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Columbus, Ohio (Oct. 20, 2004) – The Central Ohio Chapter of the Ohio Credit Union League honored Rep. Geoffrey Smith (R-24) with its Legislator of the Year Award at a dinner Oct. 19 in the Statehouse Atrium. Smith was recognized for championing the rights of credit unions to continue to serve their members in modern, efficient ways.

He introduced House Bill 470, known as The Credit Union Bill, in April 2004. The legislation would benefit Ohio’s 2.8 million credit union members and other consumers who are eligible to join credit unions.

After receiving a standing ovation from the 150 credit union leaders in attendance, Smith said he was both honored and excited to be asked to carry House Bill 470. He said he understands and believes in the cooperative principles of credit unions and the crucial role they play in the financial services marketplace.

“House Bill 470 is a common-sense bill,” said Smith. “It will allow Ohio’s credit unions to better provide the quality financial products and services their member-owners need and deserve. The ultimate winner is the Ohio consumer.”

Smith, a second-term Republican whose district includes Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, and part of Columbus’ west side, said House Bill 470 would allow credit unions to offer financial services in underserved areas, permit student credit unions to operate in public schools for grades K-12, and permit credit unions to accept public or government funds deposits. The bill would update the state’s credit union laws for the first time in 17 years.

Smith is one of only a select few to receive the Central Ohio Chapter of Credit Unions’ Legislator of the Year Award. Previous winners include former House Speaker Joann Davidson, Congressman Pat Tiberi, and Rep. Joyce Beatty. The award was presented to Smith by Tammy Jones, president of the Central Ohio Chapter and COO of Credit Union of Ohio, and Tom Furrey, CEO of Western Credit Union.

Smith is chair of the Ohio House Insurance Committee, and is a member of  the House Banking, Pensions and Securities Committee; the Health Committee; and the Public Utilities Committee. Smith is  a volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Blues Alliance, and Charity Newsies, and is also on the Board of Directors for Prevent Blindness Ohio.