Conference Registration

Opening Remarks

Leave Tradition Behind: How Other Markets Influence Innovative Design

Kevin Blair, President & CEO, NewGround

Traditional branches are going extinct. Some financial institutions operate under the belief that physical retail branches are no longer needed at all, and that consumers are perfectly fine with utilizing digital technology to meet their banking needs. While traditional retail branches are no longer necessary for many modern consumers, innovative branches that embrace new ideas and philosophies from other markets entirely are experiencing heightened business growth. It’s not about eliminating branches – it’s about innovating them to adapt to modern consumers’ preferences and needs.

To find the path forward, financial institutions must look at other markets entirely and evaluate what ’s thriving and why. Retailers like Starbucks, Panda Express, Blue Nile, and more, are still dominating the market and drawing in new customers every single day. Evaluating the branding, storytelling techniques, and innovative marketing methods attracts and engages consumers. Understanding local culture, different demographics, and changing generational perspectives can also reflect the way a financial institution must adapt.

There’s much to learn from the markets beyond financial, and only those institutions who are brave enough to learn from them will grow and succeed.

Program Highlights:

• Identify key businesses in other markets that financial institutions can learn from

• Discuss how these retailers and businesses draw in new consumers

• Learn new approaches and methods to the customer and member experiences

• Discuss how these approaches can be translated to the financial market

• Understand how to continue to look outside of the market for future growth

Networking and Refreshment Break

Protect Assets and Reputation Through Technology

Mike Robins, Chief Operating Officer, Dynamic Edge, Inc.

Tim Nieman, CEO, Dynamic Edge, Inc.

In 2022, the average ransomware payout was $570,000, up from $312,000 in 2021. Cyber insurance is more important than ever, particularly for financial institutions. However, the insurance application and policy renewal processes become more complicated every day. When executives and board members put insurance matters on “auto pilot,” they place their members’ assets and their credit union’s reputation at a significant risk.

This session will identify the critical components of an acceptable cyber insurance policy, discuss the challenges of the annual renewal process, and explain how to collaborate with your provider in the event of a cyberattack. Finally, it will explain the “why” behind key conditions and exclusions, so that executives and board members may make informed decisions.

Daily Wrap Up

Welcome Reception

Join us for cocktails, light dining, and great conversation. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

CU Conferences is grateful for the support of its sponsor, PARC Street Partners, and would like to thank them for co-sponsoring the reception. 

Breakfast

Introduction

Real Estate Lending

Brian Bone, CEO, American Partners FCU

Real estate lending is one of the most important components of a healthy and growing credit unionʼs portfolio. Todayʼs products & services go far beyond what we think of a traditional 30-year mortgage.

Brian Bone will share powerful information that will be valuable for credit unions with no real estate experience as well as for those with existing portfolios.

In this session, you will learn more about:

• How to build (and maintain) a strong and performing real estate portfolio

• How to look for problems before they are a problem

• How important it is to have the right team

• How to grow and strengthen your balance sheet

• The role of policies, concentrations and borrowing

Networking and Refreshment Break

How to “Pass” the NCUA Tech Audit (Without Losing Your Mind!) 

Mike Robins, Chief Operating Officer

& Tim Nieman, CEO

Dynamic Edge, Inc.

For many credit unions, preparing for the NCUA audit conjures images of stressful Supervisory Committee meetings, adversarial debates with your technology team, and frustrating conversations regarding a lack of progress on last year’s deficiencies. It doesn’t have to be that way. This session will recommend a practical, proactive approach to your annual audit. It will help you create a sustainable, repeatable process to prioritize audit findings, budget proactively based on reasonable project scopes, and demonstrate to auditors that you are making consistent progress with internal controls.

Finally, it will empower you not only to “pass” the NCUA test, but more importantly, protect your members’ assets from cyber threats and internal/external fraud.

Profitability – How Do We Remain Sustainable? – Part I

John Hecht, CPA

Managing Director

Artisan Advisors

Earnings are being challenged by higher provisions, and deposits have gotten very expensive. How and where does the credit union respond to these challenges and where is it truly profitable? Can you explain it to your team in a way that everyone will understand how they can personally contribute to performance? Do you really know if your branches, line of business, products and officers are generating an acceptable contribution to profit? See how the pieces fit together using a common framework to form a clear picture of where value is being created from a seasoned financial executive and CPA.

• Best practices for profitability system design

• Understanding and overcoming common profitability myths

• What NOT to do when measuring profitability or buying vendor systems

• Key profitability questions to address in a high interest rate and inflationary environment

Group Luncheon

Join us for lunch. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Profitability – How Do We Remain Sustainable? – Part II

John Hecht, CPA

Managing Director

Artisan Advisors

Join John after lunch for the continuation of his presentation on how we remain sustainable.

•  Metrics that matter – Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Communication guidance for effective discussions on profitability at all levels

•  A high-level scorecard for your existing profitability approach and metrics

Exceeding Member Expectations

Lynn Giuliani, President/Founder, Progressions, LLC

Today's marketplace competition is continually rising.  What is your credit union doing to distinguish itself? Why should a member choose you?

In this session you will learn both practical and invaluable ways to elevate your credit union's image through service excellence, follow up, and genuine ways to develop relationships. All of these mean growth to your bottom line!

Daily Wrap-Up

Breakfast

Opening Remarks

Looking at Your Credit Union Through Your Members Eyes

Lynn Giuliani, President/Founder, Progressions, LLC

Only your member truly defines your level of success. Their loyalty, referrals and support are your report card! This session gives you new concepts on how the member feels about and views your credit union. You'll hear from other attendees about their best practices and be able to take back proven means of bringing in new business and retaining existing members for your credit union.

Networking and Refreshment Break

Treasury Management – An Underappreciated Source of Deposits

John Hecht, CPA

Managing Director

Artisan Advisors

Where is one of your largest opportunities for long-term profitable deposit growth? If you guessed cash management services, you would be on the right track. Not only is the average business deposit much larger than a retail deposit, but it’s also less rate sensitive and remains on the books longer. Find out more about how to get started to grow this important and valuable source of deposits from a business banking veteran who developed successful programs for several different organizations.

Daily Wrap-Up