September 1,2000
Renaissance Commission gets down to business
The CUNA Renaissance Commission is beginning its work at a critical time in the history of the credit union movement as credit unions look forward to more effectively serving members, Commission Chairman Frank Pollack said Thursday in opening the group's organizational meeting.
"For our credit union, the work that this commission is about to do is critical," said Pollack, who is president and CEO of Pentagon FCU in Alexandria, Va. "We serve members all around the country, and our options in serving them need to match their expectations," he said.
Meeting in Washington, D.C., the 27 commissioners laid the groundwork for the commission's role and activities over the next 12 months. Pollack outlined an ambitious schedule that has the commission delivering recommendations to CUNA's Governmental Affairs Committee by June 2001. Among other things, the commissioners discussed how to tackle its work and meet the schedule, outlined the structure of the two public hearings it's planned, and more specifically planned the first hearing. The commission also discussed conducting several focus groups of credit union representatives, and others, to obtain more information.
CUNA President and CEO Daniel A. Mica told the assembled commissioners that the time is right for the commission to get down to work--and begin solidifying its legacy. "If you do your job, the name 'Renaissance Commission' will become part of the credit union lexicon," Mica said. "The credit union movement will be forever grateful for the work you are about to do."
CUNA Chairman Dave Maus told the group he senses an atmosphere of high hopes among credit unions, based on feedback he received from credit unions in the wake of the announcement of the Commission's establishment. "Right now, there's a high degree of emotion and enthusiasm for the task in front of you," he said.
The first public hearing of the Renaissance Commission will be held Oct. 2 with the CUNA 16th National CU Symposium and Annual Meeting in Chicago.
 | (From left) Renaissance Commission Chairman Frank Pollack, CUNA President Dan Mica, and CUNA Chairman Dave Maus listen and share comments during the commission's organizational meeting Thursday. |
