CONVENTION GOERS LEAVE WITH INSIGHT
CUNA CEO and CU Veterans Stop by Annual Meeting
updated 11/02/11 03:20 PM

Some Americans are disgruntled over the Federal Reserve’s loose monetary policy, but “it actually has been the right thing to do,” said former White House Director of Economic Policy Todd Buchholz during the last day of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ 2011 Annual Meeting and Convention. His speech wasn’t the only event helping close out the week, as the California Credit Union League’s annual meeting was held, in addition to other gatherings and discussions.

Several economists foresee a 1970s style “stagflation” coming to the doorsteps of consumers over the next 5-10 years, where inflation compounds the problem of an already sluggish economy. However, Buchholz doesn’t see it this way. The economy is slated for slow growth, but inflation will most likely remain in check, he said. Also, with a “backlash” against capitalism taking place in developed countries, nations should be careful not to engage trade wars, where tariffs are placed on goods and services.

A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY
Leagues CEO Shares Perspective on Last 12 Months
updated 11/01/11 12:50 PM

“The world has changed,” said Diana Dykstra as she peered out the window from behind her office desk on a sunny weekday morning in late October. It was one of several responses the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues president and CEO gave during a recent interview about her first year at the Leagues—an intense period filled with difficulty and success for the credit union industry.

Overall, delivering more value to member credit unions has been her top priority, Dykstra says. “It’s about listening to our members and adjusting our business priorities based on their needs, and not based on what we’ve always done in the past,” she said. “We’re asking our credit unions what they need and responding to that. We need to relearn and retool, and we need to become an organization that’s quicker to respond.”

CMG: MOBILE TECHNOLOGY PRESENTS CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES TO CUs
Lending Expert Addresses Attendees at Leagues' Annual Meeting & Convention
updated 10/31/11 09:00 AM

The rapid growth of mobile technology presents opportunities and challenges as credit unions attempt to meet their members' mobile banking expectations, a lending expert told attendees of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues' Annual Meeting & Convention last Thursday.

Gen Y members aren't alone in embracing the convenience and benefits of smartphones and other mobile devices, said Mark Nelson, LOANLINER specialist, CUNA Mutual Group. A study indicates 25 percent of Americans say they are now doing most of their browsing on their mobile devices instead of their computers, he added.

EXPERTS FOCUS ON MEMBER CONNECTION
‘It’s About Relationships,’ Speaker Says
updated 10/27/11 07:40 PM

Three fascinating themes culminated during Thursday’s general sessions at the 2011 Annual Meeting and Convention: building relationships, fostering simplicity, and harnessing the power of technology. Other events this week included the Nevada Credit Union League Annual Meeting, RMJ Beacon Awards Gala, Political Action Committee Golf Tournament, PAC Awards Reception, League Awards Recognition, and California-Nevada Youth Involvement Network board meeting.

Credit unions are faced with the difficult task of maintaining meaningful lines of communication with their members, choosing the right options to accomplish that goal, and integrating technology—all of which take special insight into what the future holds for both the industry and society in general, speakers said. It’s easy to get bogged down in the intricacies of the comprehensive choices offered in social media and other cutting-edge platforms, which is why filtering the immense amount of options through a unified goal should be paramount. Speakers included Social Media and Marketing Expert Charlene Li, New York Times Technology Columnist David Pogue, and former Yahoo Inc. Vice President and current Singularity University Global Ambassador Salim Ismail. “Remember, it’s not inherently about the technology you use—it’s about the relationships you form,” Li said. “Ask how your efforts will help you transform your credit union and help you succeed in building that member relationship.”

CNYIN TEACHES THROUGH ROLE-PLAYING
Mad City Money Simulates Real-Life Financial Decisions
updated 10/27/11 07:55 AM

Credit union leaders and educators experienced the learning potential of financial role-playing at a “Mad City Money” session, presented by the California and Nevada Youth Involvement Network and Richard Myles Johnson Foundation on Oct. 26 as part of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues' 2011 Annual Meeting and Convention.

The session, held at Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, immersed participants in an experience that simulates the maze of money decisions which people face in the real world. The Mad City Money game, created by CUNA, is usually played by teenagers who take on the role of adults who are trying to make ends meet. At Wednesday’s session, adult attendees from member credit unions played the game with the intent of possibly presenting it to youth in the areas they serve.

‘TURNING POINT’ INSPIRES ATTENDEES
Dykstra Applauds Accomplishments While Looking Forward
updated 10/27/11 06:15 AM

As credit union representatives made a strong showing at the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ 2011 Annual Meeting and Convention opening general session Wednesday night, it was evident a collective turning point was at stake for the movement. Many credit unions have been jostled by a tough operating environment, but their hope in a brighter future is founded upon some notable accomplishments achieved over the past year.

“We need to keep asking ourselves, ‘Which point are we at, and which way do we need to turn?’,” said Jeffrey Cufaude, principal of Idea Architects and opening keynote speaker. “Credit unions have always had to consider what needs to be done at these critical junctures.”

FORUM, BOARD MEETING KICK OFF AMC
Chapter Speaker Gives Tips for Driving Participation
updated 10/26/11 07:00 AM

A spark of imagination ignited the enthusiasm of almost 80 professionals, CEOs, and board members during the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ Chapter Forum on Tuesday as they collaborated on creating unique value for credit union chapter meeting participants—and in turn, credit union members. The California-Nevada joint board director meeting was also held, both events being precursors to the Leagues’ 2011 Annual Meeting and Convention.

Held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, the joint board meeting carried out its order of business, which included Diana Dykstra, president and CEO of the Leagues; Eileen Rivera, outgoing chairman of the California Credit Union League and president and CEO of SkyOne FCU; Dennis Flannigan, chairman of the Nevada Credit Union League and president and CEO of Great Basin FCU; Teresa Halleck, first vice chairman of the California Credit Union League and president and CEO of San Diego County CU; and other California League and Nevada League board members.

‘TURNING POINT’ COMING SOON
2011 Annual Meeting and Convention
updated 09/08/11 11:10 AM

Credit unions can shape their destiny by participating in the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ 2011 Annual Meeting and Convention from Oct. 26-28 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA, where attendees will have the opportunity to share experiences, find solutions to challenges on the horizon, and discuss opportunities yet to come. This year, an exclusive Mid-Size CEO Forum will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29, after the convention.

Click here to register for the conference.