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NCUA Hosts Access Across America Summit in Norfolk, VA.

Chairman JoAnn Johnson joins Congresswoman Thelma Drake, federal officials in highlighting the importance of credit unions, especially to the military.

Alexandria, VA, October 5, 2006 – National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Chairman JoAnn Johnson hosted the second Access Across America Economic Empowerment Summit of 2006 in Norfolk, VA. on Tuesday. The summit highlighted resources available to credit unions in order to expand financial services to their members by partnering with federal agencies and non-profit organizations. Serving the unique needs of the military was emphasized throughout the summit.

Chairman JoAnn Johnson was joined by Congresswoman Thelma Drake, along with officials from the federal government, private, and non-profit sector to discuss issues important to the credit union system. Credit union officials in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and surrounding states were invited to attend the free one-day summit.

Access Across America was established to promote partnership opportunities with federal agencies and facilitate the extension of affordable financial services to individuals, communities, and underserved areas across America.

The featured panels included:

• Serving Military and Underserved Areas
• Lending and Savings Best practices
• Health Savings Accounts
• Data security and Consumer Protection

Participating federal agencies included the Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Also presenting were representatives from the Virginia Credit Union League, Neighbor Works America, CUNA Mutual Group, Marine Federal Credit Union, Chart way Federal Credit Union, Coastal Federal Credit Union, Community Federal Credit Union, Co Vantage Federal Credit Union, and Newport News Shipbuilding Employees Credit Union.

“I commend those who attended the summit for their active interest in finding new and better ways to serve their members. The very essence of credit unions is member service, and I am hopeful that credit union officials in attendance will use information gained at our Access Across America meeting to enhance their outreach. Credit unions already do much, and I am confident they can do more, to help consumers achieve their goals," noted Chairman Johnson.

Congresswoman Thelma Drake (VA-2) served as the lunchtime Keynote speaker. During her remarks, she praised credit unions for their commitment to service, especially to the military community. “I appreciate Congresswoman Drake for recognizing the important role credit unions have in the lives of our brave men and women in uniform,” said Chairman Johnson. “Her service on the House Armed Services committee has truly highlighted the importance of maintaining the financial well being of the military community. Congresswoman Drake did an outstanding job encouraging and motivating the guests to continue striving to serve credit union members.”

The National Credit Union Administration, governed by a three-member board, is the independent federal agency that charters and supervises federal credit unions. NCUA, with the backing of the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, operates the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), insuring the savings of 82 million account holders in all federal credit unions and many state-chartered credit unions.