepare you to hike the hill.