PreConference Registration

(Those attending the main conference are welcome to register at this time as well)

Opening Remarks

In 1994, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), published the Principles for Effective Governance. Since their release, the principles have defined for governing bodies worldwide a foundational governing framework, clear expectations or governance engagement by board members, and a delineation of governance versus management responsibilities.

Networking and Refreshment Break

In this detailed PreConference, Tom Glatt, Jr., will lead workshop participants deep into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) principles, and in the process, showcase what today’s boards must concern themselves with to avoid poor organizational performance and governance liability.

Additional Topics Covered in this Session Include:

• Board and board member responsibilities

• Board member recruitment and development

• Governance accountability and liability

• Self-assessment

• And More!

PreConference Wrap Up

Conference Registration

Welcome Reception

Welcome Reception – Join “The Ones In Red,” and your credit union conference peers from across the country & their guests for cocktails, light dining & great conversation! 

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

Conference Registration

Breakfast

Join us for a hearty breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Opening Remarks

How the Rise in Interest Rates has Impacted Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPS) - Past, Present, and Future

Bruce Smith,  Executive Benefit Consultant
PARC Street Partners

Split Dollar Plans 

• Current Rates make traditional split dollar plans impractical

  • Only viable implementation is a “Switch Dollar” plan

• Whole Life and Indexed Universal Life (IUL) split dollar plans are performing very differently

  • IULs implemented prior to 2020 are under extreme stress

• Need to evaluate all plans

  • Are they performing as anticipated

  • What options are available if they are not

457(f) Plans 

• Current rates available on “permissible” investments makes §701.19 “impermissible” investments uneconomical

• Excise Tax considerations need to be evaluated when considering a 457(f)

• What is the right design

  • After Taxes

  • Gross-up taxes

Networking and Refreshment Break

7 Habits of Highly Effective Boards

Ancin Cooley, Principal
Synergy Credit Union Consulting

The presence of a strong board leadership creates a sustainable advantage for a credit union. However, in the absence of board leadership, a credit union will likely suffer financially, and ultimately hurt its members. Finding the right balance between board and management leadership is essential to creating a sustainable culture, reducing risk, and providing value to members.

A few of the topics discussed include:

• Conduct effective board evaluations

• Governance best practices

• Dealing with underperforming directors

• Implementing the risk appetite and risk tolerance statements

• Effectively prepare & address management & board succession

• When to stay out of the way of management

Master the Art of Asking- Part I

Rory Rowland

Consultant, Author

Rowland Consulting

People who master the art of asking go way beyond asking simple questions. They use powerful questions that stimulate critical thinking, spark creativity, and encourage deeper understanding. But effective questioning requires active listening. This involves paying close attention not just to the words spoken, but also to the underlying emotions and unspoken messages.

Join Rory Rowland for an insightful session to learn how to be a master of asking.

Group Luncheon

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

Master the Art of Asking- Part II

Rory Rowland

Consultant, Author

Rowland Consulting

Join Rory after lunch as he continues his powerful session. 

• Uncover Hidden potential

• Empower Others

• Facilitate Collaboration

• Encourage Innovation

Why Wealth Management? Why Now?

Rob Smith, Program Manager
CUSO Financial Services

Over the last 20 years we have seen significant consolidation in the credit union market and the need for credit unions to be able to compete with banks and other financial service providers. Wealth management has become, and continues to be, a key offering for credit unions to offer to compete and maintain relationships.  There has been a great deal of consolidation in the wealth management arena as well.

In this session, we will look at the history of wealth management solutions in the credit union market, why this continues to be a key offering to members, and the opportunity that credit unions have in this space.  We will also discuss how to deal with this continued consolidation and what it means to credit unions and credit union members throughout the country.

Daily Wrap-Up

Breakfast

Join us for a hearty breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Roundtable Discussion By Asset Size

One of the most valuable aspects of attending a conference is the opportunity to network with other credit union professionals from across the country. Networking with those from credit unions of similar asset size is even a greater benefit. Join fellow attendees for a roundtable session to discuss the pressing issues facing credit unions. 

Opening Remarks

Economic Outlook

Mike Schenk
Chief Economist
America's Credit Union

Some say Federal Reserve policies have put the economy on the brink of a recession. Politics and the divisive political climate have assumed increasing importance. The 2024 election season could fundamentally change member behaviors, interactions and credit union operating results. Demographic shifts – with potentially large impacts - have accelerated. De-globalization and military conflict dominate the international scene. Uncertainty, complexity, and volatility seem here to stay. Against this backdrop, the credit union operating environment is as challenging as ever: Many institutions continue to report weak loan growth, eroding asset quality and painfully low earnings. Mike will explore these, and related themes, and discuss implications for credit unions hoping to navigate the associated challenges.  

Networking and Refreshment Break

Succession Planning for Boards and Management Teams

Ancin Cooley, Principal
Synergy Credit Union Consulting

Your favorite football team knows exactly whom they will put in the game if their star quarterback gets hurt. Likewise, your favorite basketball team knows exactly who’s coming off the bench if the star player is out. So why don’t most credit unions know exactly how they would handle a vacant board or CEO position BEFORE the need arises? Most credit unions have an incomplete plan or no plan at all when it comes to board and management succession planning. This lack of planning can cost their organization greatly in the long term. Managing the succession of talent is a vital strategic process that minimizes gaps in leadership and enables your best people to develop the skills necessary for continuity and success.

This session provides real-world examples of how to design and implement an effective and flexible board or CEO succession plan that will help your organization develop a culture centered around talented management, rather than talented individuals.

Daily Wrap-Up

Breakfast

Join us for a hearty breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Opening Remarks

Small Business Owner/Entrepreneur…A Treasured Community Resource 

Sheilah Montgomery, President
ProActive Impact, LLC

Small business owners/entrepreneurs have always been the catalyst for economic vitality. These important workers are not looking to expand globally, quite the opposite. Their businesses are in communities in which they live, worship and play. Credit unions have the awesome opportunity to embrace entrepreneurship and scale up local based businesses by providing access to capital, financial education, and collaborative partnerships. We will explore various ways credit unions can be uniquely positioned to assist small business owners/entrepreneurs gain financial access to impact the sustainability of their community lifestyles.

Networking Refreshment Break 

Governance: CEO Performance Goals and Evaluation

Tom Glatt, Jr., Principal/Strategy Consultant
Glatt Consulting Group, Inc.

CEO performance goals, combined with a relevant evaluation process, ensures that CEO focus, not to mention leadership skill and competency, are sharply aligned with organizational core values, risk appetite, and strategy. Establishing CEO goals and evaluating performance is a critical board responsibility, and in this session credit union advisor, Tom Glatt, will show you ways to improve your efforts. In this board-focused session, Tom will walk you through a proper CEO goal structure, share tips for setting effective goals, and wrap up with an intuitive way to evaluate goal performance.

Transforming Member Engagement: Leveraging Data, AI, and Automation for Credit Union Success

Tom Romano, Account Executive
Creatio

In this session, credit union directors and CEOs will discover powerful strategies to elevate their institution's member service and engagement. By focusing on the consolidation of core data into a single, comprehensive 360-degree view of each member, participants will learn how to break down the barriers of fragmented systems and multiple screens. This unified approach empowers Member Service Representatives (MSRs) to deliver seamless, informed, and personalized interactions, significantly enhancing member satisfaction and loyalty.

The session will also delve into the transformative power of AI-driven next best offers, enabling credit unions to present highly relevant, timely recommendations that resonate with individual member needs. This not only drives higher conversion rates but also positions the credit union as a proactive partner in the financial well-being of its members.

Furthermore, credit union leaders will explore how automating reboarding and onboarding processes can strengthen member relationships from the very beginning, reducing attrition and fostering long-term loyalty. By equipping MSRs with the right tools and insights, directors and CEOs will walk away with actionable strategies to ensure that every member interaction results in meaningful, value-driven experiences, ultimately driving growth and member satisfaction for their credit union.

Conference Wrap-Up