Ending the GAC With a Smile

All too soon, it was the last day of the GAC...





















Al Roker, of Today Show fame closed the GAC with a humorous but "real" talk, focusing on life with children, the partnership of marriage, and how to make the most out of life.
















Me and Alan Arai (Valley Isle Community FCU) in the National Mall, where approximately 1.6 million people stood for President Obama's inauguration.

















Alan & Carol Arai, me, and Mel Chiba (Kauai Community FCU) in front of our hotel.

Hope to see everyone again next year! Stay tuned in the next few days for a complete wrap-up of the GAC.

The Day in Pictures

I apologize for the pictures-only post today. It's been a long, long day, and it's way past my bedtime. So here's some images for now!

GAC Day 2...State Pride, Pundits, & Breakout Sessions

Gordon Sam (Pearl Harbor FCU), and League President Dennis Tanimoto carry the Hawai'i Flag proudly in today's State Flag Ceremony.















Following the opening ceremony, we were treated to a political "showdown" by CNN's Paul Begala on the left, and MSNBC's Tucker Carlson on the right. They discussed everything from the great opportunity offerred by our "Land of Opportunity", to President Obama's first thirty days in office. It was a refreshing and down-to-earth take on both sides of the aisle.

Today's breakout sessions featured everything from economic forecasts to dealing with the local press. Possible upcoming interchange regulation legislation was discussed in the interchange session, which would likely be reintroduced by Senator Durbin in the near future. A rundown of the 111th Congress introduced attendees to effective ways to communicate our message to new members. NCUA held a large breakout session, where they answered tough questions.

It was another breezy day in DC, with temperatures hovering near 35. Tomorrow, look for a recap of our visits to Capitol Hill!

The View From the GAC

Bob and Lee Woodruff share their amazing story during today's opening ceremonies.
















Gordon Sam (Pearl Harbor FCU) and Mike Leach (HCUL) at State Flag ceremony rehearsal.

FEC/Ethics Training

Attended CUNA's FEC/Ethics Training session today. Lots of important information regarding federal lobbying/ethics laws, and FEC guidelines relating to CULAC. Should you need information regarding this subject, please contact me.

GAC officially begins tomorrow, bright & early!

Blogging from the GAC!

Just arrived in Washington, D.C. for the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference. Not much to report yet, except for the extremely frigid weather.

Stay tuned for more from the GAC!

Highlights of Mayor's State of the City Address

1. No expected furloughs or layoffs.
2. People in appointed positions and the Mayor himself will work without pay 1 day a month.
3. Mayor will convene a citizens panel to explore a possible merger of the Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services.
4. Rail will happen, and will bring with it approximately $1 billion in jobs and contracts.