March 11, 2008 With more than 75 representatives from Maine's credit unions in attendance at a special breakfast in Washington, D.C., Senators Snowe and Collins, Congressman Michaud and a top legislative staffer from Congressman Allen's office, the Congressman was in Maine to be with his wife as she begins treatment for cancer, all recognized the commitment and dedication of Maine's credit unions to the "financial and social well-being of Maine consumers." Held in conjunction with the Credit Union National Association's Annual Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., this year's breakfast took place on Tuesday, March 4, in the historic room that hosted a number of high-profile events in the country's history, including the Investigation into the sinking of the Titanic and the Watergate hearings.
"During difficult times, credit unions do and mean even more to the communities and people they serve and no place is that more evident than in Maine. The fact that nearly half of Maine's population uses a credit union for financial services emphasizes the high regard with which credit unions are held by the people of Maine. The mission of credit unions is about helping people and that is demonstrated in communities across Maine," observed Senator Snowe in her remarks.
Senator Collins said, "I commend the efforts of credit unions in helping their members in tough economic times. Credit unions know their members and are locally positioned to respond to their unique needs. For example, high fuel prices are having a tremendous impact on thousands of Mainers and a number of credit unions have introduced special fuel assistance loans with low or no-interest. That highlights the difference between credit unions and other financial institutions."
Congressman Michaud, the nation's only member of Congress who has served on a credit union board and remains an honorary credit union board member, stated, "Credit unions do so much for their members, simply by doing what is right. Maine credit unions are active advocates for their members by working with them to help them be successful. I know the positive role that using a credit union has meant to me and I thank you for playing a positive role in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Maine people."
The President of the Maine Credit Union League, John Murphy, extended appreciation to the Maine Congressional delegation for "understanding and recognizing the value of credit unions. The relationship between Maine's credit unions and our members of Congress is built upon trust, respect and a willingness to have regular and meaningful communications that focus on the best interests of Maine's 600,000 credit union members."
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