CHATSWORTH, Calif. -Telesis Community Credit Union Marketing Vice President Christopher L. Conte has recently been elected by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal as one of 40 professionals under the age of 40 who are leaders in their industry. "This is a great honor, I was surprised by the nomination and then being selected as a finalist especially considering the great company of other finalists, which ranges from a rocket scientist to a CEO. I'm just amazed, I really enjoy what I do and that makes it easy to excel," said Conte. "Personal finances are important to everyone and it's a great feeling to know that you helped someone save money with a lower rate loan or lower fees." From the age of 18 Conte got the marketing bug during his years at Bank of America. Quickly moving from teller to top seller and branch merchandiser he recognized early on his knack for marketing. He not only majored in business with an emphasis on administration but also minored in media with a heavy emphasis on media research. Since Conte's first brush with credit unions he says he's been hooked on the movement. "I think it's interesting that banks are now trying to copy what credit unions have had all along-a culture that is focused on the member and building on an educational environment," said Conte. "So we've created a good thing and now credit union marketers as a whole are migrating toward really getting that message out to consumers." Conte says he's lucky that the Telesis CCU board is progressive enough to recognize that the marketing department is an investment in effective communication. "Nothing is more challenging for a marketer than having to sell the concept of marketing and having a healthy budget to work with but Telesis has been the most open organization for marketing because they understand that ultimately everything we're doing is for the member's benefit and will help the credit union grow." With a staff of three the marketing team is currently working with the IT department to launch a more sophisticated, intelligent processing system that will greatly enhance MCIF. Conte says the new system will include tracking that will not only help marketing learn everything about Telesis CCU members but will also be able to pull the return on investment on every marketing campaign. The credit union will also continue its push for business services which Conte says has been very successful so far. Despite the tech overhaul, Conte still manages to find time to stay very involved with individual branches, which now number nine. "It goes back to starting as a teller and feeling like we were the last to know about anything going on with the organization, so I promised myself that I would always be sure to include the people out in the field so that everyone feels valued and that they have a voice in what's being created," said Conte. "I'm just lucky to be part of such a dynamic team." Conte is also incredibly involved with helping Telesis CCU's outreach to the community and serves as co-chairman of the Telesis CCU Community Committee and AIDS Walk LA team as well as fundraising for Valley Community Clinic, which is the only free clinic in the Valley that serves residents who don't have medical insurance. While he admits his spare time is limited in addition to bodybuilding he makes the most of the entertainment scene and has fun attending Hollywood premieres. [email protected]