CUES Nexus Conference Highlights

SAN DIEGO – For the first time, CUES has honored firms that dedicate themselves to their credit union customers. During the first ever CUES Nexus Conference here, a new award category was unveiled- Financial Suppliers Forum Suppliers of the Year. Companies honored with this first-ever award include Portland, Oregon-based The Database Marketing Agency Inc in the category of 26 to 50 employees; Cincinnati-based DEI Inc. in the category of 51 to 75 employees; Seattle-based PEMCO Technology Services, Inc. in the 76 to 100 employees category; and Madison, Wisconsin-based CUNA Mutual Group in the category of over 100 employees. The firms were judged on their contribution to the credit union industry, the benefits of their products and services to the movement, their role in the community and achievement in the industry. In addition, WestStar Credit Union Senior Vice President Planning/Service Keryn L. Marlatt was named the 2005 CUES Marketer of the Year. The award recognizes Marlatt’s achievement in the effective use of results-producing marketing for her credit union and contributions to the credit union movement. According to CUES Chairman and FORUM CU President/CEO Gary Irvin the conference was “a rousing success.” Irvin adds the atmosphere onsite was electric and participants were able to bring home powerful ideas for their credit unions. In addition to the conference’s social aspect Irvin says that attendees raved about Doug Hall’s opening session and “the networking was second-to-none.” “This was a first for CUES,” said Irvin. “Our marketing members said they wanted a conference especially for them and we knew whatever we did had to be special. We did some unique things for this event, and I could not be more pleased with the results. Next year in Tucson is sure to be even more exciting.” The Nexus Conference also revealed the much anticipated Golden Mirror Award winners. The GMA Phil Davies Memorial Best of Show went to Hollywood, California-based First Entertainment CU for its compelling campaign that promoted low-rate home equity lines of credit to some 4,700 pre-approved members and walking away with the GMA Rookie of the Year honor was Natasha Hillier, advertising/branding manager at Coast Capital Savings CU in Surrey, British Columbia. Hiller was recognized for humorous television commercials promoting the CU’s brand with the tagline, “How can we help you” to embody its commitment to service. Scottsdale, Arizona-based TruWest CU went home with the Golden Shoestring Award – which honors a successful, creative marketing campaign done on a limited budget – for its budget-conscious radio ad titled “Fee Friends” that encouraged membership growth. The Golden Mirror Awards recognize the credit union industry’s most creative marketing efforts that deliver results. This year, CUES received over 1,200 entries.