I'm a huge fan of HGTV and while Susan Packard wasn't the greatest presenter I've ever heard, I was very much in agreement with her message. Your employees and their attitudes are crucial to

your success, and they should be treated as such through training opportunities such as conferences–not to mention a trip to a city of interest as a small reward, always take your competition seriously and stick by your core values. I've written columns about that.

Another lesson credit union leaders should take back with them from Packard's talk was don't be afraid to try new things. Sometimes you'll fail, but this is the core of innovation. One of my mantras: Everything's a learning experience.

New York City Fire Chief Richard Picciotto garnered a standing ovation. He was not the most polished speaker, but what he had going for him was that he was authentic and compelling. The way he illustrated his experiences in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11 by banging on the podium and shaking it, then pausing for a long silence, left many listeners staring at him, mouths gaping, waiting for more. Literally on the edges of their seats even nearly seven years later.

One point Picciotto made that was particularly provoking was that in the weeks and months following 9/11, the entire country was united, but that was ended by the politicians who highlighted and quibbled over minor differences rather than playing to our commonalities. He also noted the sad truth that the only things we all truly remember as a nation are the tragedies.

The couple thought leader and education sessions I attended also had excellent speakers on impor-
tant subjects.

Mica, whom I'm sure drives his staff nuts with his last minute speech edits, made a brilliant correlation between the Caf?(C) des Artistes and credit unions' need to adapt to the changing times. That's true on a number of levels from product offerings to delivery to lobbying efforts.

Credit unions also must take advantage of the current times while, as Mica said, “everybody else is stained.”

While CUNA's conference was overall very successful, there was some grumbling about the vendor hall on three different levels. Everyone thought the other levels were getting better traffic than theirs. Mica made a joke during his address of reminding attendees that the vendor hall was on three levels, but I don't think some of the exhibitors were laughing.

I was honestly surprised CUNA's conference was so well attended given the current economy and the fact that it was immediately preceding NAFCU's out on the left coast. I still think this scheduling might be a mistake for CUNA in the future.

But, NAFCU has a tough act to follow. NAFCU is offering up Bob Newhart, who I have not seen in years, which might be interesting, a harbor cruise and the traditional golf outing. They also appear to have a solid educational package covering a wide variety of topics from the mortgage market to identity theft. Looking forward to San Diego.

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