Election Watch 2006
Credit Union Political Spotlight
Phil Buell
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This month the spotlight falls on Superior Credit Union CEO, Phil Buell. Phil first realized the importance of political involvement in 1998 when the Supreme Court handed down its decision in the AT&T case. Ever since that time, he has been aware of the importance of not only federal politics, but local politics as well. He realizes the value of credit union involvement in local political and community events. When Phil hears a local county commissioner say “I’m seeing you guys everywhere”, he knows he and his fellow credit union members are doing their job. Due to his credit union’s sponsorship of legislative events held by the local Chamber of Commerce, they have been appointed to their legislative committee. This enhances their local political clout and visibility.
Phil’s political involvement led him to be invited to the luncheon when Rep. Mike Oxley (R-OH-4) announced his retirement. It was also no surprise to Phil when State Senator Jim Jordan announced he was going to run for Rep. Oxley’s seat. Phil and his colleague, Keith Eiden, had hosted Jim Jordan at their credit union in the past and knew he had planned to run when Rep. Oxley retired. Shortly after it became official that Jordan would run, Phil jumped in to help with his campaign. This early support, both financially and personally, helped Jordan easily outdistance himself from the other candidates in the Republican primary. Not only did Phil give his own personal money, but he also manned phone banks and put up yard signs. In addition to Phil’s personal work, Superior FCU hosted two fundraisers and the league gave CULAC money to Jordan’s campaign. Interestingly enough, his main competitor was a banker who self-financed his own campaign. Despite being outspent 2 to 1 by his opponent, Jim Jordan went on to win the primary by 20 percentage points. In addition to helping Jordan secure the primary nomination, Phil has also been involved with two other candidates; Matt Huffman (candidate for OH State Representative) and Steve Beuhrer (OH State Senator). He has hosted fundraisers for them, donated personal and corporate PAC money to their campaigns and done door-to-door canvassing in support of his candidates.
These experiences have taught Phil that political involvement can lead to advantageous relationships, both personally and professionally. He knows this is the most effective way to advocate the credit union difference in his community and make a good impression. He knows the community bankers are very good at building strong political relationships by creating a positive local image and it’s time for credit unions to do the same.
Phil Buell is the CEO of Superior FCU in Lima, OH serving 37,000 members. He has been the CEO of this community credit union since 2003. Prior to Superior, Phil served as the CEO of Midwest Community FCU in Defiance, OH. He is on the Board of the OH Credit Union League Defense Coalition, is the Board Secretary of Corporate One FCU, and is the current chairman of OH Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (OCULAC). In addition to credit union Boards, he also serves on the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, the Lima/Allen County Leadership Board of Directors, and Girl Scouts of Appleseed Ridge Board of Directors. Phil was also selected by CUNA to serve as the credit union representative during the House Financial Services Regulatory Relief Hearing in September, 2005.
Where will the "Political Spotlight" shine next? Please email us if you know an individual or group within the credit union movement who is engaged in the political process.
