INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Credit Union Foundation has selected Dallas Bergl of INOVA FCU (Elkhart) as the recipient of the 2012 Millie Cox Scholarship Award. The award recognizes one individual each year for political involvement efforts that protect and further credit union interests.
For many years, Bergl has served on the League’s Governmental Affairs Committee and he has been a key participant at the League’s Legislative Affairs Forum and at CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). He was key contact for former U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, serving on his finance committee and hosting fundraisers for Rep. Chocola in his home. During the last several years as former State Representative Jackie Walorski has campaigned twice for the U.S. House seat, Bergl developed a strong relationship with her and with her campaign which has helped put credit unions in a visible position. This past spring, he organized a successful credit union fundraiser for Walorski, who was elected in November.
“It is every credit union CEO’s responsibility to do all that they can to advocate for candidates that will carry the credit union torch for all of us,” said Bergl. “It does not matter what side of the aisle they are on, what matters is ensuring that there is a viable financial alternative to big banks so that consumers do not get exploited. This does not mean that every CEO has to be active in a political campaign, although that is a great thing to do; but raising money for our PACs and ensuring that their membership knows which candidate will protect their credit union if elected and meeting with politicians to tell our story are all important activities as well. It takes all of us working together to keep the bankers at bay.”
The award was established to honor former League VP of Governmental Affairs, Millie Cox, after her retirement and to recognize the political involvement that is so important for credit unions. Cox passed away in 2009 and she was posthumously inducted into the Indiana Credit Union Hall of Fame during the League’s 2012 Convention. The scholarship award covers expenses for the recipient to attend CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC).