Mike Welch wasn't the only person in the 3,000 plus audience at the GAC who felt credit unions came off an embarrassing second best.
I for one thought the "debate" was the low spot of one of the best GACs in recent years. Everyone I talked to after the "debate" thought Jim Blaine was an embarrassment to the entire credit union industry. All I could think about when Jim was making his smart alec and off color remarks, was that I could give better relevant and factual responses to Ken Ferguson's misguided comments.
A little levity is fine, however Jim Blaine squandered the opportunity to make some very valid points, choosing instead to prove how unprofessional he is. One of my colleagues sat at a lunch table with one on Jim's board members who indicated he was disgusted with Jim's performance also.
I would also question the decision to have Jim Blaine represent credit unions in this kind of venue, considering his reputation. Jim is a very successful and intelligent person, but that does not excuse him from being professional when representing the credit union industry.
Ken Bradshaw
President/CEO
Liberty First Credit Union
Lincoln, Neb.
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