A recent column from Mike Welch (CU Times, July 11) correctly points out that the major components of a successful association conference are its commitment to education and value for attendees. And in terms of those requirements, I feel strongly that CUNA’s Symposium and Annual General Meeting more than successfully measure up. Mike’s criticism of the Symposium and AGM fails to take into account great strides we’ve made to improve the programming and venue. The Symposium has become a highly focused educational event that provides sessions on topics of everyday relevance to credit union volunteers and staff that attend. Tom Peters, Robert Kriegel, Daniel Burrus and Ron Zemke – all highly regarded, internationally known business and service authorities – have recently appeared at Symposium general sessions to provide credit union attendees with the best in information and presentations on today’s and tomorrow’s financial services marketplace. In recent years, an overall focus of the Symposium has been on technology, with individual sessions zeroing in on the bottom line of lending, ATMs, member education, fraud protection, Web service development and emerging technologies, among many others that stem from discussions we have with our credit union members to discern topics of greatest interest. This September in San Francisco, sessions will explore what members are asking for, what technology can meet their needs and how credit unions can continually adapt to change. Just a few of the sessions to be offered include those on negotiating vendor contracts, how to combat check cashers, CEO compensation strategies, Web security and privacy, and employee turnover. And the general session will again feature terrific speakers in the persons of consultant Alex Sheshunoff and author Mark Victor Hansen (“Chicken Soup for the Soul”). Since the Renewal initiative remade CUNA into a direct membership organization with 50 leagues and over 9,000 credit union members, the Annual General Meeting, which formerly saw the election of CUNA directors, has become a smaller component of the event. This year, however, the AGM will feature the CUNA Board’s consideration of the Renaissance Commission report, which as Mike’s column also recognized, has the entire movement talking! I invite credit union people from across the country to attend this year’s meeting and experience the high quality program, presentation and venue the CUNA Symposium and Annual General Meeting offers. I promise you’ll like what you see and experience. Daniel A. Mica President and CEO Credit Union National Association, Inc. Washington, D.C.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to CUTimes.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited CUTimes.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical CUTimes.com information including comprehensive product and service provider listings via the Marketplace Directory, CU Careers, resources from industry leaders, webcasts, and breaking news, analysis and more with our informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and CU Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including Law.com and GlobeSt.com.

Already have an account?


NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Credit Union Times

Join Credit Union Times

Don’t miss crucial strategic and tactical information necessary to run your institution and better serve your members. Join Credit Union Times now!

  • Free unlimited access to Credit Union Times' trusted and independent team of experts for extensive industry news, conference coverage, people features, statistical analysis, and regulation and technology updates.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Credit Union Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including TreasuryandRisk.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Credit Union Times

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.