Seattle Children’s and seven other Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will benefit

TACOMA, Wash.  — Hundreds of credit union leaders raised $628,226.49, for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals during a gala auction Oct. 17. The credit union community is gathered in Tacoma for the Northwest Credit Union Association’s (NWCUA) MAXX Convention in Tacoma this week. The grand total was announced during the closing session of MAXX today.

While exploring technology and other innovative services to offer to their 6.5 million consumer members in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, the credit union community at MAXX Convention also focused on its community impact “DNA.” As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions are founded on a “people helping people” philosophy, and giving back is an important principle for them as financial institutions. The gala auction in Tacoma is such an example.

The curtains parted and Cass Huff – the 2018 Miracle Child for the “New York, New York” auction -- came to the microphone and belted out an inspired version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. That set the stage for the event to build on the legacy Northwest credit unions started in 1986, when they founded the now-national “Credit Unions for Kids” charity.

Cass is one of just 150 people in the world with Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome, a severe form of scoliosis. Despite 42 surgeries, being blind in one eye, and being deaf in one ear, Cass aspires to star on Broadway. Her rendition of another song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, was set to touching photos of babies and children whose lives have been saved at CMN hospitals.

Attendees bid aggressively on silent auction items such as jewelry and wine flights. They engaged in friendly bidding wars over luxury golf outings and hot air balloon rides during the live auction, to set an NWCUA auction record.

“We are moved and humbled by the generosity of our colleagues in the Credit Union Movement,” said Troy Stang, Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) President and CEO. “The journey credit unions started here in the Northwest 32 years ago has made so many miracles possible for the kids and their families.”

All funds raised last night will stay in the Northwest, directly benefitting the CMN hospitals in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

“Thanks to the generosity of all of our sponsors, donors, and bidders, Credit Unions for Kids will again make miracles happen,” said Holly Miller, NWCUA Project Manager and Auction Coordinator. “The funds raised at auction will support research, treatments at the CMN hospitals, and will provide comfort to the families of hospitalized children. Does it really get any better than that?”

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The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing over 180 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 6.5 million consumer members. Northwest Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions help members achieve their financial goals.  All earnings in excess of operating expenses and required reserves are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher interest paid on savings. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Renton, WA. - October 18, 2018 - Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) condemns the Trump administration’s proposed new “public charge” regulations, published in the federal register on October 10, 2018.  

The regulations would significantly broaden the “public charge” test, which is already included in immigration law to determine whether people who become citizens might depend on government benefits.  If the federal government deems that someone might become a “public charge,” they can be refused entry to the United States and refused a green card. The new regulations would require immigration caseworkers to consider a substantial increase of factors when evaluating whether someone is likely to be dependent on public assistance. Currently, cash assistance is only included in this evaluation. However, the new regulations expand programs that must be considered, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), non-emergency Medicaid, housing assistance such as Section 8 vouchers, and Medicare part D.

“These proposed regulations will force immigrant families to choose between their legal immigration status and their children’s access to basic needs such as food, shelter and health care,” said PSESD Superintendent John Welch:  “The regulations discriminate against immigrants and their children (who are often U.S. citizens) for being low-income, having children, not speaking English, or being diagnosed with a medical condition. Furthermore, the regulations are extremely harmful because they leave parents concerned about enrolling their children in all public services. We want to ensure that all students, including students from our immigrant families, receive the services they need to succeed in school and in life.”

PSESD will be submitting public comment in opposition to the proposed regulations, in partnership with the national Protecting Immigrant Families and statewide Protecting Immigrant Families - Washington coalitions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is considering public comment through December 10, 2018.  People impacted by the regulations are encouraged to send public comment via the following action center: https://p2a.co/A519tRc.  Large volumes of public comment can prevent the regulations from becoming law, or amend the regulations to address concerns. Federal officials are required to read and consider how to amend the regulations in response to every piece of public comment.

“As an agency, we will do everything we can to ensure all children are safe in their schools, as well as amplify the voices of their families and communities,” said Superintendent Welch. “We stand with our immigrant and refugee students and families every day, and we remain in extreme opposition to these proposed regulations.”

News coverage is welcome as credit unions open their hearts and wallets for their legacy charity—Credit Unions for Kids

TACOMA, Wash.—Nearly four million Washingtonians are members of credit unions – not only because of the financial services and value they receive – but also because of the positive impact credit unions have on communities as not-for-profit cooperatives.

The community “DNA” will be demonstrated in Tacoma tonight at the Northwest Credit Union Association’s (NWCUA) MAXX Convention. Hundreds of credit union leaders from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho will engage in friendly “bidding wars” to benefit the region’s eight Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals, including Seattle Children’s. Northwest credit unions have a strong passion for CMN hospitals, having founded “Credit Unions for Kids” more than 30 years ago. Their model was adopted nationally ten years later and has now raised $200 million for sick children.

Expect an emotional evening as 16-year-old Cass Huff takes center stage as the 2018 “Miracle Child.” Cass is one of only 150 people in the world with a rare genetic condition called Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome. She’s had 42 surgeries to treat this severe scoliosis, which left her blind in one eye, and deaf in one ear. But that hasn’t stopped her from becoming an aspiring Broadway star who plays multiple instruments and sings professionally. Cass is expected to perform two classics on stage tonight – Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

The Credit Unions for Kids auction is a MAXX Convention tradition. Last year’s auction held in Spokane raised more than $300,000 for CMN hospitals.

WHAT: Credit Unions for Kids Action

WHEN:  Silent auction: 6:30-7:30 pm  Live auction: 8:00 – 9:30 pm

WHERE: Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Commerce St. Tacoma, WA 98402

The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing over 180 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 6.5 million consumer members. Northwest Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions help members achieve their financial goals.  All earnings in excess of operating expenses and required reserves are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher interest paid on savings. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org.

Portland, Ore. – The Bonneville Power Administration has chosen Scott Armentrout to be its executive vice president of Environment, Fish and Wildlife. Armentrout begins his new position at BPA’s Portland headquarters Oct. 29.

“Scott has extensive experience in program management, fish and wildlife biology, restoration programs and teamwork with 30 years of experience working for the U.S. Forest Service,” said BPA Administrator Elliot Mainzer. “His skills and background make him ideal to lead BPA’s Environment, Fish and Wildlife organization. Scott grew up in the Pacific Northwest, so he’s also looking forward to returning home.”

In his new position, Armentrout will serve as top policy-maker and strategist, ensuring environmental compliance while addressing fish and wildlife issues integral to BPA’s business responsibilities and its commitment to stewardship of the region’s environmental resources.

Armentrout will also oversee BPA’s Fish and Wildlife program, one of the largest fish and wildlife mitigation efforts in the world. The program is implemented to mitigate for the inundation, construction and operation of dams in the Columbia and Snake river basins.

“I am excited to be part of BPA’s efforts to protect and enhance the environment and the region’s fish and wildlife,” says Armentrout. “I’m looking forward to tackling the many complex issues and working with BPA’s partners to find creative solutions for a better Pacific Northwest.”

Armentrout comes to BPA from the U.S. Forest Service in Montrose, Colorado, where he’s served as forest supervisor over the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests that comprise 2.9 million acres and together make up the largest national forest in the Rocky Mountain Region.

He replaces Lorri Bodi, who retired in July 2018.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale electricity from 31 federal dams and one nuclear plant to 142 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA delivers power via more than 15,000 circuit miles of lines and 261 substations to 475 transmission customers. In all, BPA markets about a third of the electricity consumed in the Northwest and operates three-quarters of the region’s high-voltage transmission grid. BPA also funds one of the largest fish and wildlife programs in the world, and, with its partners, pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain affordable, reliable and carbon-free electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

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How credit unions are addressing the housing crisis, artificial intelligence, and an auction expected to raise hundreds of thousands for children’s hospitals also highlight today’s agenda.

TACOMA, Wash.—One of the nation’s leading experts on American politics takes centerstage at the Northwest Credit Union Association’s (NWCUA) MAXX Convention this afternoon. Fox News political editor Chris Stirewalt will provide insight into next month’s critically important midterm elections, and dive into what is at heart of today’s political divide. Stirewalt’s signature style breaks down complex political issues in a way that people can understand and enjoy as he offers astute commentary on the current political climate.  3:15 pm.

The NWCUA is the association representing over 180 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Those not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions serve 6.5 million consumers in Northwest.

Additional opportunities for news coverage include:

• Artificial Intelligence is finding its way into every corner of our lives. Find out what this means to credit union members. Peek at fintech products on the horizon that are making financial institutions more efficient, and helping consumers have 24/7 access to their money. Join us for the Strategic Link Trade Show from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.
• How credit unions are addressing the housing crisis. Every community is impacted by a housing crisis due to either low inventory or high prices. This panel discussion explores innovative approaches credit unions are taking to help consumers. 2:00 pm.
• Credit Unions for Kids is a national charity that has contributed nearly $200 million to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. It was founded right here in the Northwest in 1986. To honor that legacy, MAXX Convention will host “New York, New York,” a live auction and dinner expected to raise more than $300,000 for the region’s eight CMN hospitals. Expect lively “bidding wars” and a touching on-stage appearance by our 2018 Miracle Child. 8:00-9:30 pm

WHAT: MAXX Convention for Northwest Credit Unions

WHEN: Times vary; please visit https://nwcua.org/event/maxx-2018/

WHERE: Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Commerce St. Tacoma, WA 98402

Please reach out to Lynn Heider for all your coverage needs. lheider@nwcua.org. Call or text (503) 329-7208. Post event information and photos will be provided upon request.

Coverage of Chris Stirewalt’s address is open to media. No live streaming is permitted, and video clips for later distribution are limited to two minutes in length. Chris is open to one-on-one interviews.

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The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing over 180 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 6.5 million consumer members. Northwest Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions help members achieve their financial goals.  All earnings in excess of operating expenses and required reserves are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher interest paid on savings. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org.

Find out Why 3.7 Million Washingtonians are Members of Credit Unions

TACOMA, Wash.— More than 6.5 million Northwest consumers have chosen credit unions as their financial services partner – nearly four million in Washington alone. As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions don’t pay Wall Street stockholders – they reinvest their earnings right back into members on Main Street. Local media coverage is welcomed at the Northwest Credit Union Association’s (NWCUA) MAXX Convention, which opens at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center today.

The NWCUA is the trade association representing more than 180 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

With an expected 700 attendees, MAXX Convention could generate over $1 million for the local economy, according to Travel Tacoma.

When the curtain goes up at this afternoon’s general session, NWCUA President and CEO Troy Stang shares his passion for the “Credit Union Movement.” Cover MAXX to connect with Troy and other credit union thought leaders who are driving innovative technology for consumers, affordable housing solutions for communities, and more. Also on stage this afternoon, Christine Cashen, an internationally recognized speaker presents on handling conflict, reducing stress, and sparking innovating ideas.

WHAT: NWCUA MAXX Convention Opens

WHEN: 3:00 pm

WHERE Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Please reach out to Lynn Heider for all your coverage needs. lheider@nwcua.org. Call or text (503) 329-7208.